COMMUNICATION SKILLS

“COMMUNICATION CULTURE AND

CONTEXT”

INDEX

Introduction

Communication and culture model

Perceptions

Language, logic and communication

High and Low context

Cross cultural communication

Culture and context

Conclusion

References

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

Communication is the transmission of a message from one person/group to another through various communication channels.

WHAT IS CULTURE?

Edward Tylor’s (1871)

“that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom,

and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society”

CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION:

A MODEL

PERCEPTION AND COMMUNICATION

Selective perception: People pay attention to

messages that relate to their own immediate

problems or needs.

Recency effects: A tendency to focus on the most

recent message or interaction compared to earlier

ones.

Consider: Are these significant, of just minor,

influences on interpersonal communication?

LANGUAGE, LOGIC, AND COMMUNICATION

1. Language and linguistic Structures

2. Cultural Logic

Language and linguistic structures

The manner in which words, grammar, syntax, and the

meaning of words are organized and used.

Cultural Logic

Is the process of using our own assumptions to

interpret the messages and actions of others, thereby

inferring their motives and intentions.

Provides people with a system of assumptions about

what is mutually known and understood—our

common ground.

COMMUNICATION TOOLS FOR UNDERSTANDING

CULTURE

High-context and Low-context Communication

Refers to the degree to which speakers rely on factors

other than explicit speech to convey their messages

Communication varies according to its degree of field

dependence, and that it can be classified into two general

categories -- high-context and low-context

High Context

• Indirect and implicit messages

• Polychronic

• High use of non-verbal

communication

• Low reliance on written

communication

• Use of intuition and feelings

• Long term relationships

• Relationships are more

important than schedule

• Strong distinction between in

group and out group

Low Context

• Direct, simple and clear

messages

• Monochromic

• Low use of non-verbal

communication

• High relaince on written

communication

• Rely on facts and evidence

• Short term relationships

• Schedules are more important

• Flexible and open

CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON MESSAGE

CONTEXT

Facial expressions: Is it acceptable to show joy or anger?

Personal space: How close should we stand to one another?

Body language: Is it acceptable to point at someone? If so, how? What are the implications of bad posture?

Secret communication: Do we use secret codes or symbols to convey meaning that others cannot detect?

CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON APPROPRIATE

FORMALITIES (COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS)

Opening a conversation: Who should speak first?

Should we be assertive or passive?

Ending a conversation: Who should end the

conversation? Is there a formal end or do people

just wander off?

Presenting ideas or proposals: Should you

present a proposal all-at-once or piece-by-piece?

Interruptions and silence: Is it acceptable to

interrupt? Are you comfortable with periods of

silence?

CONTD.

Vocal characteristics: Should you speak fast of

slow, loud or soft?

Apologies: When should you accept blame?

How to save your own and other’s face?

Disagreements: How should you express your

disagreements?

Emotional displays: is it OK to yell or cry?

Feedback: How (and when) should you provide

someone with feedback?

Requests: How do you make a request?

Communication challenges

• Language and logic differences

• Message content and context

• Communication protocols

• Technology-mediated communication

Communication enhancement strategies

• Enhance message clarity

• Enhance message comprehension

• Minimize communication breakdowns

Communication outcomes

• Improved exchange of ideas

• Improved cooperation and job performance

• Avoidance of future misunderstandings

• Establish basis for future relationships

IMPROVING CROSS-CULTURAL

COMMUNICATION

1. Enhance message clarity

Message content

Language clarity

Delivery style

Enhance message comprehension

Inquiry

Advocacy

Minimize communication breakdowns

CONCLUSION

It is very important for one to understand the various

cultures and contexts that influence communication to

a varied degree and effect its outcome. Effective

communication can be enabled only if it is given a

proper context and structure.

REFERENCES

www.google.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.languagelinguistics.com

Research paper on language logic and

communication by “Johan van Benthem”

http://turing.wins.uva.nl/~johan/

THANK-YOU