Purposive Communication
“Culturally appropriate terms, expressions and images”
In your own understanding, how do you define an effective communication?
It is the process of sharing thoughts, knowledge and exchanging of opinions so that the
messages is received with clarity and has a purpose.
It is important that both sender and receiver understood each other for it to be called effective.
What is culture?
A group of people who shares common characteristics like language or social practices.
How do you communicate in a culturally way?
Communicating in a culturally appropriate way means finding a way to effectively communicate
that also respects and accepts cultural differences. Communication is a two-way process, so all
parties need to work together to achieve culturally appropriate communication.
Many people aren’t even aware of their ‘culture’ until they meet someone from a different
culture. Then it’s easy to point out the differences – the language, hand gestures, way of
dressing, way of behaving, etc.
Being aware of your own culture opens you to understanding and being more sensitive to the
cultures of others.
Take the initiative and talk to people. Find out about their values and beliefs and share yours.
Discuss differences and focus on the similarities. Starting this dialogue will lay a solid foundation
for effective communication that is sensitive to the influences of culture.
Why is it's important to use culturally appropriate terms in communicating?
Communicating in a way that is culturally appropriate, making an active effort to understand
and accept the culture of your peers, is incredibly important in various business settings. It's all
about understanding culture and working effectively with each other's cultural influences.
4 Verbal Intercultural Communication Styles by Gudykunst and Ting-Toomey
1. Direct vs. Indirect Style.
Direct communication happens when a speaker’s true intentions are communicated in
his/her verbal message. It expresses the speaker’s/sender’s needs and desires explicitly.
When a direct communicator wants or needs something, he/she will ‘come right out
and say it’.
Indirect communication happens when a speaker’s true intentions are hidden. Indirect
speakers will not make a direct statement or directly answer a question that might
cause tension or result in an uncomfortable situation. They are more likely to say
“maybe” or “possibly’ when the true answer is “no”.
2. Elaborate vs. Exacting vs. Succinct Style
Elaborate verbal style refers to the use of rich, expressive language.
Exacting or precise style is a style where no more or no less information than required is
given.
Succinct or understated style includes the use of understatements, pauses, and silences.
3. Personal vs. Contextual style
Person-centered communication style is informal and emphasizes the individual and
equalitarian relationships. The person-centeredness is reflected, for instance, by the use
of the pronoun I. The contextual style is status and role oriented.
4. Instrumental vs. Affective style
Instrumental communication style is goal oriented, and sender focused. Affective
communication style is process oriented and listener focused. Verbally this means
explicitness (instrumental style) and implicitness (affective style).
6 Examples of Cultural Differences in Communication
1. Body Language and Space
In some cultures, eye contact is important, whereas in a few cultures eye contact is
disrespectful. For example, in the US, it’s common decency to look someone in the eye
when they’re talking to you. In Indonesia, the opposite is true. In fact, maintaining direct
eye contact is seen as disrespectful.
Certain hand gestures can be offensive in different countries, too. While a thumbs up or
a victory sign may seem innocent to you, it can be extremely rude to others.
2. Addressing People
First impressions are everything, so it’s essential that you get things right from the first
point of communication.
That means addressing people in an appropriate manner. Find out whether it’s more
acceptable to use someone’s first name, surname or title before reaching out to them.
Some cultures do this more formally than others. For example, in Thailand, it’s common
for workers to address their bosses as ‘father’ or ‘mother’ when business relations are
particularly good.
3. Cultural & Language Barriers
When speaking to people across different cultures, you need to be aware of few words
and phrases can’t be directly translated into other languages.
It would be best if you were especially careful when using idioms in
business communications. While their meanings may seem obvious to you, they can be
entirely baffling for non-native speakers.
In any case, it’s polite to try and learn at least a few words, like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ in
the other party’s language. They’re bound to appreciate the effort.
4. Cultural Barriers in the Workplace
Dealing with conflict can be a complex and delicate issue in any case if you’re dealing
with people from different cultures. When you add language or cultural barriers, they
become even more difficult.
It’s important to be aware of how different cultures respond to these types of
situations.
For example, in many Western cultures, it’s common to approach someone directly
about a problem or disagreement you may have with them. However, Asian cultures can
be very different.
5. Gift Giving
Gift-giving etiquette is always complicated if you are dealing with customer, supplier or
businesspeople all over the Globe.
For instance, in China, you’re likely to be asked what kind of gift you’d like before
receiving one. In Japan, you can expect your gift to be reused once or twice before it’s
accepted. In Saudi Arabia, expensive gifts are common, but elsewhere, they may be
viewed as a form of bribery.
6. Table Manners: An Overview of Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette
In some countries, it’s polite to finish everything on your plate. However, in others, this
means that you aren’t satisfied. Sometimes, it’s more polite to leave a little food behind.
Slangs across the U.S
1. From East Coast
Mad – very or extremely
Sketchy – suspicious or out of place, it can be used in person or an event.
Chiefin – came from us state capital of Washington D.C, means to steal or to not share.
2. From Mid-West
Swag – to move unsteadily, use to describe confident stylish attitude.
You Betcha! – use to express emphatic agreement.
3. From the South
Dale – okay or go ahead
Break Bad – partake in illegal activity
Idioms used in Other Countries
IMAGE IDIOM COUNTRY CAME MEANING
FROM
“Stop Ironing My America Stop annoying me
Head”
“Are you still riding Northern Are you no longer
the goat?” Cheyenne Indian married?
“Walk around in hot Germany Beat around the
porridge” bushes or to tell
something right away
“Live like a maggot Germany Living luxuriously.
in a bacon”
“Inflate a Cow” China To simply brag or talk
something up to bigger
than it is
“Hang noodles on Russia To fool them or
someone’s ears” backstab
“Dumplings Instead Japan Refer to choosing
of Flowers” something useful over
something pretty and
decorative
“A germ across the Indonesia It is easy to see other’s
sea can be seen, an mistake no matter how
elephant on an small they are, but it is
eyelid can’t” hard to see your own
mistake even when
they’re right in front of
you.
Culturally Appropriate Images
New Zealand
Images Meaning/Description
MAORI – Idigenous people in New Zealand ,they
have a form of body art, known as ‘moko’ but
more commonly known as “maori”
AHU AHU MATAROA - talent and achievement in
athleticism or sport
TARATAREKAE - strength and sensitivity
India
Images Meaning/Description
TILAKAS– spiritual markings on the forehead,
BINDIS – a mark (such as a red dot) or piece of
jewelry worn on the middle of the forehead
especially by Hindu women
