Communication could be defined as a “two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange (encode-decode) information but also create and share meaning.”1
To respond to the Question proposed in class: “Which ones are the main Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication ?.
One must first define what verbal and non verbal communication is.
Verbal communication is “one way for people to communicate face-to-face. Some of the key components of verbal communication are sound, words, speaking, and language”.2
On the other hand Non-verbal communication is “any kind of communication not involving words. When the term is used, most people think of facial expressions and gestures, but while these are important elements of nonverbal communication, they are not the only ones. Nonverbal communication can include vocal sounds that are not words such as grunts, sighs, and whimpers. Even when actual words are being used, there are nonverbal sound elements such as voice tone, pacing of speech and so forth”.3
3 Available at http://www.typesofcommunication.org/communication/nonverbal-communication/nonverbal-communication/
Therefore, “Non-verbal communication or body language is an important part of how people communicate and there are differences from culture to culture. Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact (or its lack) are a few of the aspects of non-verbal communication that may vary significantly depending upon cultural background.”4
4 Available at Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication, Vermont Department of Health, http://healthvermont.gov/family/toolkit/tools%5CF-6%20Cultural%20Differences%20in%20Nonverbal%20Communic.pdf
As an example of the former, bowing in Japanese culture is an important way of Non-verbal communication that makes a big difference to the way westerners salute each other. There are huge differences, even within Europe only; in the way Italians touch their chin to be rude to others, English give the two fingers and the rest just flick the bird with the hand at each other.
We also have, Communication distinctions which comprise:
- Formal: Official and proper information.
- Informal: Unofficial information exchange.
- Vertical: From superiors to subordinates in Organisations.
- Horizontal: which work among peers.
- Personal: In a situation of mutual influence.
- Impersonal: when not much mutual influence is required.
Communication is an important process for humans and animals to get information across. “Communication is easily overlooked, but the ability to communicate effectively is necessary to carry out the thoughts and visions of an organization to the people. The importance of speech and words whether through a paper or a voice is a communication medium to convey directions and provide synchronization. Without communication, there is no way to express thoughts, ideas and feelings”.5
5 Available at http://marketingdeviant.com/the-importance-of-communication/
Communication could fail if some barriers are present, such as:
- Physical barriers: Such as noise or even misdistribution of space.
- Language: It is not only a different language spoken, but the process of receiving the message itself.
- Emotions: Such as fear or hostility could make unclear the message.
- Lack of Subject knowledge: If the other person doesn´t really know what the first one is talking about, it is impossible to get the work done.
- Stress: It could lead to communication distortion.
All of these above are considered filters to an effective communication and should be dealt properly by listening carefully and improving the work sound environment.
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