Responses to Section 1
Intercultural communication is crucial for global business. Ideally, the proliferation og globalization had led to the emergence of diverse ethnic and cultural workforces. Verbal and nonverbal communication plays an integral role because language influences perception and communication styles. Cultural differences influence international communication, especially the way countries perceive culture as of high or low context; therefore, the recognition of these differences spurs business competitiveness.
Verbal and nonverbal communication has profound effects on cultural identity. Conversational styles and nonverbal cues such as gestures, space, time and gazes are very significant in people’s lives and they help in keeping the workforce motivated. Demonstrating conflicting messages through verbal and nonverbal communication might arise from the nervousness and sub consciousness of the communicator. Both verbal and nonverbal languages represent diverse meanings in relation to different cultural perspectives.
For example, in the United States, a moving hand with fingers extended from the palm down rhythmically towards the speaker signifies goodbye. However, such a gesture implies ‘come here’ in Latin America. And a Latin American ‘goodbye’ can possibly be interpreted as “come here” in the United States. Such gestures confuse new entrants into these specific cultures. These differences influence my desire to learn the true implication of such gestures, especially when communicating with other individuals in the same socio cultural context.
High context against low context cultures have a significant impact on communication behaviour. High context cultures such as Asians, Africans, and Central Europeans are indirect as they use many nonverbal communications and seek to be understood through context. On the contrary low context cultures such as people from English speaking countries and Germans are direct in their message. Such differences influence business in regard to how much information one can give, how to show respect, and how to motivate people.
Emotions and reason play a crucial role in international business. The influences are evident in the way people from certain cultures readily manifest or conceal their emotions. Emotional affection is least acceptable in countries like Japan and The United Kingdom and tolerated more in the United States and France. Reason and emotions are important elements in human communication because they help us confirm our ideas through others and enhance direct or indirect responses.
Responses to Section 2
Instead of a typical family story, I have chosen the relationship which exists between schools and family homes and how that relationship impacts the social- emotional development of children. Studies indicate that self-regulated emotions and behaviour influences performance in academics and social settings. Students’ self-regulation behaviour can be shown in acting, feeling and thinking. Parents, guardians, and teachers play an instrumental role in stimulating the three elements which are vital for students’ success.
The essence of the story is in the relationship teachers, students, and parents can cultivate. Furthermore, the story underlines the significance of good communication across diverse groups of teachers, students, and parents since they come from diverse backgrounds and are motivated differently. The story also invokes the need for students to talk, express, and move freely within the school and home environments. Therefore, it enables me sum up the positive effects of social-emotional development and outlines the need for intercultural differences.
Since people come from different cultural backgrounds, what is perceived as important to one culture may be insignificant in another. The use of language in verbal communication and nonverbal clues such eye contact oblige people draw conclusions regarding the way they perceive others. Therefore, individuals from different cultures should recognise and understand the differences to help them practice cultural tolerance.
