Cross-cultural communication Essay Example for Free

Cross-cultural communication Essay Cross-cultural communication is an art which cannot be practiced without verbal and non-verbal communication. Interacting with people of the same culture requires certain skills so interacting across different cultures is a task ahead. Every culture doesn’t only have its own language but also has a unique set of codes and customs; this makes verbal and non-verbal communication both important. With over 3000 languages and many dialects spoken in the world today, it is impossible for everybody to learn all of them. This humungous variety that is available creates problems for the cross-cultural communication. Apart from this the way words are uttered; the accents used add to the problem. In this case, the standard language makes cross-cultural communication easier. For instance one form of Arabic language is most common so it is widely used; Modern Standard Arabic. The same way an official language is given preference when interacting with people of different cultures. A country having many provinces synchronizes on a national language. Every province may have a different language but there is one language which is common to all. The same way the standard language for communicating across countries and continents is English. It is the most widely spoken language in the world and helps to overcome many ethnic differences. The reason that English is proved helpful in breaking barriers is that it is derived from other languages so many cultures can easily relate to it. Language is especially important when the interaction is not on face to face basis. In this type of interaction one cannot get the aid of body language and communication is solely dependent on words. Etiquettes over here emphasize the importance of verbal communication. People should take care of their words; they shouldn’t offend others while speaking. A word which means something good in one language might mean something totally appalling in the other. Care must be taken while selecting words for cross-cultural communication. Slang language especially should be avoided. While the importance of verbal communication is obvious and can be easily seen, the importance of non-verbal communication comes through experience and knowledge. The value of non-verbal communication is in fact greater than that of verbal communication across cultures. When the verbal communication is weak, non-verbal communication is relied upon. Gestures, eye contact, physical appearance, touch, expressions, silence and behavior speak a lot when we fall short of words. Majority of French people don’t understand English language and only communicate in their own language. When tourists visit their homeland it gets difficult for them to communicate. This is where non-verbal communication becomes very important. Actions help in communicating and letting people of different cultures interact without language. Some gestures are world widely same, others may show one thing in one culture and another in another culture. (Reisinger, 2009). Personal space or physical proximity is also an important non-verbal communication element. In some cultures, people dislike standing too close and maintain some distance between them while in others people stand pretty close while talking and consider it rude to stand apart. To make cross-cultural communication easier people are learning more languages but it is also very important to research other cultures and understand their non-verbal communication. Even if language skills are not appropriate, messages can be conveyed if body language is used correctly. It is said that non-verbal communication makes the first impression because even before a person opens the mouth to utter a word, an impression is made. (LeBaron, 2003). Non-verbal interaction is important during face-to-face communication. It can occur through the sensory channels- sight, sound, smell, touch or taste. Listeners process the non-verbal communication apart from the verbal one. Charles Darwin was the first man to conduct a study of non-verbal communication. His book â€Å"The Expressions of the Emotions of Man and Animals was published in 1872. In this writing he argued that animals show emotions on their faces so they communicate a lot without speaking (Davis, 1999). It is said that verbal communication is more important in public speaking and non-verbal communication is very important in interpersonal relationships. Also it is considered more polite is ideas are conveyed by non-verbal cues rather than verbal, especially in embarrassing situations. There are five primary functions of nonverbal bodily behavior in human communication: †¢ Express emotions †¢ Express interpersonal attitudes †¢ To accompany speech in managing the cues of interaction between speakers and listeners †¢ Self-presentation of one’s personality †¢ Rituals (greetings) Another important thing is that during non-verbal communication it is easier to catch someone who is not speaking the truth. Facial expressions and hand movements tell a lot. This also helps the interviewers when people go abroad in search of jobs. An interesting point of view of non-verbal communication is that it is rich in beauty. Cultural dance competitions are held and different cultures perform their own dances. Without speaking a whole story is formed and the message is conveyed. This is the beauty of non-verbal communication (Storti, 1994). It is important to address issues of both verbal and non-verbal communication. It is because in this competitive age those who have an edge over others and are good at everything are successful. References: Storti, C. , 1994, â€Å"Cross-Cultural Dialogues†, Available at http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/cross-cultural/book/crosscultural-dialogues. html [ Accessed May 12, 2010] Davis, L. ,1999, â€Å"Doing Culture: Cross-Cultural Communication in Action†, Available at http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/cross-cultural/book/communication-action. html[ Accessed May 12, 2010] LeBaron, M. ,2003, â€Å"Cross-Cultural Communication, Available at http://www. beyondintractability. org/essay/cross-cultural_communication/ [ Accessed May 12, 2010]