Hey guys,
This is my last post for this blog and I really enjoyed doing it. In my opinion Communication Across Culture is very significant because it brings a lot of awareness to people and it's very interesting to see how people evolve from what they were to what they become due to multiculturalism. I hope you all like my blog.
- Zara Khan
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
How to Improve your Intercultural Communication – 10 Quick Tips
Here are the ten tips to improve Intercultural Communication ;
1) Slow Down
Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak quickly. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible. Don´t be afraid to ask native-english speakers to slow down, or to repeat things or to explain points again. They also need to realise that speaking more slowly helps intercultural communication.
Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak quickly. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible. Don´t be afraid to ask native-english speakers to slow down, or to repeat things or to explain points again. They also need to realise that speaking more slowly helps intercultural communication.
2) Take Turns
Cross cultural communication flows better when people take turns to make a point and to really listen to each other.
Cross cultural communication flows better when people take turns to make a point and to really listen to each other.
3) One Question
Try not to ask double questions such as, “Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?” In a cross cultural situation, the listener may only comprehend one question.
Try not to ask double questions such as, “Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?” In a cross cultural situation, the listener may only comprehend one question.
4) Avoid Negative Questions
Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions. For example, “Aren´t you satisfied with our progress?” In English we answer ‘yes’ if the answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In some cultures a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ may only be indicating whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to “Are you not coming?” may be ‘yes’, meaning ‘Yes, I am not coming.’
Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions. For example, “Aren´t you satisfied with our progress?” In English we answer ‘yes’ if the answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In some cultures a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ may only be indicating whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to “Are you not coming?” may be ‘yes’, meaning ‘Yes, I am not coming.’
5) Be Supportive
To work in another language requires confidence and feeling comfortable. Giving encouragement to professionals whose English is good but not perfect.
To work in another language requires confidence and feeling comfortable. Giving encouragement to professionals whose English is good but not perfect.
6) Write it Down
If you are unsure whether something has been understood, write it down and show the other person or check with them. This can be useful when using large figures.
If you are unsure whether something has been understood, write it down and show the other person or check with them. This can be useful when using large figures.
7) Check Meanings
When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener and summarise the main points of what has been said.
When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener and summarise the main points of what has been said.
8) Avoid Excessive Use of Jargon
Professionals working in multinationals often use an excessive amount of jargon in their day to day activities that people outside of their company often don´t understand.
9) Humour
In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. Humour can be used, but think carefully whether it will be understood and that it won´t cause offense.
In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. Humour can be used, but think carefully whether it will be understood and that it won´t cause offense.
10) Maintain Etiquette
Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating and doing business. Do some research and ask colleagues about cultural differences when communicating and doing business.
Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating and doing business. Do some research and ask colleagues about cultural differences when communicating and doing business.
Multicultural Day in the Workplace
It has been 10 years since Canada, by Royal Proclamation, designated June 27 as Multiculturalism Day to celebrate the diverse communities across the country.In a video message on the occasion, Charles Sousa, Ontario minister for citizenship and immigration said, “We are grateful for the contributions of those who’ve settled here and shaped our province.” he added, “On Multiculturalism Day, we commit to building a province based on equality, inclusion, and democracy. And we honour our rich cultural mosaic.According to Canadian Heritage, the federal agency which is responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada’s civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians, “it is an opportunity to celebrate our diversity and our commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect and to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.”
Quoting a former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, Sousa said, “‘Canada is at once a mirror of global diversity and a beacon that may guide other nations.’ Today, and throughout the year, let us celebrate the richness that our multiculturalism provides.”
Here's the link of the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dVTF-3GDqb4
Monday, 25 March 2013
Importance of Communication in the Workplace
- Creates Job Satisfaction
- Lesser Conflicts
- Increases Productivity
- Better Work Future
- Formation of Relationships
- Proper Utilization of Resources
Not only in workplaces but some of the above factors also apply to cultural communication for instance; Formation of Relationships.
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Similarities and differences across cultures in the workplace
The similarities and differences across cultures in the work place can make a huge difference between the success and failure of a business. Diversity is common place in many work place environments. Utilizing and understanding cultures, their similarities, and their differences will allow a business and work place to thrive. This essay will define culture and discuss the similarities and differences of cultures across the workplace. It will also discuss the impact of culture on the work place.
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