BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES - Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES - Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES - Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie
(also frequently referred to as intercultural communication) - a field of study that looks at how people from differing cultural backgrounds endeavor to communication. Beside that the significant objective of this discipline is to produce intercultural communication principles designed to guide the process of exchanging meaningful and unambiguous information across cultural boundaries, in a way that preserves mutual respect and minimizes antagonism. Rules of efficient Intercultural Communication 1. The key to effective cross-cultural communication is knowledge. It is essential that people research the cultures and communication conventions of those whom they propose to meet. This will minimize the risk of making the elementary mistakes. 2. When language skills are not high or unequal, clarifying one’s meaning in five ways will improve communication: avoid using slang and idioms, choosing words that will convey only the most specific denotative meaning; listen carefully and, if in doubt, ask for confirmation of understanding (particularly important if local accents and pronunciation are a problem); recognize that accenting and intonation can cause meaning to vary significantly; respect the local communication formalities and styles, and watch for any changes in body language; Investigate their culture's perception of your culture by reading literature about your culture through their eyes before entering into communication with them. This will allow you to prepare yourself for projected views of your culture you will be bearing as a visitor in their culture. 3. If it is not possible to learn the other's language, it is expedient to show some respect by learning a few words. In all important exchanges, a translator can convey the message. 4. It is essential that people understand the potential problems of cross-cultural communication, and makes a conscious effort to overcome these problems. It is important to assume that one’s efforts will not always be successful, and adjust one’s behavior appropriately. For example, one should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be patient and forgiving, rather than hostile and aggressive, if problems 143
develop. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what is being thought and said. 5. Suggestion for heated conflicts is to stop, listen, and think, that means withdraw from the situation, step back, and reflect on what is going on before you act. Ask yourself: What could be going on here? Is it possible I misinterpreted what they said, or they misinterpreted me? Often misinterpretation is the source of the problem. Active listening can sometimes be used to check this out – by repeating what one thinks he or she heard, one can confirm that one understands the communication accurately. If words are used differently between languages or cultural groups, however, even active listening can overlook misunderstandings. 6. Often intermediaries who are familiar with both cultures can be helpful in cross-cultural communication situations. They can translate both the substance and the manner of what is said. 7. Do put aside defensiveness. When accused of not understanding, admit that it’s probably true. Ask for help in understanding your partner’s code. 8. Try continuously to improve your intercultural competence. That means to be intercultural sensitive (to capture and understand, in interaction with people from foreign cultures, their specific concepts in perception, thinking, feeling and acting, while being free from prejudices); and to be self-confident (to know what you want, your strengths and weaknesses, to be emotional stabile in order to express your own point of view in a transparent way with the aim to be understood and respected by staying flexible where this is possible, and being clear where this is necessary). ► Exercises and Discussions: 1. What is culture? Give some alternative definition to the term “culture”? 2. What is the meaning of term “etiquette”? What is the relation between etiquette, politeness and culture? Give some examples cultural differences in etiquette. 3. What is conflict? Describe the styles of conflict responses and types of conflict management. 4. Describe the ways of conflict resolution and strategies of success conflict solving. 144
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<strong>de</strong>velop. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural<br />
exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what is being<br />
thought and said.<br />
5. Suggestion for heated conflicts is to stop, listen, and think, that<br />
means withdraw from the situation, step back, and reflect on what is going<br />
on before you act. Ask yourself: What could be going on here? Is it<br />
possible I misinterpreted what they said, or they misinterpreted me? Often<br />
misinterpretation is the source of the problem. Active listening can<br />
sometimes be used to check this out – by repeating what one thinks he or<br />
she heard, one can confirm that one un<strong>de</strong>rstands the communication<br />
accurately. If words are used differently between languages or cultural<br />
groups, however, even active listening can overlook misun<strong>de</strong>rstandings.<br />
6. Often intermediaries who are familiar with both cultures can be<br />
helpful in cross-cultural communication situations. They can translate both<br />
the substance and the manner of what is said.<br />
7. Do put asi<strong>de</strong> <strong>de</strong>fensiveness. When accused of not un<strong>de</strong>rstanding,<br />
admit that it’s probably true. Ask for help in un<strong>de</strong>rstanding your partner’s<br />
co<strong>de</strong>.<br />
8. Try continuously to improve your intercultural competence. That<br />
means to be intercultural sensitive (to capture and un<strong>de</strong>rstand, in<br />
interaction with people from foreign cultures, their specific concepts in<br />
perception, thinking, feeling and acting, while being free from prejudices);<br />
and to be self-confi<strong>de</strong>nt (to know what you want, your strengths and<br />
weaknesses, to be emotional stabile in or<strong>de</strong>r to express your own point of<br />
view in a transparent way with the aim to be un<strong>de</strong>rstood and respected by<br />
staying flexible where this is possible, and being clear where this is<br />
necessary).<br />
► Exercises and Discussions:<br />
1. What is culture? Give some alternative <strong>de</strong>finition to the term<br />
“culture”?<br />
2. What is the meaning of term “etiquette”? What is the relation<br />
between etiquette, politeness and culture? Give some examples<br />
cultural differences in etiquette.<br />
3. What is conflict? Describe the styles of conflict responses and<br />
types of conflict management.<br />
4. Describe the ways of conflict resolution and strategies of<br />
success conflict solving.<br />
144
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