How to Improve Communication Among Different Cultures
Communication that crosses cultural boundaries can be fraught with misunderstanding. Gestures and language that mean one thing to you can mean something entirely different to a person from another tribe or tongue. A globalized economy has brought greater diversity to communities that were once singular in their ethnic composition. Ignorance of history and experience can lead to comments that ignite old wounds, or worse, offend outright. Fortunately, you can take steps to help put your best foot forward toward mutual understanding and respect.
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Instructions
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Study the history of the other cultures. Understanding past challenges and injustices ethnic groups have suffered at the hands of others goes a long way toward cultivating social sensitivity. Learning cultural history provides alternate perspectives to past events.
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Learn the nonverbal language used by other cultures. Conflict resolution expert Michelle LeBaron says, "Nonverbal communication is hugely important in any interaction with others; its importance is multiplied across cultures. This is because we tend to look for nonverbal cues when verbal messages are unclear or ambiguous." Simply put, if there's already a language barrier, make sure gestures and facial expressions are understood to be respectful and conciliatory.
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Understand different attitudes towards "saving face." Some cultures place the utmost importance on personal honor. Others view honor in terms of the group they represent. Less formal cultures can overlook the importance of language or comments that can be perceived as dishonoring to another culture. Become familiar with traditions or etiquette practiced by other cultures. Use language understood to esteem the individual or their group.
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Recognize different perceptions of time. Western cultures view time as a commodity that must be tightly managed. Eastern and indigenous cultures tend to view time as more elastic and relative. Ignorance of this dynamic can lead to the perception of communication being rushed and the individual being less important than the event.
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Avoid rushes to judgment. According to noted anthropologists Kevin Avruch and Peter Black, "...when faced by an interaction that we do not understand, people tend to interpret the others involved as 'abnormal,' 'weird,' or 'wrong'." People can detect when they are being judged as unusual or out of the norm. This unwitting condescension can lead to a breakdown in meaningful communication. When others are treated as though their ideas have intrinsic value, they are more receptive to seeing the value in the ideas of others.
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Continually practice. Effective cross-cultural communication requires time and patience. Mistakes are inevitable as you learn the needs and sensitivities of those who may have a different world view. Persistent engagement will help you form the skills needed to develop effective cross-cultural communication.
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References
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