commmunicating

1. COMMUNICATING
ACROSS CULTURES

2. Cultural Relativism- refers to a practice that cultures were treated as equal to one
another.
Describable- this refers to how functionalist approach assume reality in terms of
intercultural communication.
Critical- this approach view relationship of culture and communication wherein
culture is a site of power struggle.
Creative- this refers to the approach that is interpretative in terms of making an
assumption of human behavior.

3. .
Note: Critical approach in terms of method of study deals with textual analysis of media.
SOUTH KOREAN CULTURE
They will seldom give a flat “no” or a negative response due to saving of
face and politeness.

4. UNITED KINGDOM
They are polite and time conscious.
They give gifts by bearing in mind the recipient’s interest.
They view handshake as an important part of showing their courtesy.
JAPANESE CULTURE
Japanese person may smile and laugh to diffuse the uncomfortable situation
when communicating bad news.

5. AUSTRALIAN CULTURE
Australians, commonly make a circle with the thumb and forefinger with the
other fingers extended when indicating approval.
ARAB CULTURE
In Arab, showing the soles of your feet is considered rude and horrible for
them.

6. GERMAN CULTURE
The arms length distance is maintained when talking with one another.
ITALIAN CULTURE
When you raise your voice in Italy, it is viewed as an expression of
excitement or conviction.

7. BRITISH CULTURE
Like to be given a fair amount of personal space.
Do not always give away their emotions via facial expressions
Usually very patient and queue for everything.
CHINESE CULTURE
They may smile and laugh to diffuse the uncomfortable situation when relaying bad news.

8. BRAZILIAN CULTURE
They tend to stand very close to one another and the distance may be closer
than that of the Australians.
They tend to listen erratically and interrupt one another, as each person
attempts to express their viewpoint.
They tend to be quite tactile and touching of arms and backs is widely
accepted.

9. FRENCH CULTURE
Compliments are appreciated, but will usually be received by humble denial
instead of a thank you.
AMERICAN CULTURE
They generally do not appreciate loud or emotional outbursts.

10. SUDANESE CULTURE
They are usually comfortable hugging friends of the same gender.
ZIMBABWE CULTURE
Direct eye contact is normal during conversation, especially in casual
situations.

11. CANADIAN CULTURE
Gesturing during conversation is an impression that you are very interested
to what you are saying.
SPANISH CULTURE
They tend to speak very openly and are comfortable showing emotion.

12. EGYPTIAN CULTURE
When meeting an Egyptian for the first time, it is common for them to say a
joke.
MALAYSIAN CULTURE
Speaking loudly is generally interpreted as a negative expression.

13. THAI CULTURE
Touching of head in Thailand is considered rude because the head is the
most sacred part of the body.
RUSSIAN CULTURE
Russian humour is very sarcastic, dry, and quite direct.