Sunday, November 18, 2012

Communicating differently With Different Groups and Cultures


 
I do have to communicate differently with others who are not of my cultures. Sometimes by nonverbal communication where I just listen to them talk. Sometimes we may think that nonverbal communication is universal, but it's not. In every culture we interprets body language, gestures, posture, and vocal noises (like aha and grunts), and degree of eye contact differently. Facial expressions might be the only form of nonverbal communication that could be considered universal.

 
Three strategies to help you to communicate more effectively

First we have to accept and understand the differences in groups and cultures that people from other cultures are different concerning their value systems, reference knowledge, language of communication, ways of thinking and personality characteristics. You can even find these differences in people who live in the same community due to their different share of education and culture so you should not think they're wrong but you should respect them although they're different from you.

 
Learn about their culture and how to be able to communicate well with those different people, you should learn about their greetings, good bye rituals, the before and after meal ceremonies, way of wearing either for men or women, types of food, interests ... etc. This will help you understand them well. Thus you can make a successful communication with them.

 
By asking and clarifying are the best tools for effective communication. So if you want to say something but don't know how and if you feel the other is neglecting you or is offended by something you said, you should ask about how and what to say something to remedy the problem. Asking can open a new world of communication. By asking you can learn how to speak in their language. You can learn the simple greetings and expressions in another language. You can surprise other people by saying "Hello" in their language. It can really mean that an effective communication will take place.

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