Transcript Every country has its own way of saying things

Participation
Observation
By Lorie Katherine Scovish
“Every country has its own way of
saying things. The important thing is
that which lies behind people’s words.”
—Freya Stark,
The Journey’s Echo
• “What he probably means is that since culture is such an
important ingredient in all behavior, and so much of
behavior is spent in one type of communicating or
another, then it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other
takes over.” pg. 75
Styles of Communication
Chapter 3
Indirect/High Context—
These cultures have less need to be explicit and rely less on words to convey meaning— and especially
on the literal meaning of the spoken word— and more on nonverbal communication. People often
convey meaning or send messages by manipulating the context. Because these cultures tend to be
collectivist, people work closely together and know what everyone else knows. The overriding goal of
the communication exchange is maintaining harmony and saving face.
Direct/Low Context—
Low context cultures tend to be more heterogeneous and individualist. Less can be assumed about the
other person in a heterogeneous society, and less is known about others in a culture where people
prefer independence, self-reliance, and a greater emotional distance from each other. They cannot
depend merely on manipulating context—not doing or not saying something that is always done or
said in that situation—or communicating nonverbally to make themselves understood; they must rely
more on words, and on those words being interpreted literally. Getting or giving information is the
goal of most communication exchanges.
Indirect & Direct
Communcication
Different styles of communication mean an
increased possibility of misunderstanding and
misinterpretation.
• 1. American
communication is more
direct than most
cultures. In the United
States, we simply blurt
out things that are on
our mind as opposed to
other cultures which are
more geared towards
respect and keeping
thoughts to oneself.
• 2. Nonverbal
communication is just
as important.
What did I learn about
culture & myself?
This includes hands, arms, fingers and whole body communication.
Eye contact is also a major role in communication.
The meaning of gestures, eye contact, and conversational patterns may not be the
same in the host culture as in American culture.
Gestures
• 3. Facial expression is
also a crucial part of
communicating. Whether
it be the head, forehead,
eyes, eyebrows, the nose,
the chin or the jaw.
• 4. Personal space is a factor
when evaluating
communication. Will it be
easy to see a difference
between personal space when
communicating in Jamaica vs
America?
• 5. Touching may differ from country to country. Observe
how much and in which parts of the body the following
people touch each other :
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2 men
2 women
Husband and wife
Parent and child
Boss and insubordinate
Unrelated opposite sex
Older and younger person
5 observations to
make in the
Jamaican
classroom:
The first month or two in class I was always saying, “Look
at me when I talk to you,” and the kids simply wouldn’t do
it. They would always look at their hands, or the
blackboard, or anywhere except looking me in the face. And
finally one of the other teachers told me it was a cultural
thing. They should warn us about things like that.
—Tony Hillerman Skinwalkers
CULTURE SHOCK
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How do people dress?
How do they greet each other in the morning?
What is the protocol for going in and out of someone’s office?
Do people maintain eye contact when they talk?
How far apart do people stand?
I anticipate Jamaican culture will differ from American culture immensely. For
starters, I expect to see a more cultural dress, warmer dress and more laid back
dress then here in America. The greeting in the morning will be friendly and bubbly
and possibly include music or rhythm. I anticipate the protocol of leaving and
entering to be a question of “may I come in,” or “may I leave,” very proper and
considerate. I think eye contact will be evident and people will be able to stand
close and occasionally touch one another’s arms or shoulders while talking.
1. NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION
• Do people come to work on time? Who does and who doesn’t?
• What happens when someone who is talking to someone else
gets a telephone call?
• What does a third person do when approaching two others who
are already in conversation?
• Do meetings start on time?
• How long do people with appointments have to wait?
I predict that being to work on time will be expected from all. If a phone call comes
in during a conversation, I feel that it may be appropriate to answer the phone and
address the caller. A third party approaching an ongoing conversation is predicted
to be warm and inviting and allowing themselves to participate in the conversation
immediately regardless to whether the two conversing give an indication. I will
guess that meeting times may be more lenient then in here and America and people
may not have to wait anytime at all for an appointment.
2. MONO/POLYCHRONIC
BEHAVIORS
• How do subordinates treat their superiors?
• How do superiors treat subordinates?
• Do you see evidence of bosses delegating authority or holding on to
it?
• Do you see evidence of subordinates taking initiative, or just waiting
for instruction?
• Whom do people eat lunch with? Do they eat only with their peers,
or is there mixing of the ranks?
I think subordinates would treat their superiors with an extreme amount of respect, regardless to
the situation. In America, this may not always be seen but I think most countries outside of the
US would not even dare to act any differently. However, superiors will not treat their
subordinates without respect either, in their eyes it will be rather equal. I assume that in the
classroom the “boss” would be seen as the teacher so delegating authority will be required to
have classroom management. Subordinates may take initiative and I’m assuming lunch will be
broken into areas with their peers.
3. POWER DISTANCE
BEHAVIORS
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How is conflict handled?
How is disagreement expressed?
How is bad news or a negative concern communicated?
Are people generally direct or indirect in their
conversation?
I predict conflict will be a matter addressed immediately, rather than waiting
and I think a disagreement would be vocalized and verbally fought over. I
anticipate that this culture is based on pride and their opinions and views are n
exception. I would assume bad news would be approached with caution and
member of this culture would be direct with their conversation, speaking exactly
what is on their mind.
4. COMMUNICATION STYLES
• When people interact, do they get to the task right away or talk
more generally?
• Do people work closely together or more independently?
• Are women treated differently from men? If so, in what way?
• What does the prevailing attitude seem to be about rules and
procedures and the need to follow them?
Although I feel that conversation is direct in this culture, I feel that people may
interact more generally at first, not avoiding a task but taking their time, being more
relaxed then the typical American “GO GO GO” approach. I see Jamaica working
as a team closely together and that women may be treated differently. Not
necessarily a bad thing, I feel that woman may be more respected for their birthing
abilities and their dedication to their families and home lives. I assume rules would
be followed, possibly broken occasionally like most places.
5. OTHER WORKPLACE
NORMS
• 1. Examine
preparation for the
Grade 1 ‘Readiness
Test’ and analyze
results.
• 2. Language arts and
compare their lessons
with American
culture.
5 AREAS OF FOCUS FOR
CURRICULUM (Primary Education)
• 3. Mathematics
approach, how is this
subject taught?
Continued…
• 4. What is writing
instruction like in
Jamaica?
• 5. A literacy test is in
place for the fourth
grade. I would like to
see preparation for this
important assessment.
Continued…
• http://www.my-islandjamaica.com/education_in_jamaica.html
• Chapter 3: Styles of Communication
• Chapter 4: Culture in the Workplace
Resources