Communication

1. Purposive Communication
Module
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Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to:
1. Use culturally appropriate terms, expressions and images;
2. Adopt cultural and intercultural awareness and sensitivity in communication of ideas.
3. Use different registers of language; and
4. Determine when and how to use different registers of language.
3.1 Cross-Cultural Sensitivity and Communication
At its root, global communication can be defined just as any communication can: a message is
sent from one person or group to another anywhere in the world. When it comes to
communicating globally, it is usually in the encoding and decoding that problems occur. As with
any communication, ensuring that the message is received as it was intended is the responsibility
of the sender.
Cultural sensitivity is an attitude and way of behaving in which you are aware of and acknowledge
cultural differences; it is crucial for such global goals as world peace and economic growth as well
as for effective interpersonal communication (Franklin & Mizell, 1995). Without cultural
sensitivity, there can be no effective interpersonal communication between people who are
different in gender or race or nationality or orientation. So be mindful of the cultural differences
between yourself and the other person. The techniques of interpersonal communication that
work well with European Americans may not work well with Asian Americans; what proves
effective in Japan may not in Mexico. The close physical distance that is normal in Arab cultures
may seem too familiar or too intrusive in much of the United States and northern Europe. The
empathy that most Americans welcome may be uncomfortable for most Koreans, Japanese,
Chinese or Filipinos.
Local and Global Communication in
Multicultural Settings
Unit 3

2. Purposive Communication
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Tips to increase cultural sensitivity:
 Prepare yourself. Read about and listen carefully for culturally influenced behaviors.
 Recognize your fears. Recognize and face your own fears of acting inappropriately toward
members of different cultures.
 Recognize differences within the group. Be mindful of the differences between yourself
and those from other cultures. At the same time that you recognize differences between
yourself and others, recognize that there are often enormous differences within any given
cultural group.
 Recognize differences in meaning. Words do not always mean the same thing to
members of different cultures.
 Be rule conscious. Become aware of and thinking mindfully about the cultural rules and
customs of others.
 Be mindful of your surroundings. Make yourself conscientious of your surroundings.
 Avoid annoyance. Mind your voice, laughs, talks, sounds and noise as other people in
your surrounding prefer to have calm and silent environment.
In an increasingly globalized world and multi-cultural workplace, professionals face many
challenges including dealing with cross cultural sensitivities. As professionals, we have to manage
these challenges promptly so that we can deliver on our targets and keep our companies and
businesses running. The ability to communicate, collaborate and create across the cultural
differences is a critical competence for the 21st century professional. How effectively we work
with culture plays a significant role in productivity and in our collaborative efforts across
geographies.
There is a lot of diversity in the world we live in. While there is a lot of comfort in working with
people of same culture, there are benefits of working in a multi-cultural environment. There are
fresh ideas, new concepts and different working styles that we can learn from. If we find a way to
work well within the multicultural groups, there can be tremendous success. But if we are unable
to get the working right, we can fail spectacularly. At one end of the spectrum, the group would
be highly effective and successful and at the other end highly ineffective that can sometimes have
a disastrous impact on business. So the area in the middle where we work with similar culture
groups is a safe and comfortable environment. We may avoid risks but we also do not have the
advantage of new ideas and solutions.

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Managing people and solving problems can also vary across cultures. There are different styles
of expressing disagreement in cultures. It can be through discussion, engagement,
accommodation or through a dynamic style, within which our communication style could be
direct or indirect, restrained or expressive. These are cultural nuances that influence expression
as well as working styles.
“Hear one understand ten.” - Japanese
“Say what you mean and mean what you say.” - American
“It is good to know the truth but better to speak of palm trees.” - Arab
Similarly, whether people are restrained or emotional is illustrated with these proverbs.
“The first one to raise their voice loses the argument.” - Chinese
“What is nearest the heart is nearest the mouth.” - Irish
“After the storm fair weather, after the storm joy” - Russia
In any pressure situation, we always revert to the core disposition of who we are culturally. Thus,
it is important to explore more about culture and be aware of the defaults. Moreover, it is
important to acknowledge that differences exist and also, they can be bridged. An organization
needs to develop processes to create a shared space, a global workplace, where differences can
be bridged, where people are comfortable being who they are. To achieve that, it is important to
understand the business protocol of another culture, their decision-making process and core
values.

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3.2 Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language
When we communicate, our language use is categorized on different level and classification. The
following are the four categories of language register: familiar, informal, formal and ceremonial.
3.2.1 Familiar Language Register
Familiar language register is a register normally used between people who know each
other well and who speak without trying to be proper. This category of register contains
slovenly language (slang) and jargon. It lacks proper grammar content, structure, spelling
among others.
Example Me eating lunch. Been there.
Will go now.
[Examples above lack proper grammatical
contents, yet all is understood and accepted. Me
eating lunch must be I am eating lunch; been
there is I have been there; and will go now is I will
go now.]
3.2.2 Informal Language Register
Informal language register is a register used when there is usually a close relationship
between the writer, audience and topic with a degree of casualness. This has
conversational tone using colloquial language.
Example Talking with your casual friends while walking
on a path.

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3.2.3 Formal Language Register
Formal language register is a register that is neither colloquial nor personal and is a
register that is mostly used in academic writing. It is a register where strong opinions can
be expressed objectively. It does not break any of the rules of written grammar and often
has a set of rules of what to do when using this register. Formal register can include
everything from an academic essay to wedding vows. The academic essay is formal for it
includes polished speech, complex sentences, and precise vocabulary. The wedding vows
are an example of extremely formal language that must be said the same way each time
as part of a ritual.
Example through thick and thin
In sickness and in health
[Phrases above are formal registers stated in a
wedding ceremony.]
3.2.4 Ceremonial Language Register
Ceremonial language register is a register that is used in reading transcripts of speeches,
historical documents and some others with the same purpose.
Example Mr. Leviste is recognized.
[This is done when one raises a hand to move a
motion during a meeting.]

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Examples of Formal and Informal English
Informal Formal Informal Formal
What’s up? How do you do? Ask for request
Nice to meet you. It is a pleasure to meet you. Book reserve
As soon as you can. At your earliest convenience Check verify
Worried about you. Concerned about you. Explain elucidate
To start with/ …, for a start Firstly Start commence
Say hello to … Give my regards to … Go depart
Any news of her? Have you heard from her lately? Need request
Seen Tom? Did you happen to see Tom? Help Assist
Anna’s right. I agree with Anna that . . . Get Received
It’s ok. I would be humble to oblige
with your request.
Deal with Handle
I need to speak to him. I need a word with him. Wait for Await