Multiculturalism and Language 4.0. Introduction
4.2. Language and its Diversity
cross-cultural communication include differences in context versus content focus and the use of non-verbal language. (Wederspahn 2000: 47)
4.2.2. Context versus Content Focus
The differences in the focus of communications have important implications for communications between people from different countries. For example, in the United States, communication tends to be relatively low-context. Common expressions and sayings such as, 'Don't beat around the bush', 'Get to the point,' and 'Say what you mean, and mean what you say' reveal the US emphasis on content above context. In contrast, Mexico, which has a relatively high context focus in communication, has a proverb, 'Only drunks and small children always tell the truth.' This saying implies that unless one is an in uninhibited condition or childishly naIve, it is normal to avoid being totally candid (Wederspahn 2000: 51).
The other major barrier, is cross-cultural communication is due to cultural differences in 'body language'. It is important to understand the impact of nonverbal communications on cross-border roles and relationships because a great deal of valuable information is sent and received on nonverbal channel, especially in high-context societies. In these, cultures, how people feel about themselves and others, how they reveal their emotions, motivations and intentions, and how they signal. their status and power are mostly transmitted nonverbally. To understand their status these messages ,and respond to them appropriately, you need to be aware of then nature of nonverbal communications, have adequate observation sills for detecting the unspoken cues, and know the meaning of the culturally specific signals and gestures (Wederspahn 2000: 51).
Nonverbal communication, can be called a language because it has a structure and set of rules analogous to a grammar and a 'vocabulary' like words, the structure of nonverbal language consists of categories that may be used to observe and analyze nonverbal interactions, as illustrated in the examples that follow: -
D Eye contact: Avoidance of eye-contact in Japan is used to show respect and deference . However , Arabs often establish and maintain intense eye- contact as a sign of interest and respect.
D Facial expressions: Venezuelans may squint and wrinkle their noses to indicate lack of understanding . Filipinos raise their eyebrows to signal "
yes". Smiles in Japan may express embarrassment and discomfort rather than happiness.
D Hand/arm gestures: In many cultures, it is impolite to point with the index finger. The OK sign made by forming a circle of the thumb and index finger is obscene in Brazil, as is their to fingered victory gesture in England and Australia.
D Posture: The Japanese have an elaborate ritual of bowing to display status and acknowledge relationships. Crossing one's legs in a way that allows the bottom of the shoe to be seen by others is offensive in Saudi Arabia.
D Interpersonal physical distance: In the Middle East, people tend to stand very close to one another in face-to face conversations. Northern Europeans need a lot more space.
D Touching and body contact: In Latin America and the Middle East, touching others while talking to them is sign of acceptance and friendliness.
Men and men and women and women often walk arm-in-arm. Touching another person with the left hand is taboo in parts of Asia and the Middle East.
D Use of space: The location of desks in an office and the seating arrangement in meetings in Japan indicate hierarchy. Inmany counties in Europe and the United States, the size and location of one's office display status
D Personal appearance, dress, and grooming: Wearing of shorts in public, except at the beach, is considered in-appropriate in many countries in Asia.
Women in much of the Middle East show virtue by dressing modestly.
Beards are an indication of radicalism in some cultures and conservatism in others.
I:J Time-related signals: High -level Latin American officials or executives may arrive late to a meeting to indirectly demonstrate their importance. In Scandinavia, strict punctuality is a requirement sign of responsibility and respect in social and business situations.
I:J Meanings of symbols, objects, and colors: InJapan and Korea, the number four is considered unlucky and the color white represents death. The Chinese consider letter openers or scissors in appropriate gifts because they would symbolize severing a relationship. Some cultures use only certain kinds of colors of flowers to express romantic intentions condolences, or congratulations.
I:J Use of silence: In the United States, long silences in conversation are awkward and uncomfortable. During meetings in Japan, silence may be a positive sign of reflection and concentration (Wederspahn, 2000: 51-52).
4.2.3. Nonverbal Business Interactions
Wederspahn (2000), describes that, situations involving greetings and business protocol inevitably have many nonverbal gestures and cues. There may be elaborate rules for the order of introductions, shaking hands, bowing embracing, the seating arrangement, the exchange of business cards, and the giving and receiving of gifts. Other important areas of business such as conducting negotiations, selling, interviewing, making presentations, and giving feedback also require cross-cultural nonverbal communications aw~enessand skill (Wederspahn 2000:52).
. 'Language is a most important aspect and perhaps the best examples of culture' (Malina 1981:12).