SYBCom Sem 4
Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
Thinking About Soft Skills
1. How would you describe the concept of culture?
Culture is the way people live, think, and interact in a society. It includes
their language, beliefs, traditions, customs, festivals, foods and values.
Culture shapes how people behave and how they see the world around them.
2. What are some of the rituals, events, practices, and
values you associate with your culture?
I belong to an Indian Muslim culture. We celebrate festivals
like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Milad-un-Nabi. Important practices include
fasting during Ramzan, offering namaz five times a day, and giving zakat
(charity). Values such as kindness, helping the needy, and respecting elders
are central to our way of life.
3. Are you familiar with any other cultures? What are some of
the values, practices, or events you associate with them?
Yes, I know about Indian Hindu culture, they celebrate festivals like Diwali,
Holi, and Navratri. They perform rituals like pujas (prayers) and celebrate
marriages with traditional customs. Their values include respect for elders, helping others, treating
guests like God (Atithi Devo Bhav) and values like non-violence and
truthfulness.
Yes, I am familiar with Muslim culture in India. They celebrate festivals like Eid and Ramzan. Their practices include fasting, giving charity (zakat), and offering namaz five times a day. Values like helping the poor and living with humbleness are important to them.
4. What
do you think is the role of culture in cross-cultural communication?
Why do you think cross-cultural communication is important?
Culture influences how people speak, behave, and understand others. In
cross-cultural communication, we learn to respect differences and avoid
misunderstandings. It is important because the world is becoming more
connected, and we need to work with people from different cultures.
In India,
where people from different religions and languages live together,
cross-cultural communication helps us understand each other better.
5. Why do you think we need to be comfortable with
multicultural milieus today?
We live in a globalized world where people from different backgrounds study,
work, and live together. Being comfortable with multicultural settings helps us
learn new things, solve problems together, and create a more peaceful society.
India is a multicultural country where Hindus, Muslims,
Christians, Sikhs, and others live together. Being comfortable with diversity
helps us work together, learn from one another, and strengthen our unity as a
nation.
Proverbs :
By connecting the following proverbs to cross-cultural
communication, we see how different cultures value certain behaviors,
understandings, and practices in communication. It’s crucial to respect and
learn from these differences to build stronger, more harmonious relationships
in a diverse society.
a. The stranger sees only what he knows.
This means that people understand the world based on their
own knowledge and experiences. It says that one interprets the world as per
his/her own culture, understanding and knowledge. (People from different
cultures see the world in their own way.) For example, if a person from one
culture visits a new country, they may not understand all the local customs or
values because they are used to their own ways.
b. He who uses words well is at home everywhere.
Good communication skills can help a person feel comfortable
and accepted in any situation. If you can express yourself clearly,
respectfully, and effectively, you can build relationships with people from
different backgrounds and places. Words, when used wisely, open doors to
opportunities and friendships.
c. Whatever is written on the face is always seen.
A person’s emotions, like happiness, anger, or sadness, are
often visible on their face. This proverb suggests that facial expressions
reveal our true feelings, even if we try to hide them. It teaches us the
importance of being genuine and aware of how we express ourselves to others. Facial
expressions and body language often communicate more than words.
d. Custom and law are sisters.
This means that customs (traditions) and laws are closely
related because both guide how people live and interact in society. Customs
often influence the creation of laws, and laws, in turn, reflect the values of
the community. Together, they ensure order and harmony in society. Cultural
customs and societal laws often go hand in hand in shaping behavior of the
society as a whole.
e. A cup of coffee commits one to 40 years of friendship.
This proverb emphasizes the value of small acts of kindness,
like sharing a cup of coffee. Such simple gestures can lead to lasting
friendships. It highlights the importance of hospitality and how even small
moments can create deep bonds with others. (Inviting someone for a cup of
coffee, even in a different cultural context, can open doors to long-lasting
friendships.)
f. Bragging saves advertising.
This means that when someone boasts about themselves or their
achievements, they are promoting themselves without needing others to do it for
them. However, it also hints at how bragging (boasting) can be seen as
self-serving and might not leave a positive impression.
In some cultures, boasting about one’s achievements can be
seen as a form of self-promotion, but it may not always be well-received in
others.
g. Boasting begins where wisdom stops.
When someone starts boasting, it often shows a lack of wisdom
or humility. Wise people understand the value of staying humble and letting
their actions speak for themselves. This proverb reminds us that arrogance can
make us appear foolish. A person with maturity and wisdom never boasts.
h. A bad compromise is better than a good lawsuit.
This means that resolving disputes through compromise, even
if it’s not perfect, is better than going to court. Lawsuits can be expensive,
time-consuming, and damaging to relationships. Compromise helps save time,
money, and stress, keeping peace between people.
This proverb teaches us that resolving conflicts through
dialogue and compromise is more beneficial than creating further tension
through legal action.
i. In a deal, there are two fools, the one who asks too much
and the one who asks too little.
This proverb suggests that in negotiations, both extreme
greed and excessive generosity are unwise. It teaches us the importance of
balance and fairness in making deals. Asking too much can scare people away,
while asking too little undervalues what you offer.
j. Where there’s a glut of words, there’s a dearth (lack) of
intelligence.
This means that when someone talks too much, they might not always be saying something meaningful or intelligent. True wisdom often lies in speaking less but with purpose. The proverb teaches us to value thoughtful and concise communication. Effective communication is not about talking a lot; it’s about saying the right things.
Real Life Experience:
In a paragraph of 150 words, write about a business person or
anyone who travelled to other countries and had both positive and negative
experiences at the immigration counters in airports. impact of cross cultural
communication.
Raj, a businessman, traveled to Japan for a meeting. At the
immigration counter, the officer greeted him with a smile and said, “Welcome to
Japan!” Raj replied, “Thank you.” The officer asked politely, “What is the
purpose of your visit?” Raj said, “I am here for a business meeting.” The
officer nodded and stamped his passport quickly. Raj felt happy and appreciated
the respect shown. It was a positive experience.
Later, Raj traveled to another country. At the immigration
counter, the officer seemed impatient. The officer asked, “Why are you here?”
in a harsh tone. Raj answered, “For business.” The officer frowned and asked
many questions. When Raj didn’t understand one question, the officer got angry
and said, “Can’t you speak clearly?” Raj felt nervous and unwelcome.
Ultimately, the officer rejected his visa.
These experiences taught Raj how cross-cultural communication can be good or bad. A little kindness and patience make a big difference.
General Question :
Write About the importance of Cross Cultural Communication Skills.
Cross-cultural communication skills are essential for living harmoniously in a diverse world, especially in a multicultural country like India. By understanding and respecting cultural differences, we can build stronger relationships, reduce conflicts, and create a more inclusive environment. These skills promote mutual understanding and pave the way for better teamwork, whether at school, work, or in our communities.
Embrace Diversity: Celebrate festivals, learn about traditions, and appreciate the practices of other cultures to build mutual respect.
Develop Empathy: Listen actively and understand the perspectives of people from different backgrounds.
Avoid Assumptions: Do not judge or label others based on their culture. Instead, focus on building genuine connections.
Learn others’ Culture and Languages: Being open to other culture and learning basic phrases in different languages can strengthen communication and create goodwill.
Be Open-Minded: Accept that no culture is superior to another, and everyone has unique contributions to make.
By practicing these, we can create a more connected and harmonious society, enriching both personal and collective experiences.
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