Communicating Across Cultures

00Overview

01Intercultural Communication

Considering cultural differences can reduce communication barriers and improve communication in the workplace.

02Overcoming Cultural...

Some cultures rely more upon words to convey meaning, while others are more mindful of nonverbal and environmental signals.

03Technology as an Aid to...

Technologies such as translation and research tools are important aids to effective intercultural commu-nication.

04Summary

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Overview

Would you ever take or accept a bribe in the workplace? One university lecturer and researcher reports that, in her native Mauritius, bribery has become so common that little is done any more to stop it. As the global economy continues to expand and businesses diversify their workforces, at some point in your career, you will likely interact with people who have different cultural beliefs than yours, and whose economic and social status is on a different plateau from yours. Effective communication across diverse cultures can be challenging. However, you can overcome cul-tural differences between you and your audience by applying certain strategies, such as assessing their reliance upon context. Low-context cultures tend to ignore nonverbal meaning and rely almost exclu-sively on spoken or written words. High-context cultures tend to interpret meaning within environmen-tal settings and rely more on nonverbal communication. In addition, other cultural differences must be considered as well. Countries and inter-dependent regions may differ from one another socially in terms of measures of success, roles, manners, and concepts of time. Countries may also have varied communi-cation styles in terms of openness, directness, and nonverbal gestures. To overcome barriers to cultural communication, speak clearly and in a moderate pace, avoid slang and colloquialisms, and pause where appropriate to clarify understanding. You can take advantage of tech-nology tools such as online translators and dictionaries. To be an effective intercultural communicator, you are responsible for making sure your messages are received as clearly and accurately as you intend.

Topics

Topic 1: Intercultural CommunicationConsidering cultural differences can reduce communication barriers and improve communication in the workplace.

Topic 2: Overcoming Cultural DifferencesSome cultures rely more upon words to convey meaning, while others are more mindful of nonverbal and environmental signals.

Topic 3: Technology as an Aid to Intercultural Communication

Technologies such as translation and research tools are important aids to effective intercultural commu-nication.

ObjectivesTopic 1: Intercultural Communication

Discuss the challenges of communicating across culturesTopic 2: Overcoming Cultural Differences

Describe how language barriers can be overcome Discuss intercultural sensitivity Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures

Topic 3: Technology as an Aid to Intercultural Communication Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures Describe how language barriers can be overcome

Topic 01: Intercultural Communication

Introduction

Have you ever not understood a joke, but laughed as though you understood the punch line to avoid embarrassment? We have all been in situations where we misinterpreted or misunderstood a message. However, in our inter-dependent world today, we need to make sure our communications are clear and correctly interpreted by many different cultures. And while our nonverbal signals can speak just as clearly as our words, in the absence of a clear, verbal connection, nonverbal signals alone do a poor job of covering up for our lack of understanding. You can reduce intercultural communication barriers by being sensitive to how people from cultures besides your own think, speak, and behave. Global compa-nies incorporate other cultures into their own communities, so you’ll find yourself communicating with everyday colleagues who would prefer not to be thought of as foreigners. OBJECTIVES

Discuss the challenges of communicating across cultures

SEQUENCEINTRODUCTION, PRESENTATION, CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING, REVIEW

Advantages and Disadvantages to Intercultural CommunicationIntercultural communication is the process of sending and receiving messages between people whose cultural backgrounds could lead them to interpret verbal and nonverbal signs differently. Language is just one of many elements that play a role in communication between cultures. As with most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to intercultural communication. Multicultural settings provide many opportunities in the workplace because individuals are exposed to a broad range of views and can gain a better understanding of diverse markets. Organizations have access to a very broad pool of talent as well. Cultural differences, as you might expect, can create communication barriers in the workplace in a number of ways. For example, a person of one culture might fail to “read between the lines” and take a colleague’s comment literally. Another problem might develop when working on a deadline; meeting a deadline may be considered more important to one culture than another. Understanding and being sensitive to the ways people of other cultures think, speak, and behave are critical to avoiding these problems.

Concept of CultureCulture, in its broadest sense, it refers to the worldview, beliefs, attitudes, values, norms, and behavior guidelines shared by a group of individuals. The greater the difference between cultures, the greater the chance for misunderstanding in communication. This is because culture defines many aspects of communication, including the following: Select each item to learn more. Meaning of wordsSignificance of gestures Importance of time and space Rules of human relationships

Check Your Understanding

For each item, select the best answer. Language is the primary way people from different cultures communicate.

