Our text explains that there are six principles of cross-culture communication. The first principle is that the greater the cultural/linguistic difference or barrier is between people the bigger or greater the communication breakdown will be. An example, a conversation between a person from United States and Iran would have more difficulty than a conversation between a person from the United States and Britain. United States and Britain both speak English with different accents. People from Iran speak an entirely different language making the linguistic of communication much more different.
Second principle suggest that the cultural differences results in the breakdown. People of different cultures learn differently and understand things differently and that causes a communication breakdown.
Third principle says that when a person is communicating cross-culturally that they are more cautious when communicating. They will choose their words more carefully, ask clarifying questions and in generally make a conscious effort in communicating. They are more in tuned to body language and watch hand gestures to make sure they are understanding better.
A fourth principle states that cultures will pay attention to the number and kind of “do’s and taboos” that are required by that culture. Some culture groups have very formal rules, or traditions and it is important to be aware of those when communicating with a culture that has them. It is out of respect that we follow their tradition. Our text explained that Roger Axtell, former CEO of the Parker Pen Company had written about the do’s and taboos. Axtell. R (1990),”recommends that you provide a small gift when meeting Japanese visitors. However, you would not wrap the gift in white paper since white is a sign of death, nor should the gift ever be a knife since it suggests the visitor commit suicide”.
The fifth principle urges that a person keep in mind what is normal or expected of different culture differences. In doing so it helps increase our understanding of that group. When you understand more about a group it will become easier to communicate with them and that is an important aspect of cross-culture communication.
The sixth and last principle states “that if you see others as friendly, cooperative, and trustworthy, barriers will be more easily overcome” (Cheeseboro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2010, Chapter 3). When we see these qualities in others, we are more likely to work together with them to achieve a level of understanding despite the differences in the cultures, language, and worldviews.
Communication with a health care provider is very important and if there is any type of culture difference it can affect the treatment that would be provided or administered. A great example was given in our discussion. A healthcare provider would need to know in advance when treating a Muslim woman, especially if they are a male physician. It is against their faith for a woman to be disrobed in front of a male and that would need to be clearly stated in that patients chart. If it is not there could be an issue and would be a culture difference. References:
Cheeseboro, T., O'Connor, L., & Rios, F. (2010). Communicating in the Workplace. Ch. 3, Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
Axtell, R. (1990). Do’s and taboos of hosting international visitors. New York: Wiley.