Zur Hauptnavigation springen [Alt]+[0] Zum Seiteninhalt springen [Alt]+[1]

Intercultural communication pitfalls

Vorschau:

Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Competence

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

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


Dokument herunterladen [.ppt][380 KB]