True

False Due to multicultural settings in the workplace, the talent pool has increased in most businesses.

True

False In the world of business, deadlines can be misunderstood because one culture may not place as great an emphasis on meeting deadlines as another culture.

True

False

Check Your UnderstandingSelect the items to the correct match. Check your answers when you are finished. Importance of time and space 1Remaining <>Jack communicates the upcoming deadline to Indira, a woman of Indian descent. He wants to ensure this concept of culture is understood. To make sure her presentation is understood, Jackie uses appropriate words that all cultures will understand and avoids clichés. She does this to help the company’s multicultural employees understand this concept of culture. Meaning of words Thomas is careful to not meet the eyes of his Indonesian coworker, Jinying. He knows it’s considered offensive in her culture and wants to be mindful of it. Significance of gestures

Review

Cultural differences between you and the people you work with will naturally stand out from one an-other, unless you take the necessary steps to bridge those differences and clarify the connection be-tween you. For instance, An English speaker who uses idiomatic phrases like “chomping at the bit” or “going flat out” may confuse someone who speaks English as a second language. You can inadvertently create a barrier between you and someone from another culture, just by failing to understand that cul-ture’s everyday behaviors and beliefs about things as commonplace as food or opening other people’s doors. Even advising that pushing back a deadline is permissible, may shock a co-worker from another culture who perceives a deadline as a deeply important personal promise. You’ll find your peers are honored that you take the time to learn their customs, and hold them in esteem even when you can’t partake in them yourself. OBJECTIVES

Discuss the challenges of communicating across culturesSEQUENCEINTRODUCTION, PRESENTATION, CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING, REVIEW

Topic 02: Overcoming Cultural Differences

Introduction

Today, businesses value diversity among their workforce. They hire people from varied age groups, so-cioeconomic statuses, geographical locations, and levels of experience. As a result, misunderstandings may arise because of cultural differences. You can take steps to break down cultural communication barriers. For example, speak slowly and clearly, don’t talk down to your listeners by oversimplifying. Keep in mind a few foreign phrases that your listeners may be familiar with, and that you may resort to using yourself where appropriate, when your own language may not convey your message completely. Be especially vigilant with written com-munication, since the lack of verbal and nonverbal clues may lead to unintentional misunderstandings. Use precise words, avoid slang, and cite numbers and dates carefully. Communication styles vary from country to country, and taking the time to understand these variances will help you overcome cultural differences and become a more effective communicator. OBJECTIVES

Describe how language barriers can be overcome Discuss intercultural sensitivity Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures

SEQUENCEINTRODUCTION, PRESENTATIONCHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING, REVIEW

Diversity in the WorkplaceDiversity in the workplace includes everything from age, gender, religion, and ethnic heritage to socioeconomic status, geography, and military experience. This diversity creates advantages and challenges for businesses and for you as a communicator for the following reasons. Cultural diversity: Select each item to learn more.

Encompasses the differences between national, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, as well as between different gender and age groups. Brings a broader range of viewpoints and ideas.Helps companies understand and identify with diverse markets. Enables companies to tap into the broadest possible pool of talent. Affects how business messages are conceived, planned, sent, received, and interpreted in the workplace.

Ethnocentrism and StereotypingLearn terminology that is associated with cultural differences.Select each item to learn more. EthnocentrismEthnocentrism is the tendency to judge all other groups according to your own group’s standards as if your own standards were superior. XenophobiaXenophobia is a more extreme reaction to other cultures; it means that you actually fear strangers and foreigners. StereotypingStereotyping is assigning a range of generalized attributes to an individual on the basis of their membership in a particular culture or social group, without considering the individual’s unique characteristics. It is a matter of oversimplifying and failing to acknowledge individuality on the job and in our personal lives. Cultural pluralismCultural pluralism is the practice of accepting multiple cultures on their own terms.

