Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Communication Challenges in a Diverse World

 Table of content

Introduction

Cultural patterns

Place

Age of the communicating parties

Situation at hand

Cultural background

Asking for clarification

Transcript

Conclusion

 

Introduction

The existence of a society as well as its development relies fully on the aspect of passage of information termed as communication. It is necessary for communication to be effective because it ensures that the intended message reaches the target population (Nwosu, 2009,p. 162). Aspect of communication is guided by some rules that each human being must adhere to, since everybody hails from a society and cannot deny being part of it. Below are a few of the rules that govern communication in any set up Qi-Yu, 2008, n.p).

.Mastering the art of effective communication: A key to success - sauce.co.ke

Cultural patterns

            Every individual hails from some cultural setting and culture therefore forms part of every person. However, it is important to note that people hail from different cultures and every culture ascribes to a different set of beliefs that relies on their norms and values. The way a person behaves therefore rely greatly on the kind of culture he or she hails from as most cultures teach or train children not to interrupt the adults whenever they are taking( Nwosu, 2009,p. 159). However, it is important to note that not every culture advocates for the same thing, different objectives have different meanings from different cultures, and this can easily mislead when there is passage on information between individuals who hail from different cultures.

A good example is within the African culture where women receive training on the aspect of food preparation for their families and men pay the role of providing for the families (Taylor, 2015). This is not the case in the western nation because the culture trains that every individual is equal and can carry out the duties irrespective of their genders. The dressing patterns is another aspect that fits as a great example, because if one considers the Muslim community then it will be wrong for a lady to walk with the head open and if that happens then it is a form of disobedience and serious punishment should take place Qi-Yu, 2008, n.p).

About - Communication Cultures in Africa

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Place

            Place is the second rue or aspect that guides communication because there is an expected code of behavior in every p[lace and this also depends on the situation. Even though a fish remains the same whether in its natural habitat or water, the behavior differs greatly. For an effective study of the behavior of a fish, one should put it in its natural habitat. This means that every person will coil or adjust his behavior to suit the place where they are (Qi-Yu, 2008, n.p).

. It therefore indicates that a person will try to communicate depending on the situation he or she is in.Behavior in context therefore shapes the person to communicate in a certain manner. The study of communication therefore requires different settings.

Age of the communicating parties

            The society cuts a niche and shapes communication automatically depending on the age of the communicating individuals. Communication among peers tend to be informal and can appear as some kind of pranks but when a child communicates with an older person, the communication takers another road all together. This depends on several factors that include the initial orientation from the school or even the community (Taylor, 2015).

The common belief instilled on children that they should respect adults is a core factor that shapes the process of communication within the society. If an individual does not abide by this aspect of respecting the elderly or adults then they automatically get a branding of rejects. Respect of the age difference is a considered a proper application in the aspect of communication and it helps people become accepted in the society.

Situation at hand

In addition, this aspect shapes communication a lot because whatever one is facing at the time of communication determines the behavior and the process of communication as well. If an individual needs help, then he or she will automatically be humble and choose the type of words to put into use while communicating or passing information to the individuals who can help him or her.

This is also different if the communicator is the one giving out help to someone else. The society accepts either as long as the person communicating is on the right side. (Taylor, 2015). A good example is a case where an individual or a staff is seeking for permission from a boss to attend to other activities. He or she has to be humble and patient because the boss has the final say irrespective of what any other individual might think.

Cultural background

            The fact that people come from diverse cultural background needs appreciation because there is always an aspect of misinterpretation of a few non-verbal cues that can lead to complete misunderstanding and even destruction of existing smooth relationships( Nwosu, 2009,p. 166). Even though a few non-verbal cues might have the same meaning and interpretation across different cultures, some that means nice things in one community means something else in another community and can lead to complete war that destroys the peaceful coexistence of the individuals.

Asking for clarification

            It is strongly advisable that an individual asks questions whenever he or she feel that there is something unearthed to avoid improper clashes that demolishes respect across board. This is a core rue of communication because it helps individuals to avoid jumping into conclusions prematurely and give them a voice to argue in a panel if given a chance (Qi-Yu, 2008, n.p).

Transcript

It is evidence that the emerging population tend coil a language of communication that only suites them and excludes the elderly. Most of their communication tend to use short forms or some kind of slangs that are suitable to one else but them. The language also shapes their dress code that includes buggy trousers and shirts that fit the hip-hop musicians. This is because their age and surrounding tends to fit this and when they pass this stage especially in the American society, they coil another form of behavior and communication that fit their present age.

Conclusion

Communication is part of society and without it then the probability of stagnating is very high. However, it is important to note that people hail from diverse backgrounds and culture and this play a major role in the communication field. An individual can easily misinterprets what another person says because in his or her place of origin it has a different meaning. People should apply rules of effective communication that includes avoidance of assumptions as well asking for clarification whenever necessary for advancement.

 

References

Nwosu, P. O. (2009). Understanding Africans’ conceptualizations of intercultural competence. The Sage handbook of intercultural competence, 158-178.

Qi-Yu, Z. (2008). A Cross-Cultural Study of Chapter One, the Mencius: Integrity Within and Without.

Taylor, S. (2015). COMM 371: Intercultural Communication.

Wang, J. UNIT 16, CHAPTER 3 KNOWING THE TRUE FACE OF A MOUNTAIN: UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE.