I am currently taking a course to learn about science behind communication.
With my background of Japanese, Korean and now American, I am very much aware of my tendencies of communication.
Studying the intercultural and cross-cultural communication truly helped me understand the big differences in communication.
For example,
These are main Japan-US differences in the following areas of verbal communication: (a) self-disclosure, (b) communication apprehension, (c) direct-indirect speaking and (d) assertiveness
🌸(a) self-disclosure: JPN: Concerned with keeping harmony. Think that talking about personal issues may break that harmony.
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Americans: Concerned with self-expression
🌸(b) communication apprehension (CA): Def: Fear or anxiety associated with communication
Japanese > Americans
To Japanese, to be quiet and to listen is active, not passive. (Enryo: reserve; deference; hesitation: Restraining one’s actions or speech)
🌸(c) direct-indirect speaking: US and other Western cultures value direct style, verbal precisions, self-expression. Ex: “For sure” “No questions” “Without a doubt”
Japan and many other Asian cultures value indirect style (saving face, harmony) Ex: “maybe” “perhaps”
Being understood without words is far more cherished than precise articulation.
🌸(d) assertiveness: US: Parents place greater value on their children’s verbal assertiveness. Assertiveness = a hallmark of individuation and maturity
Japan: Parents tend to encourage self-effacement
Assertiveness = Brings in a possibility of offending others. Putting feelings into words is seen a sign that: They are not deep or sincere. The listener’s ability to infer feelings is limited. The relationship is not close. Direct communication disrupt harmony.–
Understanding the intercultural communication and cross cultural communication are more and more necessary to live as a global citizen.
🌸Cross-Cultural Communication
This involves communication between people from different cultures. It focuses on understanding and navigating the differences in customs, languages, behaviors, and communication styles when individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds interact.
🌸Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication goes a step further. It’s about deeper interactions and connections between individuals or groups from different cultures. It involves not only understanding and respecting cultural differences but also exploring and integrating various cultural perspectives to build meaningful relationships and mutual understanding.
How do you communicate?
There are more than verbal communication. Understanding the non-verbal communication is very helpful to deepen the understanding with who you are communicating with and to read the room. It’s very deep and fascinating 🤍
I’ll share more about this topic too. Hope you find it helpful for your daily mindful communication 🩷
Love and Mahalo,
Kayoko
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