Recognizing Cultural DifferencesWhen communicating with people from another culture, you encode your message based on the assumptions of your culture. The recipients decode your message based on the assumptions of their culture. Can you see how misunderstandings arise and communication goes awry? The greater the difference between cultures, the greater the chance for misunderstanding. There is hope, however. You can learn how people in other cultures want to be treated by recognizing and accommodating five main types of cultural differences: Select each item to learn more. 1Contextual differences 2Legal and ethical differences3Social differences4Nonverbal differences 5Age and gender differences

Cultural ContextCultural context is defined as the pattern of physical cues, environmental stimuli, and implicit understanding that conveys meaning between two members of the same culture. Every effort at communication occurs within a cultural context. High-context cultures are cultures that rely heavily on nonverbal actions and environmental setting to convey meaning (such as Latin American, Arabian, and Japanese). These cultures also rely on nonverbal communication to relay messages that might not be reflected in their words. Low-context cultures are cultures that tend to value the explicit verbal or written communication (such as German, French, and American). These cultures tend to ignore nonverbal signals and take words literally. For example, when a U.S. businessperson sets a deadline, which to them is etched in stone, someone from a Latin American culture might see that date as flexible. If the deadline is not met, the U.S. businessperson could assume that their partner does not take their relationship seriously while the Latin American could see the American as rigid and dictatorial.

How Cultural Context Affects Business

Cultural Context and Legal and Ethical BehaviorCultural context also influences legal and ethical behavior. Low-context cultures tend to value written agreements and interpret laws strictly, whereas high-context cultures view adherence to laws as being more flexible. Cultural differences can complicate ethical choices. For example, although bribing officials is illegal—and unethical—in the United States, it is common practice in many other countries. You can minimize the impact of cultural differences in creating ethical communications by following these principles:

Actively seek mutual ground Send and receive messages without judgment Send messages that are honest Show respect for cultural differences

Bribing a police officer would not be considered acceptable in the United States; however, in other countries this might be considered perfectly fine!

Social DifferencesSocial behavior varies among cultures, and these behaviors are guided by rules. Formal rules are specifically articulated where as informal rules are usually learned over time as people watch and imitate how others are behaving. Learn how attitudes toward different areas vary from culture to culture: Select each item to learn more. Work and successMany Americans still hold a Puritan view about material comforts earned by individual effort being a sign of superiority; other cultures do not share American’s values in this area. Roles and status Culture often dictates the way people are expected to communicate (for example, either directly or through a rigidly defined hierarchy) and even the manner in which people in certain positions are addressed. Use of manners “Polite” behavior is defined differently in different cultures. To avoid insulting others, research the cultural norms and observe members of that culture carefully.

Concepts of time People in high-context cultures such as Japan are likely to view schedules and timetables as less important than building business relationships. People in low-context cultures such as the United States value structured interactions and consider time to be a limited commodity.

Communication Styles Vary by CultureYour communication style with diverse audiences will vary widely from culture to culture. This includes the level of directness, the degree of formality, preferences for written versus spoken communication, and other factors. For instance, U.S. workers typically prefer an open and direct communication style, and rely more on verbal communication and less on circumstances and cues to convey meaning. On the other hand, professionals from Japan or China tend to be less direct, rely less on verbal communication and more on nonverbal actions and environmental setting to convey meaning.

Nonverbal Communication DifferencesNonverbal communication can be a reliable guide to determining the meaning of a message. However, it is reliable only when the communicators belong to the same culture. To enhance your nonverbal skills across cultures, observe the way people act in the following areas:

Greetings and posture Personal space and touching Facial expressions and eye contact Formality

Avoiding Nonverbal Mishaps

Cultural Comparison of Age and GenderAge and gender are treated differently in various cultures. Click below to learn the different views of age and gender in the United States compared to other cultures. Remember that these comparisons are based on generalities; as with all situations, you should assess each circumstance individually. Use these general trends to gain insight and understanding. Select each item to learn more. United States

Youth is valued and emphasized. Accomplishments of young businesspersons are celebrated. The energy, strength, and freedom of youth are valued. Openly disagreeing with professional authority figures is accepted. Business opportunities for women are increasing. Female executives in the United States are taken seriously. Women tend to emphasize relationships versus content in communication, where men tend to

emphasize content over relationships. Women might have to find a niche in male-dominated industries; men might have to assess

male-dominated patterns and behaviors. Many cultures outside of the United States

Age and seniority are valued. Older businesspeople have the most freedom, more decision-making power, and are treated

with a high level of respect.

The wisdom, knowledge, and experience of age are valued and respected. Openly disagreeing with professional authority figures is considered to be disrespectful. Traditional cultures expect women to take a more subservient role. Female executives visiting other cultures might be taken less seriously than their male

counterparts.

