cross cultural communication

In this fast-paced world, wouldn’t it be necessary to communicate between different cultures?

Culture depicts the laws or ways of living for a certain community based on a creed, religion, caste, ethnicity, etc.

When we move through this world to make our place, we might come across many people with differing cultures and languages. 

The essence of understanding their ideas and values is equally important as ours, to live peacefully and develop harmoniously.

In this article, we shall talk about cross-cultural communication, its types, benefits, strategies, challenges, and the opportunities around it that can push our growth in the long run.

What is Cross Cultural Communication?

Cross-cultural communication simply refers to communication patterns where members of various cultural backgrounds interact with each other in a manner that is understood by all the parties involved.

Culture determines the way one thinks, acts, speaks, comprehends the message, and reacts to other people. 

Consequently, this makes communication styles vary widely among different cultures.

Factors such as language, traditions, customs, social norms, values, beliefs, religion, history, and even attitudes towards time and power are a part of culture. 

The cultural factors provide a way to how messages are sent, received, and perceived when people communicate in different cultures. 

Cross-cultural communication is an attempt to overcome these differences through creation of awareness, sensitivity, and flexibility.

Cross-cultural communication takes more than learning a language to accomplish it. 

It includes knowing cultural expectations, accommodating variations, as well as considering others viewpoints. 

It also needs patience, empathy, and willingness to learn. 

Cross-cultural communication when done successfully lowers the hurdles of being misunderstood and enhances collaboration within the multicultural setting.

Types of Cross Cultural Communication

Cross-cultural communication can be classified as the following types:

1. Verbal Cross-Cultural Communication

Spoken words and language are used in verbal communication. 

The accents, vocabularies, pronunciation, and language structure vary and may become problematic in cross-cultural contexts. 

This is not to say that the meaning of words and phrases may vary with culture, even when people share a common language.

An example is that some cultures appreciate straight forwardness whereas other cultures appreciate indirect or polite communication. 

These distinctions should be learnt to prevent confusion.

2. Non-Verbal Cross-Cultural Communication

Non-verbal communication encompasses facial expression, gestures, eye contact, posture, and physical distance. 

Such signs differ in different cultures. Something that may be termed as a friendly gesture in one society can be offensive in another.

Eye contact can be regarded as a sign of confidence in one culture, whereas in another culture, it can be regarded as disrespect.

Before moving ahead, you can read more on eye-contact communication skills to use that in your favour while communicating with other cultures. 

Understanding non-verbal variations is very important when dealing with a different culture.

3. Written Cross-Cultural Communication

Written communication encompasses emails, letters, reports and electronic messages.

Varied cultural backgrounds affect the style of writing, the degree of formality, tone, and structure. 

Other cultures appreciate the conciseness and to the point style of writing, but others might feel more engaged in the style of detailed and formal writing.

Besides that, if your handwriting is not good, you can always refer to handwriting tips and make your messages more understandable.

Written communication may cause confusion due to misinterpretation of the tone, particularly at the workplace.

4. Digital Cross-Cultural Communication

Digital communication between cultures is now the norm due to the emergence of technology. 

These are the social media, video calls and messaging platforms that connect people all around the world. 

Though, variations in communication manners, responsiveness, and behavior on the internet may pose difficulties.

Cross-cultural communication can be made easier by learning about the digital communication rules in different cultures. This would make communication respectful and effective.

Top 4 Elements of Cross-Cultural Communication

Cross-cultural communication consists of the following 4 elements:

1. Language

The most apparent aspect of cross-cultural communication is language. 

It incorporates written and verbal elements, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. 

Language differences may pose challenges particularly at times when people do not have a common language.

Individuals sharing the same language may have cultural differences, including idiom, slang, humor, and tone that would influence the comprehension. 

For example, humor might not be easily applicable across all cultures and some phrases might have different interpretations.

Communicators across cultures know how to use simple and clear words, without using jargon to seek comprehension. 

Knowing a few phrases from the language of other cultures can also show a sign of respect and willingness to get in touch.

2. Non-Verbal Communication

Sometimes, non-verbal communication can express more than just words. 

What is acceptable in one culture may not be acceptable in another culture, especially, when it comes to facial expression, gestures, body posture, eye contact, or personal space.

For example, what is considered positive in one culture may be considered to be offensive in another.

In certain cultures physical contact can be good while in others it can be wrong.

In one culture, silence may be a sign of respect, whereas in another culture, it may imply discomfort.

Learning about non-verbal communication can allow one to avoid misunderstandings and increase mutual respect during cross-cultural communication.

3. Cultural Values and Beliefs

Cultural values and beliefs determine the way people view the world and interact with others. 

These values affect attitude toward authority, time, relations, individualism, or collectivism.

There are those cultures that focus on individual success, and there are those cultures that focus on community, harmony, and people responsibility. 

The same applies to attitudes towards hierarchy and decision-making.

