Text 4 communication in crosscultural interaction

1. Before reading the text examine the information below and answer the questions given.

When speaking about different nations we use stereotyped definitions. Do you agree with the definitions given below?

The Germans — hardworking, ambitious, successful, aggressive, arrogant, etc.

The Japanese — successful, ambitious, clever, hardworking, etc.

The Americans — successful, ambitious, aggressive, modern, etc.

The British — boring, humorous, arrogant, aggressive, etc.

The French — stylish, modern, arrogant, humorous, lazy, etc.

The Italian — lazy, stylish, helpful, humorous, aggressive, etc.

What definitions could you add? How would you describe your nationality?

In intercultural communication people meet with a lot of problems across culture nature. You come across different kinds of cultures and should develop cross-cultural awareness and ‘your attitude’ (ability to see things through your partner’s eyes). The simple things like inappropriate food, alcohol, etc. are much easier to deal with than these more subtle things. You should be aware of a number of things: there are different attitudes towards work, time, towards resolving problems, working in teams and so on. You should have a very open attitude to how people approach work. Every country has its own customs. Also you shouldn’t assume that because you understand the culture of the capital city you also understand the culture in the provinces and other areas in the country.

There are many difficulties with summarizing American or British ways of life and attitudes. Generalizations about nationalities and national characters are usually not welcomed, even when they are basically accurate. Less apparent at first thought is that much of what was once said to be typically British or American is often no longer just British or American. English is the common language by use but it is not the national language by law. Englishmen are much less self-conscious about their nationality than Scotsmen, Irishmen or Welshmen. But the Irish are desperately afraid of being laughed at; Scots are more frank in the expression of opinion and in the display both of anger and sentiment; and the Welsh prefer to live in small groupings — they are countrymen, not townsmen and the family is the centre of Welsh life. And whereas a country like Britain exhibits considerable variation in climate and landscape, the differences across the continental US are extreme.

Language cannot be separated from culture. Even if you speak perfectly but argue or negotiate according to the rules of your own culture you may not achieve your communicative aims. There are many socio-cultural assumptions that may lead to cross-cultural communication problems. These assumptions include attitudes to time, space, the individual or group activity, relationships between superiors and subordinates, negotiating style, etc. Some cultures tend to be collectivist and others individualist. In a collectivist culture this means that group harmony generally takes precedence over individual performance and needs. Examples of collectivist cultures are Japan, Indonesia, Portugal, etc. Examples of individualist countries are the United States, Italy, etc.

The distribution of power within the companies will also vary from culture to culture. In cultures with a low power distance, for example, Sweden and the United States, there is relatively little emphasis on status. In cultures with a high power distance, such as Mexico and Indonesia, position and status play a more important role in working relationships. It must be remembered, of course, that within any culture there will be variations in power distance from company to company. The combination of many of these attitudes and assumptions influences the way in which people behave in specific situations.

DEVELOPING VOCABULARY

1. Match the words with their meanings:

1) anthropologist 2) attitude 3) to behave 4) belief 5) custom 6) human 7) to invent 8) to obtain 9) to protect 10) similar 11) skill 12) value

a) a special ability to do something well, especially as gained by learning and practice. b) to make or produce new or useful things or ideas for the first time. c) the same kind but not exactly the same in nature or appearance. d) to become the owner of something. e) to be safe. f) having qualities that distinguish people. g) the usefulness, helpfulness, or importance of something. h) the feeling that something is true or that something really exists. i) a scientist engaged in study of the human race, including its different types and its beliefs, social habits and organization, arts and way of life. j) to act in a particular way. k) a way of feeling or thinking about someone or something. l) usual and generally accepted behavior among members of a social group.

2. Supply the missing prepositions in the following sentences:

1) The language barrier extends … nonverbal communication.

2) Every culture has ways to protect itself … invaders.

3) All cultural features in a society results … basic needs shared by all people.

4) Each culture has some type … scientific knowledge.

5) Even small differences … behaviour make feel people uncomfortable.

6) People feel most comfortable … their own culture.