Improving Intercultural Writing SkillsIn addition to learning the preferred communication style of your multicultural audience, you can help ensure successful messages by taking extra care with your writing: Select each item to learn more. 1 Use simple, clear language and precise words that have only one meaning.2 Be brief by breaking information into smaller chunks.3 Use transitional elements, such as the words in addition, first, second, and third.4 Address international correspondence properly and use appropriate address elements and salutations. 5 Cite numbers and dates carefully so that they cannot be misread.6 Avoid slang, idiomatic phrases (phrases that mean more than the sum of their literal parts), jargon, and technical language. 7 Avoid humor and other references to popular culture.

Improving Intercultural Speaking SkillsWhat about recommendations for speaking clearly? To be more effective in intercultural conversations, remember to do the following: Speak slowly and clearlyDon’t rephrase until it’s absolutely necessaryLook for (and ask for) feedback to make sure that your message is getting throughDon’t talk down to the other person by over-enunciating words or oversimplifying sentencesLearn foreign phrasesClarify what will happen next

Check Your UnderstandingSelect the items to the correct match. Check your answers when you are finished. 0Remaining <>EthnocentrismThe tendency to judge all other groups according to your own group’s standards as if your own standards were superior. XenophobiaFearing strangers and foreigners.Stereotyping

Assigning a range of generalized attributes to someone based on membership in a particular culture or social group. Cultural pluralismThe practice of accepting multiple cultures on a person’s own terms.EtiquetteThe expected norms of behavior in a particular situation.Check Answers

Check Your UnderstandingFor each item, select the best answer. Germany is an example of a low-context culture.

True

FalseCulture refers only to the nationality, ethnicity, and geography shared by a group of people.

True

FalseSouth Korea and Taiwan are examples of high-context cultures.

True

FalseU.S. business executives generally enjoy open debate and confrontation.

True

FalseTreating people from different cultures as you would expect to be treated is a good way to adapt to their culture.

True

False

Review

Every culture operates within its own cultural context. Cultural pluralism is the practice of embracing cultures unquestioningly. Understanding nonverbal, social, legal and ethical, and age and gender cultural differences can lead to better workplace communication. Some cultures are considered to have a high or low cultural context depending on the degree to which they rely upon words alone to convey meaning. With respect to each cultural context, you must con-sider social, nonverbal, and other differences that may create communication barriers. Communication styles also vary by country, and you can use strategies to adapt your written and verbal communication to meet the communication needs of a culturally diverse audience. The most extreme cultural differences are tagged like psychological phenomena. For example, ethno-centrism refers to the tendency to judge others’ cultural standards only with relation to your own. Xeno-phobia truly is a psychological term, referring to fear of all other cultures. OBJECTIVES

Describe how language barriers can be overcome Discuss intercultural sensitivity Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures

SEQUENCEINTRODUCTION, PRESENTATION, CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING, REVIEW

Topic 03: Technology as an Aid to Intercultural Communication

Introduction

Translators and automatic translation programs offer two options for communicating in different lan-guages. Human translation interprets words, along with tone of voice, gestures, and other nonverbal nu-ances. Automatic translation is often used for written communication and helps with understanding words, phrases, and basic messages. For example, web sites can be translated into any of dozens of lan-guages automatically using Google Translate or other services. The result will be somewhat rough—you won’t want to use it to translate an important speech into a vastly different language. OBJECTIVES

Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures Describe how language barriers can be overcome

SEQUENCEINTRODUCTION, PRESENTATION, CHECK YOURUNDERSTANDING, REVIEW

TranslationsCross-cultural business communication has traditionally been accomplished by using translators for written communication and interpreters for spoken communication. Translators are invaluable for providing manuals and other product documentation in multiple languages, which is an expectation in today’s global market. An important aspect of translators’ and interpreters’ jobs is keeping current with the evolution of everyday language. As society changes, so does the cultural context and the use of language. Keeping abreast of subtle changes in language prevents misunderstandings and embarrassment while facilitating effective communication. Technology has enhanced cross-cultural communication by allowing electronic translation options. Although technology is unable to capture the subtleties of language in the same way that human translators and interpreters can, technology provides opportunities for understanding words, phrases,

and basic messages through automated translation. Major search engines also provide options for viewing web pages in other languages.

