Communication is the use of messages to produce meaning within and across a variety of

contexts, cultures, methods and media, according to the Association for Communication
Administration. It is a learned activity--you must learn to speak your native language, operate a
cell phone or even use gestures that are common in your culture. You must also learn to receive
and interpret messages from others.
Verbal communication is best suited to convey specific information, and is better suited to
communication through technology over long distances. Nonverbal communication is more
immediate than verbal communication, but its meaning is typically more ambiguous,
notwithstanding the fact that certain forms of nonverbal communication, such as the use of the
eyes, can convey emotions more effectively than words can. Some technological means of
communication, such as film, can effectively convey many forms of nonverbal communication.
Verbal communication
Interpretations of verbal communication can be culturally based. Misunderstandings can easily
arise. For example in some cultures:
It is impolite to speak without being specifically asked by a superior, thus some students
will not say hello, will not volunteer answers and will not answer generally directed
questions.
It is not appropriate to refuse a request, thus saying yes may mean I am listening, or
maybe, or no. Avoidance behaviour rather than contradiction is used i.e. not doing
what is requested is the polite response, as opposed to saying directly no.
Direct confrontation is to be avoided. It is more important to maintain the relationship,
then to find an answer to an immediate disputed issue or problem. This contrasts with the
anglo-Australian approach of trying to resolve issues by frank and open discussion of the
disputed issue, clearly stating personal needs and preferences and direct bargaining
tactics focusing on an immediate solution.
Asking questions when you already know the answer, which is a common teaching
technique in Australia, can indicate a lack of intelligence in some cultures.
Non verbal communication
Non-verbal communication can be more important than speech for reflecting emotion, mood and
motivation. Non-verbal cues will vary significantly across cultures:
Direct eye contact is used to show attentive listening and respect, however direct eye
contact is impolite in some cultures
Students smiles are interpreted as a sign of happiness, comfort or pleasure, when
actually they are smiling because they are uncomfortable or embarrassed.
Encouraging a warm and friendly classroom atmosphere by teachers sitting on tables, or
kneeling on the floor beside student desks may not be appropriate.
Some simple actions are open to misinterpretation and can be insulting or embarrassing to
students:
Kneeling at a students desk with the teachers head lower than the students
Distance between teacher and students during conversations being too close
Expecting students to greet teachers without teachers speaking first (unsolicited
indications of presence are disrespectful on many cultures)
Touching a students head (most holy part of the body in some cultures)
Pointing the feet (least holy part of the body in some cultures)
Signaling students to approach by crooking index finger (a gesture applied to dogs in
South East Asia)
Pointing to a student or blackboard with a straight index finger
Students not sitting while adults stand (sitting is a sign of respect)
It may not be possible to address all these issues for all groups, particularly as some of them
conflict. Careers practitioners need to be aware of the potential for miscommunication and create
bridges to reduce miscommunication and improve effectiveness.
As well as teachers being aware of these issues in the classroom, it is important for students to be
made aware of cultural expectations in the workplace and how their verbal and non-verbal
communication may be interpreted.
Class discussion of cultural cues can be useful to highlight different interpretations of the same
actions, but must be done in a sensitive way that does not isolate or embarrass individuals or
groups. These discussions can lead into the lessons on Transition Planning, which focus on the
job application process, particularly in relation to interview skills.
Verbal and non-verbal communication vary widely from culture to culture. Something that feels
positive to an American, such as making eye contact or offering an encouraging hand gesture,
might be taken in an entirely different way in a different country. Pitch, volume, and pacing of
speech also take different forms for different people.