SURVIVAL SKILLS page 2

E.T. Hall (1959) said that culture is communication and communication is culture. We cannot separate the influence of culture on the communication process. In order to understand and communicate effectively with others, it is not only necessary to know the language, but it is equally important to understand the cultural values of that culture.

Members of cultural groups have different value orientations. Differences in value orientations can create conflicts and misunderstandings.

Some cultures value individualism, while others value "groupism" or group orientation, (also called collectivism) (Hofstede 1980).

European Americans tend to be individualistic, favoring individual rights and self-direction, while other cultures such as those from Central and South America tend to be more collectivistic, placing great importance on the family and group loyalty. Collectivistic cultures emphasize group achievement while individualistic cultures emphasize individual achievement.

Cultural values affect our communication. Individualistic cultures tend to use direct forms of communication and may seem to be confrontational while collectivistic cultures are less direct in their communication and may seem to try to avoid conflict, or acting evasively (E.T. Hall's low-context vs. high context communication).

While talking with someone from a different culture, have you ever caught yourself saying, "Ok, get to the point, what are you trying to tell me?"

Question: Are you a direct communicator? Or an indirect communicator? How do you communicate effectively with a person with the opposite communication style?

Take this quiz.

Ignorance doesn't kill you, but it makes you sweat a lot. ~ Haitian Proverb