Cross-cultural communication requires that one must be aware of such differences and must learn to honor them instead of staying stuck to their own cultural perspective.

4. Context

Context can be described as the background of the situation in which the communication takes place. 

Cultures may be generally described as high and low context.

High-context societies believe in implicit messages, similar experience, and non-verbal communication.

Low-context cultures focus on explicit and clear verbal communication.

The ability to realize the importance of context would make people adjust their communicative style to various cultural environments and prevent misunderstanding.

5 Importance of Cross-Cultural Communication

Cross-cultural communication can be crucial because of the following reasons:

1. Promoting Global Understanding

Cross-cultural communication helps in building understanding between people of various cultural backgrounds across the globe. 

It can make a person value diversity, minimise stereotypes, and become empathetic.

When one learns about other cultures, they get more open-minded and respectful, hence welcoming the world into a more inclusive and tolerant society.

2. Enhancing Education

Cross-cultural communication is inevitable in multicultural classes and in the international education system. 

Both students and teachers of varied cultural backgrounds are required to interact effectively to achieve success in learning.

Cross-cultural communication assists in establishment of diverse learning settings in which varying views are appreciated. 

It also prepares the children for the future globalized world and its functioning.

3. Supporting International Business

Cross-cultural communication is essential in international business for negotiating, working as a team, team leadership, and customer relations. 

Poor communication based on the difference in cultures may result in financial loss and ruined relationships.

Companies that provide training in cross-cultural communication have a competitive edge in terms of enhanced cooperation, productivity, and trust among global teams.

4. Strengthening Relationships

All personal and professional relationships can be enhanced with the help of cross-cultural communication that supports the notions of trust, respect, and understanding. 

It assists people to deal with cultural differences in a sensitive and patient manner.

Effective cross-cultural relationships facilitate successful partnerships and cross border collaborations.

5. Encouraging Peace and Cooperation

Cross-cultural communication is important in the sphere of diplomatic activity, conflict management, and also in the field of foreign collaboration. 

The awareness of cultural views can help in eliminating tensions and in fostering peaceful communication.

Cross-cultural communication brings stability and cooperation by solving international problems all over the world.

Benefits of Cross Cultural Communication

Cross-cultural communication can be very advantageous in personal, organizational and social aspects of life.

1. Improved Cultural Awareness

People become more conscious of cultural differences and similarities, which subsequently cause increased cultural awareness, sensitivity, and respect.

2. Enhanced Communication Skills

Individuals get to be more attentive listeners and clear in communication, which is beneficial to all domains of life.

3. Increased Career Opportunities

Cross-cultural competence is in demand in the international labor markets, which increases the rate of employability.

4. Better Problem-Solving

Having different cultural orientations would add to creative thinking for finding different solutions.

5. Stronger Teamwork

When team members have good communication, multicultural teams would perform better because relationships are stronger.

6. Personal Growth

The experience of dealing with other cultures helps expand the worldview, creates empathy and promotes self-improvement.

5 Common Challenges of Cross-Cultural Communication

There can be some challenges while trying to build cross-cultural communication in professional as well as personal settings.

These include:

1. Language Differences

One of the most visible obstacles in the case of cross-cultural communication is language. 

Individuals belonging to dissimilar cultures speak diverse languages. This may lead to wrong interpretations and inability to express ideas.

People with the same language might face misunderstanding due to variations in accents, vocabulary, idioms, or expressions. 

As an example, a polite phrase can be viewed as being rude in one culture or confusing in a different culture.

2. Cultural Misunderstandings

Cultural misunderstandings arise when people judge others’ way of talking based on their own culture rather than considering the other person’s cultural outlook.

Various cultures possess varying rules of politeness, formality, time, social behavior, and so on.

Let us say that being straightforward can be valued in one culture and be rude in another. 

Such differences may result in confusion and create strained relationships, unless culture is understood.

3. Stereotypes and Prejudices

Stereotypes refer to simplified ideas concerning a cluster of individuals, whereas prejudices are pessimistic attitudes established without any real information. 

People may pose severe hindrances to successful cross-cultural communication due to these.

When people base their judgment on stereotypes they are likely to make a wrong judgement on others or fail to recognize differences among others. 

Pre-made judgments against someone create barriers to open communication and lessen the level of trust. Thus, making it hard to have meaningful communication with them.

4. Non-Verbal Misinterpretation

There are variations in non-verbal communication including gestures, facial expression, eye contact, and body language among various cultures. 

For example smiling at a person could represent politeness in one culture, while in another culture it would be interpreted as an insult.

You can also consider eye contact, which can be used to demonstrate confidence in one culture, but in another, it can be perceived as disrespect. 

Not having knowledge about these non-verbal cues may cause misunderstanding or embarrassment.

5. Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism refers to the view that the culture of a person is better than that of other people. 

Such attitudes may end up limiting communication across cultures as it makes one compare with other cultures unjustly.

Ethnocentrism constrains openness and respect which makes it hard to cooperate and understand each other. 

