Culture is an important element in all behavior and in all interactions. Communication is the sending and receiving of messages, and as such, is an integral part of cultural processes. Culture and communication work together to create meaning and we attempt to impart that meaning to one another (both with and without success).
Communication is symbolic:
Words and gestures have no meaning in themselves; rather, they develop significance because people agree (or disagree) on what that meaning is. When we use symbols, such as words, letter, pictures, or gestures, to communicate, we hope that the other person understands, at some level, what those symbols are. Meaning is conveyed both verbally and nonverbally (body language, facial expressions, etc.) to try and share a message’s meaning.
Reflection and Discussion:
Look at the symbols below. Do you recognize them? If so, what do they communicate to you? Could there be different interpretations of meaning?
Communication is made up of several components
In each interaction, there are senders and receivers. The sender delivers a message through a channel such as in-person, or as a text message. There is also context, such as where and when the interaction is taking place, the relationship between the interacting partners, and the purpose or circumstances that require communication. The receiver is not passive in this process, but rather interprets the message and relays information back to the sender through verbal and nonverbal cues – taking on minor sender roles, and then in many cases becoming the main sender of the interaction.
Communication is negotiation:
It is hoped that the interacting partners agree on the meaning of messages, but this is complicated by the fact that each message often has more than one meaning. For example, “I have something to tell you”, “Are you okay? “Can I ask you a favour?”, can be interpreted multiple ways from the sender’s original intention, and from here, the parties go through a negotiation process to try to get to the point of shared meaning.
Exercise
Communication is dynamic
Communication is ongoing and ever changing – with continuous and multiple interpretations taking place between senders and receivers. For example, imagine you are walking into a classroom and about to give a presentation for a course. Even before you speak, you communicate with the audience, and they in turn, communicate with you.
Example: Giving a presentation
You enter the room for your big midterm presentation. The way you dress, carry yourself, prepare for your presentation, and interact with individuals – these are already sending messages to your audience. You want to do well and get a good grade, so you maintain a serious expression, and focus on your notes and equipment while you prepare. Is this what is communicated to the audience? Perhaps some of the members interpret this as you being unprepared, nervous, or unfriendly? At the same time, the audience is also communicating with you. Two people are sleeping at their desks, a few people are talking to each other, and others are watching you (and not smiling). There are several communication events taking place, but you focus on the people who are sleeping. They are ‘telling’ you that they really aren’t interested in your presentation, and this creates change in your nonverbal reactions, which then communicates new messages to your audience…and so on.
Communication is not always intentional
Important messages (both positive and negative), are often conveyed without senders realizing what they’ve done, or the impact they’ve made. This is an area that we will focus on later in the course, so do keep this of note.
Example:
When I arrived in Tokyo, I was greeted and taken out for dinner. It was a very casual and enjoyable introduction to potential business partners. After dinner, my hosts offered to take me out to a bar. I thanked them, but told them that I needed to get some sleep, because we had a long workday ahead. The next day, my hosts were quiet when they saw me and some even avoided me. The contract signing was delayed.
Discussion Questions:
- What possible messages was I sending to my hosts?
- What if this scenario took place in another cultural context (e.g., Germany, India, Argentina). Might there have been different interpretations of the messages and meaning in these contexts?
Communication is focused on the receiver
It doesn’t matter what you say, or how you send a message as the sender, it is up to the receiver to determine the meaning. Ultimately, the person assigning meaning determines the outcome of the communication situation.
Go back to our point on negotiation and listen to the audio clip again. The sender says the same thing, but the receiver determines meaning. This is an important final point as we move forward through the course, as it will help you become more culturally attuned and more cognizant of how to approach interactions.