Cultural Differences in Communication

Values and Norms

100

What is considered to be the most fundamental element of cultural differences in communication?

The distinction between Individualistic and Collective Cultures

200

Does cultural background affect how someone may cope with change?

Yes. Countries such as Greece and Japan have a high Uncertainty Avoidance, and tend to view deviant ideas and people as dangerous; America and Sweden (among others), are more tolerant of people and ideas that don't fit the "norm".

300

How might cultural upbringing influence our memories?

In general, people from individualistic cultures are able to recall memories with more individual detail; collective cultures recall memories that are more group oriented and behavior based.

400

Where in the world is "questioning authority" generally considered a favorable quality?

Of course, in the U.S. there is a lower power distance (which is the extent of the gap between social groups), but we are not the lowest! Austria and Denmark have some of the lowest power distances; Mexico, India, and the Phillippines (among others) have a high power distance.

500

Which type of society tends to produce better "team players"

People from collective cultures tend to work better in groups because of the high value placed on group decision-making, and the fact that reward is given for contribution toward group goals.

Perception/Nonverbals

100

In western cultures, making and holding eye contact is commonly perceived as polite or friendly. How is eye contact percieved in eastern cultures?

In eastern cultures, making and holding eye contact can be perceived as extremely rude or even a physical challenge.

200

People in individualistic cultures tend to smile more often than people from collectively oriented cultures. Why is this?

People from normally oriented cultures tend to consider their personal and interpersonal happiness as secondary.

300

In the UK, America and Australia, it is considered an insult to a female friend to say that someone has put on weight. How would the same comment be taken in Africa, and why?

A compliment, because weight gain in African culture displays health.

400

In Europe, the Indian subcontinent and North America, it is considered rude to leave your host home immediately after eating a meal. How is this different in Asian and Central America countries?

Polite to leave after a meal, signifies you’ve had enough to eat.

500

Enduring silence is perceived as comfortable in Japan. How is silence perceived in other cultures?

In North America and Arabic countries silence and long pauses undermine any points that have been said.

Listening

100

What listening style do Eastern Europeans tend to prefer? And describe this style.

Action style communication

200

Cultures in the Americas, Western Europe and Australia tend to favor individualistic listening styles. What listening style do Eastern European and Asian cultures tend to prefer?

Collectivist listening style.

300

American communication often centers on the sender. Where do Eastern Asian communities tend to place emphasis in communication?

On the listener and the interpretation of the subject matter.

500

How do Americans relate to other cultures within the categories covered on the “show”?

Americans are an individualistic culture, they view themselves as very privileged, they view conflict as a normalcy, over-share a lot with strangers and people they are not neccessarily close with, do not like "beating around the bush", and are a low-context culture.

Conflict

100

Why is “beating around the bush” polite in Asian culture, but considered rude to Westerners?

Being indirect is the norm and polite in Asian cultures, meanwhile Americans tend to want the truth right away. Asian cultures are high context cultures, being straight-forward is considered blunt and rude.

200

Which cultures see arguing as a sociable pastime, and why?

Italians and Greeks, because it is considered to be a sociable passtime and a healthy way to enjoy your friends and environment.

300

How does conflict management differ within America?

Conflict is seen as normal in traditional Western culture, but in contrast, in more collectivist cultures such as Mexico, conflict is considered damaging due to their family-oriented beliefs.

400

How do Latin – Americans and European – Americans differ in cultural identities and seeking accommodation in compromise?

Latin Americans are more family oriented, with a greater sense of community, therefore try to avoid conflict at all costs (long term damage); the US and European cultures recognize it as more natural.

500

Why is it more important to “save face” and avoid embarrassing someone in high-context cultures?

Because they are a collective culture, so they value others' reputations and well-beings above their own.

Intimacy

100

In what ways do Asian and European cultures differ in terms of intimacy? and how?

Showing emotions, expressing affection in public, engaging in sexual activity, respecting privacy. Europeans are much more touchy in public, as where Asians are more discret and romanitc relationship are only acted upon behind closed doors.

200

What are the most intimate relationships in Japanese culture?

Friendships!

300

In collectivistic cultures, communication greatly differs between people “in-group” vs. outsiders. How does this change interaction?

Do not reach out to strangers; Once introduced, they address outsiders with a degree of formality; Go to extremes to hide undesirable or unfavorable information about people they are close to (one doesn’t air someone else's “dirty laundry”).

400

What kind of a distinction do individualistic cultures make between strangers and friends?

Very little distinction, tend to tell strangers personal information

500

What are the main cultural groups and why are different concerning intimacy culturally?

Eastern and Western cultures; Eastern cultures tend to be more traditional and collective than most Western cultures, and are primarily satisfied in family relationships and close friends rather than in romantic relationships. Western cultures are primarily focused on romantic relationships