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In your opinion, how can people coming from different cultures communicate effectively? Does the element of cultural difference affect the communication process?

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Question added by Duaa Saif , Translator & Copywriter , Bayt.com
Date Posted: 2016/04/12
سليم ســدار
by سليم ســدار , متصرف رئيسي , وزارة الموارد المائية

People coming from different culture can commucate effectively if we handle the same language ei. English and also we should know the minimum level of cultures of other people in order to  understand the accent and deal with them politly as the respectfulness is crucial in relationship

In my opinion, when people get to know better, we integrate cultural differences go to the second plan.

Zain Khater
by Zain Khater , Project Supervisor – StartUp Project , Injaz

Negotiators in an international setting often find the process frustrating, as many times the two sides are speaking different languages in more ways than one.

Many times this problem manifests itself in the way that the issues are conceptualized. The problem with different processes of reasoning and comprehension is extremely interesting but rarely studied in the field of negotiation. A fundamental question is what effects do different cultures, and maybe even language, have on how people put ideas together. How can people come up with different conclusions than their counterparts when using the same facts and reasoning? In other words, could a line of reasoning that would be effective and persuasive in one country be totally ineffectivein another? Moreover, how does this affect modern global communication?

Historically, Americans have run into problems with French negotiators due to the logical thought process ingrained in Europeans known as Cartesian Logic. An extremely loose explanation of this process states that you reason from a starting point of something that is known, and then pay careful attention to the logical way one point leads to another, and then finally come to a conclusion for the matter at hand. The French also give higher priority than Americans to establishing the principles upon which the reasoning should be based. Once the reasoning process is underway, it becomes quite difficult to introduce new evidence or facts, because the French would feel that this new information, although potentially valuable, could derail everything that had been accomplished so far. This gives rise to a perception that the French are inflexible, and the concomitant requirement that any new information must be introduced very early in the game before it is too late. This process of logic is engrained into members of the French government and business leaders through their educational system. Historically, the French have gained a reputation for preferring clarity to truth, words to things, and rhetoric to science. Their communication is usually considered succinct and well managed.

Turkish people, on the other hand, are not naturally skilled at time management and planning. This means that we have a problem if there are many elements to a negotiation process or pressure to conclude the negotiation on a tight schedule. Interestingly, we tend to rush things when the going gets tough and succeed most of the time, or so we think. We think we are practical-minded, but this sometimes means that in trying to manage chaos and avoid more systematic and structured ways of thinking, we tend to follow the organizational hierarchy even if it sometimes means not honestly expressing one's opinion or not confronting the leader when we believe he or she is clearly wrong about something.

As far as Asian, Western European, and Turkish negotiators are concerned, the American’s directness, displays of emotion, and often-overbearing manner in selling a point, may signal a lack of self-control and therefore untrustworthiness. At the very least, it sends a message of insincerity, a threat to the more Asian measure of confidence. The challenge is to read the expressions and body language of your counterparts that mean yes or no, even though their words or gestures may say or imply otherwise.

While you can’t build your entire negotiation strategy in a foreign country around a study of the reasoning process of your counterparts, the subject deserves at least some reflection. One should also take note of the religious and political attitudes surrounding the time of your negotiation for clues about the local thought process. Read the local newspapers and then read them again, but this time, try reading between the lines. See if you can draw any conclusions about the way the local people think. Do you have the same emotional or intellectual reaction to current local events as they do?

Consequently, communication difficulties can be introduced when people try to speak English as a second language, or attempt to use it beyond their ability. Your listener may appear to be agreeing with something being said, but in reality they may just be being polite and have no clue what you are saying. When complicated ideas and intentions are at stake this problem is magnified. Furthermore, there are as many flavors of English as there are of ice cream at Haagen-Dazs and Baskin Robbins combined. Although English has become the virtual native language in countries such as India, Malaysia, and the Philippines, local usage over time has produced some significant differences in the meanings of words and phrases. These instances of inexact or incorrect meaning increase communication problems within the language.

The foregoing is intended to raise your level of awareness of the numerous factors that you must consider when approaching international negotiations. You must develop a personal negotiation style and strategy that is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of different cultures and personalities. Before sitting down at the table, spend a little time acquainting yourself with the differences and similarities between yourself and the people on the other side. A little sensitivity and discretion will go a long way.

 

When it comes to cultural diversity, how you handle your communications with your team and your stakeholders can make all the difference in how well your work is received.

Different cultures could be defined as the shared characteristics of a group of people, including their language, values, beliefs, likes, and dislikes. This can include religion (or lack thereof), work ethic, and attitude toward business and money. Different cultures can also include regions of the country. Think of how different a picturesque Alabama city is from a small Wyoming town or from the hustle and bustle of New York City. The attitude is different, the speech is different, and the values are likely to be different.

How does this impact your work?

Everyone you encounter has a different cultures and has values and beliefs. Sometimes they will share them with you, but often they will not. If you are in a particular state or region, understanding the prevailing different cultures will help you appreciate how the people tend to think and believe. Each person is unique, of course, but knowing the different cultures can help you work with him or her more effectively.

In business analysis, you may find that a coworker of a particular different cultures values accuracy over speed. In that case, you would approach him with your findings broken down in a table. Another person may be more comfortable working with a collaborative group because working collectively toward a goal is how she grew up.

While you may not wish to ask, and you definitely don’t want to assume, if you’re able to ascertain which different cultures someone comes from, you may find clues about working habits.

Another area that different culture affects is face-to-face communication. People of some different cultures may come across as harsh and brutally honest while facing you, while others may be quieter and reluctant to look you in the eye.

Don’t take anything personally, but do educate yourself about cultural differences. The more you know about your teams and stakeholders on a personal level, the more easily you’ll be able to work with them. Invest in a book or two about cultural diversity, and you’ll not only be fascinated, but you’ll also learn how to work more effectively with your groups.

Sources: hurriyetdailynews.com / theanalystcoach.net

First and foremost, the people communicating should learn at least basic English as this is the universal language. It is the most effective way to convey a message and at the same time to understand the message conveyed. When, it comes to the cultural differences, yes they somehow affect the communication process as there are gestures, tone, accents, choice of words specific from each nation. There will be instances that a gesture is not acceptable or considered offensive to one's culture. But you can never go wrong if you stay true to yourself but at the same time considering of the other person as well (that means learning and understanding where he came from and respecting that).

In the business world, communication is imperative for the successful execution of daily operations. Understanding cultural differences and overcoming language barriers are some of the considerations people should have when dealing with business with people of various cultures. Often business deals are lost because the parties involved did not take the time to learn about each others' cultures prior to interacting. When doing business with an affiliate from another country, consider the cultural differences that may be presented. This includes basic customs, mannerisms and gestures. Due to globalization, people from various cultures and countries conduct business with each other. Technology enables people to easily connect with people around the world in a moment's notice, but there are a few rules to remember before doing so. If making an international phone or video conferencing call, be conscious of the time zone differences and make sure to set a reasonable time for all involved parties to interact. It is important to remember that cultural differences can also affect availability. For instance, just because you schedule a conference call for the middle of the business day does not mean that the time will be favorable for the people you are conducting business with.

Aliyu Ahmed Alhaji
by Aliyu Ahmed Alhaji , Teacher , Wuraola Group of School, Ogun state

THE ONLY REMEDY IS THAT THEY HAVE FIND AN INTERPRETER OR THE LEARN ONE ANOTHER  LANGUAGE

 

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