2. Intercultural communication

Intercultural communication is communication between people from different cultures and countries (Synonyms: cross-cultural, or international, communication). Intercultural communication focuses on the ways in which cultural differences influence verbal and nonverbal communication. Intercultural communication has become a critical element required for all international business executives, managers, and employees, including translators.

Cultures by region

It is important for translators to know the cultures in different parts of the world. Below, there are the main cultures by region.

Europe. Dominant influences include ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and Christianity, although religion has declined in Europe. In the broader sense it is sometimes referred to as Western culture. This is most easily seen in the spread of the English language and a few other European languages.

Americas. The culture of the Americas is strongly influenced by:

• peoples that inhabited the continents before Europeans arrived,

• Africa. The United States especially has a large African-American population, most of whom are descended from former slaves,

• European immigration, especially Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, and Dutch.

Australia. Much of Australia’s culture is derived from European and American roots, but distinctive Australian features have evolved from the environment and Aboriginal culture.

Africa. Though of many varied origins, African culture has been shaped by European colonialism and is differentiated by Arab and Islamic culture.

Asia. Despite the great cultural diversity of Asian nations, there are several transnational cultural influences. Religions, especially Buddhism and Taoism, have had an impact on the cultural traditions of East Asian countries. Hinduism and Islam have for hundreds of years exerted cultural influence on various peoples of South Asia. Though Korea, Japan, and Vietnam are not Chinese speaking countries, their languages have been heavily influenced by Chinese and Chinese writing.

Kazakhstan. Kazakh culture is largely influenced by a Turkic nomadic lifestyle and Islam. The Kazaks had a well-articulated culture based on their nomadic pastoral economy.

Problems of intercultural communication

Today’s globalization of world and business opens up entirely new opportunities for Kazakhstani professionals and translators. At the same time, this presents new challenges in intercultural communication.

The main barrier in cross-cultural communication of translators is cultural differences. Each country has its own socio-cultural rules, traditions and protocols. Each nation has its ideas about Religion and values; Concepts of time and personal space; Body language; Social behaviour and norms in private life and in professional sphere. What is appropriate and polite in one culture may be totally inappropriate or even offensive in another.

Differences in culture are the reason that people experience culture shock. Culture shock is the physical and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live or work in another country or company. The food, style of dress, and other aspects of life in a new country are so different that people have a hard time adjusting to this new way of life.