Overview

on Cross-Cultural Communication Overview

Cross-cultural communication is sharing thoughts and ideas through verbal and

nonverbal ways, resulting in the ability to create and cultivate relationships with
individuals from differing cultural backgrounds.

By its very nature, communication is cultural and must be considered in context or

through the lens of the participants culture(s). As we learn to speak and give
nonverbal messages to convey our thoughts and needs to others, our
communication style is influenced by our families and our childhood experiences.
Once we begin interacting with the world outside our immediate community,
however, we learn that there are other communication styles, both similar to and
different from our own. If we believe that communication is interactive, then we
must strive to match our styles to those of others and to challenge ourselves to
create relationships of merit.

Our preferred style may be adapted situationally and in response to variable factors,
such as context, personalities, our responses, or even our frame of mind. Our goal is
to be effective when sharing in the give-and-take of communication. Are we
phrasing our language and syntax in a way that makes sense? Are we listening to
what the other person is saying? Do their responses indicate that we have a shared
understanding of the words and the meaning behind them? Are we building
camaraderie and trust? Are there differences that relate to ineffective
communication, contradictory goals or interests, or fundamentally diverse ways of
interpreting the world around us? All of these questions and more need to be put
forward if we truly want to be good communicators with new attitudes and skills.

With the rise of instantaneous methods of communication and social networking, it

is even more imperative to realize the importance of cross-cultural communication
in our everyday life and work. Operating from a base of respect and equality in the
communication process makes dealing with different or difficult circumstances far
more manageable for everyone. Coexistence starts with dialogue and this open
exchange of ideas and positions is the basis of communication. We need to adopt a
cross-cultural and truly global perspective in order to work effectively across
languages and cultures.

At this point, we must recognize the distinction between cross-cultural and

intercultural communication. Many researchers posit that understanding cross-
cultural communication is a necessary skill that precedes understanding
intercultural communication. Cross-cultural communication has been defined as the
comparison of communication across cultures, and intercultural communication as
the ability to communicate between people from differing cultural backgrounds.
Skills to be developed include language, verbal and nonverbal communication

Core Skills, Cross-Cultural Communication Association for Childhood Education International Page 1
across cultures; understanding cultural influences on the expression and perception
of identity and group communication; communication in cross- or intercultural
relationships; and adapting to unknown cultures. To develop these skills, be aware
of the similarities and differences in perception of:

Formality of speech and language (e.g., choose proper tense and reference,
refrain from using slang)
Etiquette, rules, or manners (e.g., what is considered polite)
Body language (e.g., how you sit or stand may have alternate or additional
meaning)
Verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., direct speech, implied meaning, signs or
symbols)
Personal or physical space (e.g., comfort zones)
Social values and customs (e.g., what are the norms or standards of conduct,
be aware of how sex or religion can inform behaviors)
Concept of time (e.g., what is considered late may differ)
Humor (e.g., what you find funny may strike another as rude or offensive)
Privacy (e.g., asking personal questions may be invasive or improper).

Learning as much as possible about another language or culture will enhance your
ability to communicate with others. When encountering someone who does not
share your home language or culture, talk to people who have interacted with
members of that culture or observe the similarities and differences with a respectful
eye. Concentrate on learning something about the culture's history and social
structures, values, and customs. Find out about a country's subcultures and any
special rules of protocol. Here are some tips when cross- or interculturally
communicating:

Take responsibility for effective communication

Act and speak respectfully
Show an appreciable consideration for differences
Recognize your own biases and avoid judgments or stereotyping
Empathize, be patient and constant
Formulate clear messages with the other person or group in mind
Tolerate and embrace ambiguity with a flexible nature
Seek common ground and deeper meaning beyond the superficial impression
Be aware of language and cultural barriers by increasing your cultural
sensitivity.

Even if we have made every attempt to communicate effectively, there will be times
that miscommunications, misunderstandings, or even conflict will arise. If there are
significant language barriers or cultural differences between the communicators,
the likelihood of such occurrences increases. If there is no attempt made to increase
cultural awareness or appreciation on either participants part, the likelihood of
misunderstanding again increases. It is our responsibility to ensure that our role in

Core Skills, Cross-Cultural Communication Association for Childhood Education International Page 2
the communication cycle is as positive and constructive as possible. Our intent must
be to communicate with respect and clarity. We must strive to provide the meaning
of our thoughts and ideas, and to share our understanding of the world and our
place in it, so that we earn and give respect in our relationships with others.

Resources Cross-Cultural Communication

Books and Articles

Communication Between Cultures, Larry A. Samovar, Reichard E. Porter, and

Edwin R. McDaniel, Wadsworth Publishing, 2009

Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication, by William B. Gudykunst, Sage

Publications, 2003

Cross Cultural Communication Journal, Publisher: Canadian Academy of Oriental

and Occidental Culture (CAOOC) (http://cscanada.net/index.php/ccc/index)

The Cross-cultural Communication Trainer's Manual: Designing Cross-cultural

Training, John Cutler, Gower Pub Co, 2005

Eight Quick Tips for Improving Global Cross-Cultural Communications,

Suzanne Kaplan and Carol Cunningham, Diversity Factor, Vol. 18, Issue 2, pp. 33-38,
Summer 2010

"Explore Partisan Perceptions," Roger Fisher, Elizabeth Kopelman and Andrea

Kupfer Schneider. In Beyond Machiavelli: Tools for Coping With Conflict,
Cambridge, London: Harvard University Press, 1994, pp. 21-23

Intercultural Communication: A Reader, Larry Samovar, Richard Porter, and

Edwin McDaniel, Wadsworth Publishing, 13th Edition, 2012

"Managing Communications," Peace Watch, Vol. II, No. 5, August 1996, pp. 1-2.

Online Training Program on Intractable Conflict, Conflict Research Consortium,

University of Colorado (http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace)
Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies

Conflict Management and Constructive Confrontation: A Guide to the

Theory and Practice

Core Skills, Cross-Cultural Communication Association for Childhood Education International Page 3
Cross-Cultural Communication Related Websites

Beyond Intractability (http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/cross-

cultural_communication/)

Book Rags (http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/Cross-cultural_communication)

Buzzle.com (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/intercultural-communications/)

Clearly Cultural (http://www.clearlycultural.com/)

The Culture Network Intermundo describes itself as the leading intercultural

network on the Internet. They publish articles on various aspects of intercultural
communication and current affairs, reviews of books, information about relevant
conferences, educational videos, and run online discussion forums.
(http://intermundo.net/)

International Communication Association (ICA). ICA is an academic association

for scholars interested in the study, teaching and application of all aspects of human
and mediated communication. (http://www.icahdq.org/)

The Intercultural Communication Institute (ICI) is a nonprofit charity with the

mission of fostering an awareness and appreciation of cultural difference in both the
international and domestic arenas. (http://www.intercultural.org/)

Journal of Intercultural Communication The goal of the journal is to promote

research but also education and training in the area of intercultural communication.
The journal is an outgrowth of the activities of NIC the Nordic Network for
Intercultural Communication. (http://www.immi.se/intercultural/policy.htm)

Mind Tools (http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/Cross-Cultural-

communication.htm)

The University of British Columbia Centre for Intercultural Communication

The Centre for Intercultural Communication (CIC) at The University of British
Columbia recognizes that understanding and respect between cultures is the key to
success in the global arena. (http://cic.cstudies.ubc.ca/)

Core Skills, Cross-Cultural Communication Association for Childhood Education International Page 4