This document discusses the relationship between communication and culture. It defines communication as the transmission of messages between people and defines culture as the knowledge, beliefs, and habits of a society. The document presents a model showing how culture influences communication and explores how factors like language, perceptions, and high/low context styles can impact cross-cultural interactions. It provides tips for improving cross-cultural communication such as enhancing message clarity, ensuring comprehension, and minimizing breakdowns. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of understanding how different cultural contexts can influence the communication process.

1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
“COMMUNICATION CULTURE AND
CONTEXT”

2. INDEX
 Introduction
 Communication and culture model
 Perceptions
 Language, logic and communication
 High and Low context
 Cross cultural communication
 Culture and context
 Conclusion
 References

3. WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
Communication is the transmission of a
message from one person/group to
another through various communication
channels.

4. WHAT IS CULTURE?
Edward Tylor’s (1871)
“that complex whole which includes
knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom,
and any other capabilities and habits
acquired by man as a member of society”

5. CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION:
A MODEL

6. PERCEPTION AND COMMUNICATION
 Selective perception: People pay attention to
messages that relate to their own immediate
problems or needs.
 Recency effects: A tendency to focus on the most
recent message or interaction compared to earlier
ones.
 Consider: Are these significant, of just minor,
influences on interpersonal communication?

7. LANGUAGE, LOGIC, AND COMMUNICATION
1. Language and linguistic Structures
2. Cultural Logic

8. Language and linguistic structures
The manner in which words, grammar, syntax, and the
meaning of words are organized and used.
Cultural Logic
 Is the process of using our own assumptions to
interpret the messages and actions of others, thereby
inferring their motives and intentions.
 Provides people with a system of assumptions about
what is mutually known and understood—our
common ground.

9. COMMUNICATION TOOLS FOR UNDERSTANDING
CULTURE
High-context and Low-context Communication
 Refers to the degree to which speakers rely on factors
other than explicit speech to convey their messages
 Communication varies according to its degree of field
dependence, and that it can be classified into two general
categories -- high-context and low-context

10. High Context
• Indirect and implicit messages
• Polychronic
• High use of non-verbal
communication
• Low reliance on written
communication
• Use of intuition and feelings
• Long term relationships
• Relationships are more
important than schedule
• Strong distinction between in
group and out group
Low Context
• Direct, simple and clear
messages
• Monochromic
• Low use of non-verbal
communication
• High relaince on written
communication
• Rely on facts and evidence
• Short term relationships
• Schedules are more important
• Flexible and open

12. CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON MESSAGE
CONTEXT
 Facial expressions: Is it acceptable to show joy
or anger?
 Personal space: How close should we stand to
one another?
 Body language: Is it acceptable to point at
someone? If so, how? What are the implications
of bad posture?
 Secret communication: Do we use secret codes
or symbols to convey meaning that others cannot
detect?

13. CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON APPROPRIATE
FORMALITIES (COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS)
 Opening a conversation: Who should speak first?
Should we be assertive or passive?
 Ending a conversation: Who should end the
conversation? Is there a formal end or do people
just wander off?
 Presenting ideas or proposals: Should you
present a proposal all-at-once or piece-by-piece?
 Interruptions and silence: Is it acceptable to
interrupt? Are you comfortable with periods of
silence?

14. CONTD.
Vocal characteristics: Should you speak fast of
slow, loud or soft?
 Apologies: When should you accept blame?
How to save your own and other’s face?
 Disagreements: How should you express your
disagreements?
Emotional displays: is it OK to yell or cry?
 Feedback: How (and when) should you provide
someone with feedback?
 Requests: How do you make a request?

15. Communication
challenges
• Language and
logic differences
• Message content
and context
• Communication
protocols
• Technology-mediated
communication
Communication
enhancement
strategies
• Enhance message
clarity
• Enhance message
comprehension
• Minimize
communication
breakdowns
Communication
outcomes
• Improved
exchange of ideas
• Improved
cooperation and
job performance
• Avoidance of
future
misunderstandings
• Establish basis for
future
relationships

16. IMPROVING CROSS-CULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
1. Enhance message clarity
 Message content
 Language clarity
 Delivery style
Enhance message comprehension
 Inquiry
 Advocacy
Minimize communication breakdowns

17. CONCLUSION
It is very important for one to understand the various
cultures and contexts that influence communication to
a varied degree and effect its outcome. Effective
communication can be enabled only if it is given a
proper context and structure.

18. REFERENCES
 www.google.com
 www.wikipedia.com
 www.languagelinguistics.com
 Research paper on language logic and
communication by “Johan van Benthem”
http://turing.wins.uva.nl/~johan/

19. THANK-YOU