How and in what ways do cultures communicate differently?
Cultures communicate differently basing on what is preferred or done in one culture to the others that are not done but preferred to other cultures. culture pluralism comes forth as a result of sticking to the original norms that have coexisted in that culture therefore changing this aspect may become very difficult. Cultures generally have an internal variation and they are usually subjected to change.
What is usually perceived by one culture as a beneficial aspect or fact might vary significantly different from what is perceived in the same way by another different culture. These diverse differences are always seen as threatening and irrational by sources that are not of the same culture. Communication by various cultures varies depending on the sexual aspects gender age racial groups religion and nationality. In all this setup, there is a small similarity in their discernment of ideas but expressed differently by all of them. In a normal occurrence, the aspects that pave the way to the difference in the communication of various cultures are clearly distinctive (Tanner, D. 1990).
Does it make a difference in the workplace?
Cultural diversity plays a very major role in the allied workplace in that communication from one party to the next will only be entailed if there is a true depiction of the responses from the sender to the receiver basing on the relevance of the information. Alienation may arise in a situation where one’s culture is seen as having some lapses therefore workers may find it difficult to communicate with the implicated person.
In the workplace, there must exist a section which deals with the notion that there is a time and place for all languages. This will result in the appreciation of every employee’s cultural diversities and the same case upgrading the validity and understanding of the employees. In addition, the school must provide examples of strong male images that can alternately speak the school’s language or the vernacular language, as necessary (Ramirez, M. and Castenada, 1974).
What are ways in which possible situations can be ameliorated?
Since most cultures are based on internal variations understanding the pitfalls and success will actually contribute to effective communication within various cross-cultural settings. The cultural identity of a person is not evident until one comes across another culture. Through this aspect, effective communication across these cultural settings can be clearly enhanced breaking the barriers that arise.
According to Penalosa (1981), the understanding of various cultures is a continuous process and needs patience and through this, effective communication will be attained. Effective communication in various cross cultures will only arise when similarities within the cultures are not overlooked. This is so because the most focused factor about the cross-culture relationships is usually on the differences without emphasizing the similarities which give a firm foundation that guarantees effective communication is adhered to( Ramirez, M., and Castenada1974).
By stressing on the similarity aspect, positive attitudes can be entailed about other people’s cultures and in so doing no one will be able to undermine the cultures of the other and through this, a firm basis of communication will be attained. Resulting to The differences that arise within the cultural setting should not be seen as threatening but as a basis of focus to the understanding within the cultures (Tanner, D. 1990).
In the workplace, the introduction of incentives and returns usually to the promoters of those who can understand the difficulties of fellow workmates with cultures that are slightly considered as profound should be encouraged such that when one considers communication, culture will not be an issue.
References
Penalosa, F, (1981). An Introduction to the Sociology of Language. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
Ramirez, M & Castenada, (1974). A. Cultural Democracy, Development, and Education. New York: Academic Press.
Tanner, D. (1990). You just don’t understand: Women and men in conversation. New York: Ballantine Books.