The document explores cultural perspectives on the role of language in communication, contrasting Western and Oriental approaches. It highlights how Western cultures prioritize clarity and factual accuracy, while Oriental cultures value emotional resonance and indirectness in communication. Understanding these cultural preferences can enhance effective communication for nonnative speakers.

1. Cultural perspectives of theCultural perspectives of the
role of language inrole of language in
communicationcommunication
Kateryna VolkotrubKateryna Volkotrub
Group 51(502)Group 51(502)

2. Outline:Outline:
1.1. IntroductionIntroduction
2.2. Body:Body:
2.1. Western historical perspective2.1. Western historical perspective
2.2. The role of language in the cultural2.2. The role of language in the cultural
communication stylecommunication style
2.3. The role of language in oriental cultures2.3. The role of language in oriental cultures
2.4. Cultural preferences in Verbal Message2.4. Cultural preferences in Verbal Message
DesignDesign
3. Conclusion3. Conclusion

3. IntroductionIntroduction
Messages =Messages =
verbal code (language)verbal code (language)
+ non-verbal codes+ non-verbal codes
Language can be viewed as:Language can be viewed as:
1.1. A means for transfer of informationA means for transfer of information
2.2. A means for creating social experience / “aA means for creating social experience / “a
social lubricant”social lubricant”

4. 2.1. Western historical perspective2.1. Western historical perspective
Written languageWritten language → for record keeping and→ for record keeping and
documentation.documentation.
Language – an instrument for conveyingLanguage – an instrument for conveying
information across time and space.information across time and space.
The focus was on accuracy of content.The focus was on accuracy of content.

5. 2.2. The role of language in the2.2. The role of language in the
cultural communication stylecultural communication style
Speakers would be held responsible for being as
accurate and factual as possible.
Preference is for clarity, objectivity and
directness.
Logic and coherence are important: the speaker
is detached from audience.
One theme, linear configuration: one point is
followed by the second point

6. 2.3. The role of language in oriental2.3. The role of language in oriental
culturescultures
Language – social conduit (emotionalLanguage – social conduit (emotional
resonance is stressed).resonance is stressed).
Preference – for indirectness, ambiguity,Preference – for indirectness, ambiguity,
embellishments, subjective use of emotions,embellishments, subjective use of emotions,
implicit details in context.implicit details in context.
Language
An art form
A religious
phenomenon
An identity tool

7. 2.4. Cultural preferences in Verbal2.4. Cultural preferences in Verbal
Message Design:Message Design:
1.1. SimplicitySimplicity →→ repetitionrepetition
2.2. AccuracyAccuracy →→ imageryimagery
3.3. UnderstatementUnderstatement →→ exaggerationexaggeration
4.4. ActionsActions →→ words or symbolswords or symbols
5.5. Specific mannerSpecific manner→→ a vague onea vague one

8. 3. Conclusion3. Conclusion
Nonnative speakers
should be aware of
above-discussed and
American cultural
preferences for message
design in order to better
understand and explain
different cultural
nuances of oral
interactions in building
up effective
communication.