cross-cultural comparison intercultural communication
TRANSCRIPT
Cross-Cultural Comparison
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
The Nature of Communication in India
• Historically, language has divided people in India
• India is one of the most multilingual nations in the world
• 1947 after independence, India divided its states according to language
• Then introduced Hindi as the official language. English also now shares official language status.
• India has over 1000 languages and dialects
Intercultural Communication
Verbal Communication
1. Inequalities in wealth and power • Linked directly to the caste system, which
originates in Hinduism• Upward mobility is prevented, even
though this practice has been outlawed• Most Indians are aware of this social
order and the place where they sit within it
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
2. Inequalities between men and women• India is a very patriarchal society, with the
father the head of the household.• This social order must always be
maintained
3. Spirituality based on Karma• Every action has a consequence and
everything happens for a reason• What one does in this life affects the next• This has implications for communication
and decision making as well as their idea of time
Intercultural Communication
4. The Idea of collectivism is prevalent• Indians are more accepting of group
decisions and hierarchical settings• Indians often define their identity as their
group (or caste) rather than their individual identity
5. Small personal space and lack of privacy• This is amplified by many people from the
extended family living in one home.• Relationships, rules, structures, trust and
mutual obligations are created.
Intercultural Communication
6. Respectful mistrust in business dealings• It is assumed that a non family member in
a business dealing will be dishonest• This prevents the relationship being
damaged by one party trying to gain an unfair advantage
7. Public Transport• Are very congested and personal space is
small• Many people are crammed into small
places and seats
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
8. Lack of privacy• Seeking personal information in India is
carried out in a very direct way. This can lead to conflict as westerners find this confronting
9. Indians are very hospitable• They will invite total strangers to tea
10.Avoiding conflict• Indians use indirect speech
Do Check for understanding page 104 question 3
HOMEWORK: Do Check for understanding page 104 question 1 and 4
Intercultural Communication
Core Values in Indian Society Compared to Australian SocietyINDIA Collectivist/group identity. No privacy Patriarchal Society- father is head of household. Hospitable- accepting of strangers. Easily offended when refused. Indirect in their speech. Hindi and English main languages. Life based around the concept of karma. Limited personal space. Direct in their questioning/open about privacy. Intercaste marriage forbidden. Very trusting. Inequalities between men and women. Strict caste system still operates even though it is
illegal. Aware of position in caste- no mobility. Avoid conflict. Arranged marriage
AUSTRALIA Individualist Egalitarian Trust in business deals. Fluid social hierarchy. Strong sense of mateship. Multicultural. Looser family bonds. Earn trust. Large personal space. Christianity- but not tied to religion. Privacy is important. Open to employment of non-family. Both parents have equal roles. Take offence at directness. Confrontation when angry.
Intercultural Communication
Non-Verbal Communication
There are two types of non-verbal communication• Illustrators which accompany words• Emblems which have meaning all their own
In India some main gestures are• “Fight or flight” - explain• Suicide gesture - explain
Intercultural Communication
Facial Expressions and Body Gestures• Staring is more acceptable in India than in the
West• Greeting- Hands in prayer like fashion and
sometimes bowing• Left hand to clean oneself• Right hand for giving and receiving• “come here” - explain• “Sorry” - explain• Shoes - explain• Patting on the head - explain• Admiration - explain
Intercultural Communication
Eye Contact• Women may speak from behind the veil of their
sari• Lower status (or caste) will look to the ground
when addressing superiors• Direct eye contact with equals or in business is
significant
Time and Space• Men and women stay segregated in large social
gatherings• Touching is only allowed by family or someone
from the same caste
Intercultural Communication
Vocal Tones• Indians speak loudly and fast with greater
enthusiasm than those from the west• Westerners may interpret this as rudeness
Intercultural Communication
The Effectiveness of Communication
Directness of response Cant say “no” - expand
Meeting People Hierarchical society - expand
Naming Based on Religion - expand
Titles Conveys education, caste and/or profession -expand
Gift giving Relates to religious beliefs - expand
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Social Relationships and Social Control
The caste system is the basis of class in India. It is supported by Hinduism. It is illegal in Modern India to practice the caste system
The fifth caste is called the “Untouchables”. They were considered the lowest and performed menial unhygienic work
Name and explain the 4 main castes
Intercultural Communication
People were born into their caste and where they were born was based on their previous lives
The Indian government has implemented positive discrimination laws to try and help the lowest caste groups
READ page 109. “India-Intecaste Relations”
Intercultural Communication
The remains of the caste system maintain social relationships and social control.
