Purposive Communication

Cultural and Global Issues Affecting

Communication

Leonita M. Jaca, LPT

 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication
WHAT IS CULTURE?
Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including
arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that are passed
down from generation to generation. Culture has been called
"the way of life for an entire society." As such, it includes
codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art.
Culture – set of patterns of human activity within a
community or social group and the symbolic structures that
give significance to such activity. Customs, laws, dress,
architectural style, social standards and traditions are all
examples of cultural elements.
 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication

Culture is defined by the shared manners, customs, beliefs,

rituals, ceremonies, laws, ideas, thought patterns, arts, tools,
social institutions, religious beliefs, myths and legends,
knowledge, values, a concept of self, morals, ideals and
accepted ways of behaving. We live, do things, think and act
in varied ways. These practices are particular ways that
give us an identity. These are our cultural ways and give us
the cultural identity.
 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication

A Cultural barrier in communication occurs mainly when

communication happens between two different cultural
backgrounds. We encounter cultural barriers in everyday
life. In the age of globalization and digital media, the whole
world is performing and participating on one platform. Here
mutual understandings between communicators are very much
important for the effective, fruitful process of
communication.
 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication
Sources of Cultural Barriers:

1. Language (Semantic): Language is considered as the most crucial

barrier in cross-cultural communication. Since verbal
communication is important in every context, the understandings
of the meaning of words are also important. The language
barrier occurs not only because of differences in language but
also in the forms of a variety of dialects. The examples are of
Chinese and Russian language where different dialects are used
in several parts of the country. If one communicator is not
aware of the exact meaning, it will create misunderstanding and
lead to a conflict of ideas.
 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication
Sources of Cultural Barriers:
2. Cultural norms and values: Each culture hold its own values, meaning
and norms different from another. This difference is caused because of
truth, belief and judgment through which they acquired knowledge
about society and culture. For example, in eastern countries like India,
Pakistan, Srilanka the meaning of physical proximity is different from
that in western countries. In western culture, people share physical
proximity or closeness only with the persons whom they know. This is the
reason we can find a calm and quiet environment in public
transportation in western countries. On contradictory, we can find a
huge, crowded environment in Indian suburban and metro rail transports.
 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication
Sources of Cultural Barriers:
3. Stereotypes: Stereotypes are any negative image or preconceived notions on
a particular community and identity. These are created through mass media and
their content agenda. For example,the status of transgender is considered in
the different level of standard in various cultures. Same like the role and
respect for women also varies from culture to culture. In social psychological
viewpoint, positive stereotypes are also considered as the cultural barrier. It is
representation of a particular group of people or culture in a positive way. This
may be different from reality. The positive stereotypes create frames of
reference in the mind of people in cultural context. For example, it is considered
as people in Italy are having a great interest in art. This might be true in some
sense since Italy was gone through various art movements. But if a foreigner
visits Italy and interact the Italians with that mindset, he may find it difficult
to encounter the reality.
 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication
Sources of Cultural Barriers:
4. Values and Beliefs: The differences in values and beliefs in cultures also
create a barrier in communication. The difference in the level of acceptability
in cultures is an example. The reasons behind these are influenced by religion,
political environment or epistemology. Rokeach in his book “The Nature of Human
Values “(1979) defines the value as ‘a type of belief that is centrally located
within one’s total belief system’. Values tell us about people’s behaviour.
Values may be explicit (stated overtly in a value judgement) or implicitly
(inferred from nonverbal behaviour), and they may be individually held or seen
as a part of a cultural pattern or system. Every country has numerous religions
practised by its people. so the differences in their values and beliefs are also
an example of cultural barriers.
 Cultural Issues Affecting Communication
Sources of Cultural Barriers:
5. Body language and gestures: Body language and gestures are
another elements of the cultural barrier. It is impossible to
communicate without body language and gestures. It provides meaning
and justification for communication. In conservative societies like Arab
and African countries, greeting opposite gender by shaking hands or
hugging is considered as ill-manner or even moral crime. But in the
western world it is common practice to shake hands while we meet
people.
 Overcoming Cultural Barrier

