Intercultural communication pitfalls

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Intercultural communication pitfalls (Wahrnehmungsfallen)

1. different meanings of words/terms
2. divergence: conventions of speech ? intention
3. communication styles
4. topics
5. register/tone
6. paraverbal factors
7. non-verbal factors
8. specific cultural standards
9. specific cultural conventions

1. Different meanings of words/terms

e.g. frz. "famille" → extended family, relatives

"nation" → in different cultures with positive or negative connotations

2. Divergence conventions of speech ↔ intention

acceptance/refusal is often not expressed clearly

e.g.

invitation in France : "Est-ce que je peux vous inviter à déjeuner demain?"

convention: "Oui, si vous voulez." → sounds non-obligatory (unverbindlich)

→ correct meaning: "Yes, thank you!"

business negotiations in Asia

statement of the Asian partner: "I'll do the best I can ."

→ correct meaning: break-off of negotiations without any solution

3. Communication styles

 

direct ↔ indirect
→ degree of directness in which statements are made
     refers especially to:

requests
→ typical British request if music is too loud : "I think the walls are rather thin here"
    - expression of individual opinions/attitudes
    - apologizing (Asian Countries→ fear a loss of face)

direct German way to express criticism, to contradict etc. is not appreciated everywhere
→ see also: Hall: high context vs. low context

4. topics
e.g.
→ Japan: topics concerning 'money', 'taste', 'personality', 'body' are avoided
→ Frankreich: - no advertising for tampons or certain other medical products
                        - conversational topics: politics, scandals
→ Spain/Italy: football, family matters
→ Turkey: family, job, football – avoid: politics

5. register/tone (richtiger Ton)
e.g. humor/irony/sarcasm
→ often used to find an additional common level of understanding
      but: may often be misinterpreted

6. paraverbal factors
→ loudness, intonation, pitch, tone, rhythm, tempo etc.
e.g.:
- Asian intonation falls with polite question ↔ European interpretation:impolite
- German loudness is mostly considered impolite/rude

7. non-verbal factors
gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, etiquette, dress codes etc.


8. additional/specific cultural standards and attitudes in certain cultures
- France: sense of honour, solidarity, rationalism (believe in progress/technology)
- China: Confucian principles (strict hierarchy, group harmony, politeness, strong work ethic)

9. other specific cultural conventions
e.g:
- GB/USA: first names also for superiors
- Britain: staring at other people is rude → danger: may be misinterpreted

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