Communicating in a Global EnvironmentWhat are the challenges of communicating in the global workplace? What are barriers to effective communication across borders? What is the critical role of time in global communication efforts? Think about these questions as you watch the following video.Communicating effectively in the Global Workplace

Prentice Hall PresentsCommunicating Effectively in the Global Workplace

Each year more companies go global as products and services cross lines of country, culture, and language. Communicating in this global marketplace can be challenging. Take this food court for example. Let’s assume that it’s the multinational company where you work. There are representatives from countries around the world here in one place. But, like ordering food in this mall, your communication challenge within the four walls of your local office is relatively simple. There are key issues you need to consider, but, for the most part, language is not one of them. Like here where I can order Mexican or Chinese food in plain English, you can usually communicate in one language: English within the confines of your office. But when reaching out to employees or customers around the world, the issues you face become more: more complicated, more sensitive, and more challenging. And if done right, they can be more rewarding.

So your challenge is: How do you communicate across language, cultural, time, and technology barriers? Welcome to the challenges of the global workplace.Whether you’re planning a communication that goes around the office, or around the world, you know the four basic tasks you have to start with: first, identifying your audience; second, defining your message; third, defining your goals; and fourth, identifying your communication tools. Once you’ve worked through these tasks, it’s time to put your plan into motion. Not too difficult if your business is confined to one building, but what if your company has several locations? You have to consider communicating across several buildings, maybe several states, and maybe several time zones. Now look at this from the perspective of a communicator in the global workplace. You have additional challenges and considerations. You need to consider things like differences in time zones, even differences in days of the week, different language requirements, and different cultural issues. Language is what allows people to communicate. But at times, language can be a barrier to effective communications. Let’s just take a simple example where you need to deliver a communication to employees in the U.S., Canada, and France. Your first inclination may be that you can send English language version to the U.S. and Canada, and a French language version to your employees in France: a common assumption. But, upon closer examination and counsel from your legal department, you find out that communications in Quebec, Canada must by law be in both English and French. Lesson number one: Research the legal requirements when communicating in other countries. Upon further research, you learn that French spoken and written in Quebec is not the same as in France. So now you have another set of challenges on your hands. Even though you’re communicating in two languages, you have to have three sets of materials: one English version for U.S. and English speaking Canadian employees, one version in English and Canadian French for Quebec employees, and one French version for employees in France. So your one communication effort has become a three-headed monster. One challenge is: How do you ensure your communication is properly translated in the local language and dialect? This is especially important if you don’t speak the language or have a trusted contact in that country. As the communicator, you are responsible for the content of what you write, no matter what the language it’s in. Take Spanish for example. There are many different dialects, like there are food types in this food court, to consider. Three major Spanish dialects in the U.S. alone: in the Southwest, Mexican Spanish; in the Northeast, Puerto Rican Spanish; in the South; Cuban Spanish. The differences are slight, but can be important as words spelled the same way can have different meanings.Now, imagine going global, and the differences you have to account for. It can be very tricky. Beyond language, there are cultural differences to consider. As a business communicator, the written word is one aspect of

communication. Another is the design of the piece as graphics can help communicate your message. But different images in different colors can have widely different meanings. For example, pink is not a color to be used in China. Put certain Spanish words in red and you entirely change the meaning of the word. The same can be true about words themselves. As a business communicator, you may work in the marketing department, or may be responsible for coming up with product names. As discussed above, you need to consider language and cultural issues very carefully. For example in the 1960s and 70s, General Motors had a hot-selling car in the U.S.: the Chevy Nova, but no matter what the company did, sales in Latin and South America were terrible. One reason was the translation of nova in Spanish. No va means does not go. Well, that’s not an effective pitch for a sporty little car. Lesson number two: The use of certain English words and expressions do not always have the same meaning, or even any meaning at all, when translated in a different language, or see through the eyes of a different culture. Many expressions or idioms are based in the history and culture of their country of origin. As such a letter-to-letter or word-to-word translation does not convey the same meaning.Take Pepsi’s marketing slogan of the late 1990s: Come alive with the Pepsi generation. When directly translated into Chinese, its meaning changed to tell potential customers in China that Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave. Well, it may be an eye catcher, but hardly truthful, and hardly attractive to the young, cool audience Pepsi was trying to reach. Another successful ad campaign spoke to the benefits of this product. Got milk? This campaign boasted sales of milk in the U.S. so significantly it was decided to expand the campaign to nearby countries, including Mexico. But the company responsible for translating the spots into Spanish didn’t quite get it. The result was a commercial that asked not: Got milk?, but rather: Are you lactating? But, as I mentioned before, words alone may not be an issue. Colors images and packaging can be different from culture to culture. When Gerber started selling baby food in Africa, they decided to use the same packaging as years of design, testing, and refinement proved so successful in the United States. That packaging featured the picture of a cute baby on the label. But in Africa, especially outside of the main urban areas, use of Gerber baby food was near zero. The reason? Well, it was later learned by Gerber’s marketing group that in Africa, where many people can’t read, in-the-know companies routinely put pictures of what’s inside the jar, can, or package on the outside. So you may think that the picture of a smiling baby may sell baby food, but not in Africa.So, from these few examples, you can see the importance of two things: one, translation, not just of letters and words, but of meaning; and two, cultural tradition or practices.Another critical issue the global communicator faces is the issue of time. What if your communication needs to be released at the start of