It is important to avoid or overcome any kind of barrier

for any successful and effective communication. Especially
in context of cross-cultural communication, it is important
to avoid all types of cultural barriers. It will create
tension between different cultural contexts. The reasons
for wars between two countries, business revelry are
may be due to cultural barriers between communications.
 Overcoming Cultural Barrier

The following are the points which we need to keep in mind to

avoid cultural barriers in communication:

1. Avoid frame of reference

2. Use mutual language and signs
3. Ask questions when in doubt
4. Provide space for mutual respect
5. Open to new ideas
6. Accepting and adapting the different culture
7. Understand the context of communication
8. Avoid Stereotyped notions
9. Promote positive reception of cultural divergences
10. Learn about other cultures and their norms
 How Does Culture Affect Communication?

Instant communications and an ever-expanding internet have made

the world a much smaller place, presenting both barriers and
opportunities as we interact across borders with people of
different cultures.
In this new, complex world of communication, cultural differences
stand out as one of our biggest challenges. Different cultures
affect how individuals participate in groups and how they work
within communities.

 New Challenges With the Way We Communicate

Patterns of differences that lead to cross-cultural

communication difficulties:

Different styles of communicating. Language use varies between

cultures. Words and phrases are used in different ways. For example,
"yes" may mean "maybe" or even "definitely" even in different
English-speaking countries. Non-verbal communication is also important
and may include anything from gestures and facial expressions to
sense of time, personal distance and even seating arrangements.
 New Challenges With the Way We Communicate

Patterns of differences that lead to cross-cultural

communication difficulties:

Different Attitudes Regarding Conflict. Conflict is considered positive

in some countries, while people in others seek to avoid it. Although
conflict is not usually desired in the U.S., people here are encouraged
to deal directly with conflicts that arise. In many Eastern countries,
differences are best worked out in private.
 New Challenges With the Way We Communicate

Patterns of differences that lead to cross-cultural communication

difficulties:
Completing tasks in different ways. Cultural differences account for how
people move to complete tasks. Reasons include different resource
availability, different notions of time, and different ideas of how
relationship-building and task-oriented work should fit together. For
example, Asian and Hispanic cultures focus on team dynamics at the outset
of a project and shift focus to the end goal as the project moves
forward, while European-Americans focus first on the task, leaving
relationships to develop along the way.
 New Challenges With the Way We Communicate

Patterns of differences that lead to cross-cultural communication

difficulties:
Differences in decision-making. In the U.S., decisions are frequently
delegated to a subordinate. In many Southern European and Latin
American countries, holding decision-making responsibilities to
oneself is valued. In a group situation, majority rule tends to work
in the U.S., while consensus is the preference in Japan.
 New Challenges With the Way We Communicate

Patterns of differences that lead to cross-cultural communication

difficulties:

Differences in attitudes toward disclosure. Expressing emotions,

reasons behind a conflict or personal information may be taboo in
some cultures. Questions that may be natural to you can be intrusive
to someone from a different culture. This needs to be considered
before you can get a good bearing of the views and goals of the
people you work with.
 New Challenges With the Way We Communicate

Patterns of differences that lead to cross-cultural communication

difficulties:

Different approaches to knowing. Different cultures have different

ideas when it comes to gaining knowledge. Europeans consider
information gained through counting and measuring more valuable
than other means. Some African cultures rely on knowledge gained
through symbolic imagery, while some Asian cultures emphasize the
validity of knowledge gained through transcendence.
 Cross-Cultural Communication
Is Challenging

The six patterns of cultural difference can help you understand people who are different from
you. learning the basics about the culture and language of the people you work with.