5 Easy Strategies for Effective Cross-Cultural Communication

Since we know the significance of maintaining cross-cultural communication, we need to implement some strategies to build it:

1. Cultural Awareness

Cultural awareness is about being aware and appreciating cultural differences. 

The knowledge of the cultures of other people, their traditions, values, and style of communicating reduce the misunderstandings.

Cultural awareness enables one to adapt the behavior and style of communication as the situation demands.

2. Open-Mindedness

Open-mindedness says that one should be open-minded, should accept and respect others perspectives and cultural activities. 

People should not judge behaviors that they are not familiar with. Instead, they can make an effort to figure out their cultural significance.

An open mind promotes flexible learning and good interaction when in cross-cultural environments.

3. Active Listening

Active listening is the practice of paying attention to what the speaker is saying, comprehending their message, and then giving a reasonable response to it. 

It is about patient listening and not making assumptions.

In cross-cultural communication, active listening assists in decoding meaning along with showing respect for the opinion of the speaker.

4. Clear and Simple Communication

Clear and direct language can minimize cases of confusion in cross-cultural relationships. 

It is better to avoid slang, idioms, and complicated phrasing that can make people perceive the message wrongly.

Clarity can be enhanced further by posing questions and confirming that there is an understanding.

5. Respect and Empathy

Effective cross-cultural communication requires respect and empathy. 

Respect is the appreciation of cultural differences and empathy is the appreciation of feelings and perceptions of others.

The combination of these assists in the establishment of trust, minimisation of conflict, and reinforcing cross-cultural relationships.

Cross-Cultural Communication Examples

Cross-cultural communication takes place in a number of daily incidents. 

This can be visible when an international student has to adjust to a new country. He should know his new classroom expectations, communication patterns, and other social habits. 

Similarly, the local community who engage tourists need to have cultural awareness, so that  they speak to them in a respectful manner.

Another example can be of someone having international business meetings.

In such situations, professionals of diverse nations need to overcome the language barrier, negotiating styles, and cultural demands to reach similar goals. 

These instances prove the relevance of cross-cultural communication in real life.

Cross-Cultural Communication in Education

The modern education system is highly globalized, and thus, classrooms tend to have students and teachers of varied cultural backgrounds. 

Cross-cultural communication is very important in establishing effective inclusive learning conditions.

The teachers need to be aware of the cultural distinctions related to the learning styles, participation, and communication preferences of diverse learners.

Also read some top teaching strategies for diverse students.

In this way, learners are exposed to a variety of opinions, which results in developing critical thinking and global awareness.

Cross-cultural communication in learning leads to respect, collaboration, empathy, and success in education.

Cross-Cultural Communication in the Workplace

The contemporary workforce is becoming increasingly multicultural, particularly within multinational organizations. 

The staff of varying cultures get the opportunity to work, communicate, and resolve issues together.

The cross-cultural communication at the working space can enhance teamwork, leadership, openness to novel ideas, and productivity. 

It can avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and also promotes healthy professional working relationships.

Companies that promote cultural diversification and communication training, enjoy the competitive edge in the international market.

Role of Technology in Cross-Cultural Communication

With the use of technology, cross-cultural communication has been revolutionized by communication quicker and more open to various geographical and cultural boundaries. 

Online communication between representatives of other cultures is possible in real time due to digital tools like email, video conferencing, social media, messaging applications, and online collaboration tools.

Technology alleviates the geographical space, and allows international cooperation within education and for business activities. 

This is how students can share online classes with students in other countries, and multinational companies are able to operate a team which is spread worldwide.

However, technology can also be a barrier to intercultural communication. 

Disagreements in digital etiquette, types of communication, reaction time, and unequal opportunities to access technological tools may cause misunderstanding. 

Limitations to understanding non-verbal cues may also be faced by the lack of face-to-face interaction.

But, technology is a great means of improving intercultural knowledge and collaboration when applied wisely.

Challenges and Opportunities in Cross-Cultural Communication

There are a few challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural communication. 

Knowing these would make individuals and organizations communicate better with one another.

All the above mentioned obstacles like misinterpretation of non-verbal cues, language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, stereotypes, and ethnocentrism should be reduced.

This can only happen by utilizing the right strategies at the right time.

These practices could open up opportunities like exposure to different views and opinions, higher level of creativity, problem-solving, better international contacts, personal development, and cultural sensitivity.

Once people are open-minded and respectful towards cross-cultural communication, the difficulties may transform into learning and growth opportunities.

Conclusion

Cross-cultural communication happens when people from multiple cultures and diverse backgrounds participate for a common cause with respect and understanding.

It can be beneficial for children who are studying and youth who are aiming to land on future jobs in the 21st century.

Despite having these benefits, some hurdles like miscommunication, poor cultural awareness, stereotypes, and language differences can result in missed out international opportunities.
Therefore, we should work on these concerned areas and motivate children to learn cross-cultural communication.

Skills