business, Monday? Release of your message at 9 a.m. on Monday in New York City means that it’s already 2 p.m. in London. And it’s 10 p.m. in Japan, and the business and stock markets there have already closed. Is this acceptable? It depends on the situation and the communication. But in any event, it’s something you must plan for. And if planning the release of communication across time zones, what challenges do you face when trying to hold conference calls or video meetings with affiliates and employees around the world? Depending on what countries your company operates in around the world, someone might have to stay up very late or get up very early to participate in such live meetings: another important planning consideration.Speaking of time, my time is up. Technology has made the world a smaller place. As a business communicator, you can get in touch with people half way around the world over the phone or over the web in a matter of seconds. But time plays a critical role in global communication efforts: the time it takes to develop and prepare your communication, the time it takes to translate your communication, the timing of the delivery of your communication. Yes, time and timing are important considerations, but language and culture are even more important. As time goes on each country is becoming more multi-cultural even within its own borders. So, whether you’re a global communicator or not, the issues covered here today, language, culture, and time, should be part of your strategic, and tactic communication plans.Thank you. Gracias. Vous remercier. Vielen Dank. Ringraziario. Obrigado.produced byDeerfield Productionsin conjunction withPrentice Hall© copyright 2004, Prentice Hall

Check Your UnderstandingSelect the item to complete the sentence correctly. Check your answers when you are finished. Unable, ableDue to automated translation, technology is to understand words, phrases, and basic messages; it is to capture the subtleties of language in the same way that translators and interpreters can.

Check Your UnderstandingSelect the items to the correct match. Check your answers when you are finished. 0Remaining <>Responsible for written communication Interpreters

Responsible for spoken communicationTranslators

Review

To communicate effectively, you need to be sure your verbal, nonverbal, and written messages are ac-curately received and interpreted the way you intend. Because human translators aren’t always readily available, you may find yourself relying upon online translation services, perhaps using your PC or smart-phone. But these services cannot always understand the nuances of colloquial or metaphorical speech, so make sure the words that your chosen service translates into another language are straightforward, explicit, and plain. Take into account differences in geography, such as days of the week and time zones, especially when scheduling business meetings in another country. As a communicator, you are responsi-ble for ensuring your messages meet the expectations of the people receiving them. OBJECTIVES

Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures Describe how language barriers can be overcome

SEQUENCEINTRODUCTION, PRESENTATION, CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING, REVIEW

Communicating Across Cultures: Summary

Summary

A thumbs-up, a handshake, saying “bless you” after someone sneezes—these are culture-based behav-iors and vary from country to country. An acceptable gesture, word, action, or behavior in one culture, or even subculture, is not always the norm in another. While intercultural communication presents chal-lenges in the workplace, it can also help us realize that our accepted beliefs may not be interpreted the same way, either around the world or even by someone just down the street. Because there may always be miscommunications between differing cultures, you should approach the task of creating messages for other cultures with respect. It’s fine to teach people about your own cul-ture, but it’s wrong to do so in a condescending way, as though you intend to improve their way of life or change their beliefs to be more compatible with yours. Cultures develop as a means for people who live or work near to one another to share a common background. Culture clashes are merely the result of the mobility of our society, where people find themselves in new environments in a matter of hours. Cultural bridges are built when you and your peers take the time to respect one another’s cultures, look more closely for similarities, and even delight in each other’s differences. OBJECTIVESTopic 1: Intercultural Communication

Discuss the challenges of communicating across culturesTopic 2: Overcoming Cultural Differences

Describe how language barriers can be overcome Discuss intercultural sensitivity Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures

Topic 3: Technology as an Aid to Intercultural Communication Identify communication approaches to communicating across cultures Describe how language barriers can be overcome