This document provides an overview of cultural communication aspects in India. It discusses that India has a 5000 year old civilization with over 3000 languages spoken. It describes India's value systems as patriarchal and religious. Hinduism and Islam are the main religions. Greetings like Namaskar are common and respect is shown through titles. Arranged marriage and conservative dress are traditions. Business meetings emphasize relationships and flexibility. Decision making is slow and negotiations celebrate with meals. India celebrates diverse religious and national festivals. Respecting customs helps when communicating across cultures in India.

1. HIGH CONTEXT CROSS CULTURE
COMMUNICATION OF INDIA

2. Introduction
 5000 year old ancient civilization
 Indian cultural history spans more than 4,500 years
 325 language spoken-1652 dialects, 18 official
language
 29 states 7 union territories
 World largest democracy
 World 3rd largest economy

3. India’s Value System
 Patriarchal Society
 Hospitality
 Life based around the concept of ‘karma’
 Trustworthy
 Highly religious
 Inequality between men and women

4. Religion
 India is notable for its religious diversity
 India is birthplace of many religions
 Hinduism is the first largest religion
 Islamism is the second largest religion

5. Greetings
 Namaskar is the most common greeting
 Namaskar- “I bow to the divine in you”
 Aarti & garland ritual in Hindu worship
 Pranama
 Using appropriate formal titles for addressing
 Handshake – Business world

6. Special Aspects
Family
 For generation, India has had a prevailing tradition of
the joint family system
Marriage
 For centuries, arranged marriages have been the
tradition in Indian culture
Clothing
 Traditional clothing in India generally varies across
different parts of the country

7. Body Language
 Indians value personal space
 Hands on hips considered an argumentative posture
 Avoid direct eye contact
 Using right hand is good sign
 Public displays affection are not proper
 Never point with finger

8. Food culture
 Indian cuisine is diverse, varying with seasons in each
region
 Food is mainly served in ‘thali’
 It reflect human knowledge, culture, art and expression
of love.
 Indian cuisine is invariably complex
 Indian food is a cosmopolitan cuisine

9. Business Etiquette
Relationship & communication
 Indians prefer to do business with those they know
 Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect

10. Business Meeting Etiquettes
 Meetings are arranged in advance
 Keep their schedule flexible
 Impressed with punctuality
 Meetings start with getting to know each other
 Always send a detail agenda

11. Business Negotiation
 Indians are non-confrontational
 Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority
 Decision making is slow process
 If you lose your temper, you lose face and prove you are
unworthy
 Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the
government
 Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal

12. Festivals
 India is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society
 Navratri, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi,
Durga puja, Holi, Ratha-Yatra, Ugadi, Rakshabandhan,
and Dussehra
 Also celebrates national festivals
 Ugadi, Bihu, Gudhi Padwa, Puthandu, Vishu and
Vishuva Sankranti are the New years festival of
different part of India
 Eid ul Fitr, Bakr Eid, Milad un Nabi, Muharram and
Shab-e-Barat celebrated in country
 The country celebrates Christmas and Good Friday as
public holidays

13. Dress Etiquette
 Business attire is conservative
 Men should wear conservative business suits
 Women should wear conservative suits or dresses
 The weather often determines clothing

14. Conclusion
India is land of peace, love and unity. It is the best
example in the world to claim “unity in diversity”,
consisting of all qualities of sub-continents

15. THANK YOU