Understand that a person's behaviors and reactions are often culturally driven, and while
they may be different than yours, they are still appropriate.
Accept the different languages, different religions and other cultural differences
of team members.
Consider special needs of team members such as different holidays and different hours of
operations.
Ask questions if you are unsure of cultural differences.
Show the way by being courteous to ensure team members follow a path of understanding
and acceptance.

 What is the impact of communication

on society and the world?

By fostering a dialogue between rural people and other sectors of

society, communication processes can empower both women and men
to provide information and knowledge as a basis for change and
innovation, take decisions concerning their own livelihood and
thereby increase their overall involvement in development.
 What is the impact of communication
on society and the world?

The influence of mass media has an effect on many aspects of

human life, which can include voting a certain way, individual views
and beliefs, or skewing a person's knowledge of a specific topic
due to being provided false information.
 Why is communication is important to society
essay?

Proper communication can help you to solve a number of

issues and resolve problems. This is the reason that one
must know how to communicate well. The skills of
communication essential to be developed so that you are
able to interact with people. And able to share your
thoughts and reach out to them.

Communication as a process
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=mZI3CRtJumw
 The World as a Global Village
The term "global village" means all parts of the
world as they are being brought together by the
internet and other electronic communication
interconnections. Other forms of communication
such as Skype allows easier communication and
connection with others, especially in other
countries.
 10 Reasons Why The World Is A Global Village

the world is already being
We are in the 21st century and
recognized as a “global village”. The world is now almost
connected by telecommunications as well as the internet/media;
as everyone now has access to any information they want, they
can learn anything, contact anyone, carry out business
transactions, even build their very own business brand; and all
from the comfort of their couch. Looking back at the olden age, all
these privileges we enjoy were not available in the 1800s or
early 1900s by our ancestors, so to say, as they lived in a time
where everything was backwards and underdeveloped, Africa
especially.
10 Reasons Why The World Is A Global Village

Why then is the world a global village? Why didn’t we just

remain in the olden era and live as our ancestors did? Well, the
world became a global village because a lot of things needed to
change, there was a need for development and a need to bridge
the gap between people of the world.
 10 Reasons Why The World Is A Global Village

Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what

gaps needed to be bridged:

1. Cultural Barrier:
Before globalization, the internet and telecommunications, the
biggest problem the world had were cultural differences and
misinformation. Looking at how Joseph Conrad portrayed
Africans in his novel “Heart of Darkness”, there was a
misconception on his part due to lack of information as he saw
Africans as barbaric, uncultured animals but, now, thanks to
the internet, Africa is being seen as a vast cultural nation
with talents, creativity, culture, beauty and so on.

 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what

gaps needed to be bridged:

2. Information:
Information wasn’t widely spread as it is now. Back then, it would take
days or even weeks for information to be spread among states but
now, thanks to globalization which first brought newspapers, radios,
televisions and then the world wide web known as the Internet and
social media, information can be spread across the world in a couple of
minutes. We no longer miss anything (no need for newspapers either)
and we’re constantly updated 24/7 about what’s happening on the
other side of the world without being there and, we can easily share
our views and opinions, all thanks to the media. Although television is
still in use, our phones especially have become an easy means of
having “information with you on the go” as you can check for anything
online anytime and anywhere (explains why I’m always on my phone).

 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what

gaps needed to be bridged:

3. Communication:
Just like it was with information, it was also very difficult to
communicate with one another in the olden era, especially with
someone in a different country. Before the invention of the post
office, you’d have to pay a visit to whoever you wanted to
communicate with; so long as they were in the same town with
you (thankfully that’s over) but now, the internet has
practically changed the world and has impacted communication
thus, enabling everyone to communicate easily regardless of the
distance (you just have to pick up your phone and call or send a
message to anyone anywhere in the world).

 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what

gaps needed to be bridged:

4. Trade:
Trade by barter was what existed back then but now, I certainly
wouldn’t want to trade my shoe for a bag when I can buy the bag
anywhere (I can have my cake and eat it). I also wouldn’t want
to go to the market to buy something when I can easily order it
online, from the comfort of my home, and have it brought to my
doorstep.