Communicating between different groups is seen as unacceptable
Do Check for understanding page 110 questions 1 and 4Do Think it through page 110 question 4
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Gender and Communication
All men and women cannot be grouped just according to their gender
The variety of religions, regions, classes and ages are going to affect the personal experience of women especially
Modernisation has transformed India and women as well as men peruse career paths nowadays
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
However, even in modern India sons are seen and the main economic source for the family. In many parts of Northern India, wives move in with their husbands families. They are still segregated as communication between spouses is a threat to the patrilinial nature of the family
Describe how women are being given more power in economic decision making
Provide an example of how traditional practice still prohibits women from active communication
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
In the cities the traditional and modern gender roles are in conflict as well. For example university educated women work in menial jobs, just to earn a living
Socialising with the opposite sex outside work hours used to be taboo, this is now changing
Gender roles in India are reflected in language Mothers duty - expand Tamil language - expand Women remain silent while males express their
opinion - expand The way men and women speak to each other
- expand
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Understanding
Multiculturalism refers to an attitude about the acceptance of a number of different cultures living together in one society.
Usually there is one dominant culture that supports the mix of other cultures
An example is in Australia – explain Multiculturalism has only been introduced in
Modern India. Its constitution emphasis inter-group equality
Intercultural Communication
The concept of intra-group equality is not recognised in India. That is within specific groups, inequality, domination and patriarchy still exist
Read section on Mumbai. Page 113
1. List the various places of worship in Mumbai. Page 1132. Define Hybrid Society. Page 1143. Explain how this relates to India
Intercultural Communication
Aspects of Society and Culture that are similar and different between
India and Australia (PAGE 114-115)
CULTURAL FEATURES
AUSTRALIA INDIA MISUNDERSTANDINGS
LANGUAGE
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Intercultural Communication
CULTURAL FEATURES
AUSTRALIA INDIA MUSUNDERSTANDINGS
SOCIAL STRUCTURES
CULTURAL COMPLEXITIES
Intercultural Communication
The effect of gender roles and values
on behaviour All societies assign specific traits to males and
females. Traditional societies tend to focus on this more (read page 115-116)
In India males are viewed as being superior and therefore demand more respect
This is evident in the birth of a new baby. A male child is sought after to look after the family and property
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
The role of acculturation in the acquisition of cultural perception
1. Read page 116-117
2. Do check for understanding question 1 and 2 page 117
3. Do think it through question 1 page 117
Intercultural Communication
The existence of group identity and commitment to cultural continuity
Australia's group identity and cultural continuity consists of:
The belief of a fair go The values of mateship, freedom and safety The customs of commemorating Anzac day and
Australia day
1. Read page 117-118
2. Define Cultural continuity
3. Define Group Identity
Intercultural Communication
The behaviours of participating in outdoor activities (especially the beach)
Being direct in our communication and informal in our language
India’s group identity and cultural continuity consists of:
The belief of self determination and some form of nationalism
The values of multiculturalism and family The customs of women wearing a sari and a bindi and
Hindu traditions The behaviours associated with the caste system in
social, family and business interactions
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Misunderstanding
Role play activity (page 119-120)
4 scenarios with 3 different outcomes
Intercultural Communication
Strategies to deal with
intercultural misunderstandingIt is important to be aware and to acknowledge causes of
misunderstandings: Different communication styles Importance of non-verbal communication (e.g.: facial
expressions, personal distance, tone, volume and sense of time)
Attitudes towards opinions and conflict Decision making related to roles and status Different attitudes towards personal information Gender roles and expectations
Intercultural Communication
Strategies to deal with intercultural misunderstanding because of intercultural
differences Know the language – explain Demonstrate social and cultural literacy
– explain Be patient – explain Language expertise – explain Be self reflective – explain Speak with natives – explain Use multiple forms of communication – explain