Language & Society
Culture & communication in professional settings
Language, Culture, and Communication
BONUS POINT: The Interplay of Language
and Culture
100

This term describes the process of adjusting one’s language, accent, or dialect to fit a new social context.

code-switching

100

This is a barrier to intercultural communication that arises when individuals from different cultural backgrounds have difficulty understanding each other due to differences in language, values, or social norms.

cultural barriers

100

When people from different cultures communicate, understanding the cultural norms of language use is essential to avoid misunderstandings. This phenomenon is known as?

cultural awareness

200

This concept explains how social norms and internalized routines govern how we speak and interact with others, often without consciously thinking about it.

social routines or social norms

200

In Japan, meaning is often implied and understood based on what?

Context 

200

This cultural dimension refers to the degree to which people in a culture respect hierarchical power structures, affecting how leaders communicate with team members.

power distance

300

These cultural factors—such as accent, dialect, and phrasing—can vary significantly across regions, affecting how people communicate with one another.

language diversity

300

In low-context cultures, such as the U.S., communication is typically more __________, relying on clear, explicit messages.

Direct 

300

This type of communication is commonly found in collectivist cultures, where collaboration and harmony are prioritized over individual achievement.

high-context communication

400

where people from different backgrounds use different languages or phrases that influence their interactions and societal roles.

Culture 

400

Leaders and team members in intercultural settings need this competency to navigate diverse communication styles, manage conflict, and collaborate effectively.

cultural competence

400

In cultures where individualism is valued, like in many Western societies, communication tends to emphasize __________ and personal goals over group objectives.

individual achievement

500

This refers to the way language reflects and reinforces societal structures, such as how gender, age, and sexual orientation are expressed and perceived in communication.

identity 

500

To bridge the gap in communication between high-context and low-context cultures, individuals need to demonstrate this skill to ensure effective interaction.

adaptability or flexibility

500

Understanding the relationship between language and culture in professional settings helps prevent this, which can arise from misinterpretations or ignorance of cultural norms.

miscommunication

M
e
n
u