 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what

gaps needed to be bridged:

5. Transportation and Travel:

Back then, the mode of transportation was either through
walking, canoe, or the use of animals (before bicycles were
invented of course), despite the distance. Thankfully, now, we no
longer have to walk a long distance like the people of Israel did
because transportation now connects us easily through fast and
effective means of transportation. Globalization helped us
conquer time and distance through the use of cars, trains and
planes which runs on fuel/diesel rather than manpower. Now,
you can easily travel anywhere around the world (you no longer
have to walk thankfully) for any reason whatsoever without
any hassle.
 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what
gaps needed to be bridged:

6. Creative Awareness:

Back then, though people were creative geniuses, they had no

means of showcasing their talent. Thanks to globalization now,
you can create an artwork or a piece of art, post it on the
internet and have it seen by people around the world (even sell
it) and, just about anyone can use and access the internet from
any device. Africa for example, being a vast country full of
people who are highly creative can now showcase their talents,
indigenous arts and culture to people around the world.

 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what

gaps needed to be bridged:
7. Job Opportunities:
I think we can all agree that it’s now easier to find a job online
than it was years ago when you had to go around with your CV
looking for job vacancies (it was really frustrating). Now, there
are online sites you can search for job opportunities and easily
send your CV without moving an inch. Not to mention that you
can even start your own business online, promote it and make
your own income. All these weren’t possible then but now,
globalization has made life a bit easier as it opens our business
market to a whole new world.

 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what

gaps needed to be bridged:
8. Improve Standard of Living
Like I said earlier, globalization has made life a lot easier and has
improved our standards of living as consumers now have more
opportunities to pick quality items at the right place for the right
price with no restrictions on the goods. Also, everything can be
done from the comfort of our homes now without much stress,
improving the standard of living for people across the world.
 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what
gaps needed to be bridged:
9. Togetherness:
Globalization has brought people of the world together even
during trying times. The good side of globalization is that it has
connected people such that we’re aware of the sufferings,
attacks, war and bad things happening around the world such
that we come together to fight for a good cause, lend a helping
hand as well as spread peace and love to everyone affected. For
example, during governmental oppression of the masses,
protests are done on social media against the government to
raise awareness and put an end to it.
 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what
gaps needed to be bridged:
10. Modernity and Diversity:
Globalization has brought about modernization in countries like India,
Nigeria, etc that were economically backwards and has also increased
diversity in all fields, which has brought about different opinions as well
as solutions to problems that weren’t seen.
A lot of barriers that hindered growth and development needed to be
broken, which was what brought about globalization, turning the world
into a global village connecting everyone around the world. Globalization
broke the barrier of distance, communication, buying and selling,
travelling, and so on, turning the world into a small, developed, modern
village. As such, the world as a global village has successfully brought
everyone around the world together irrespective of their race, gender or
tribe.
:
 Here’s why the world decided to become globalized and what
gaps needed to be bridged:
Globalization has brought people of the world together even
during trying times. The good side of globalization is that it has
connected people such that we’re aware of the sufferings,
attacks, war and bad things happening around the world such
that we come together to fight for a good cause, lend a helping
hand as well as spread peace and love to everyone affected. For
example, during governmental oppression of the masses,
protests are done on social media against the government to
raise awareness and put an end to it.
:
Communication as an
interaction
Communication binds people together. Their
interaction with one another connects their
understanding.
Source:
https://online.uhv.edu/articles/undergraduate-studies/does-culture-affect-
communication.aspx

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/eastern-visayas-state-university/social-
psychology/how-cultural-and-global-issues-affect-communicationsss/16949344

https://www.communicationtheory.org/cultural-barriers/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZI3CRtJumw
https://bellafricana.com/world-global-village/

Thank you!