Nowadays we talk and hear about the big topics like “Globalisation”, “Internationalisation of markets” and “New Technologies for Communication”. In our today’s world boundaries be-tween states as well as big distances between particular states do not play a big role anymore. Nearly everyone is able to get in connection with everyone he likes to; not matter what coun-try he lives in, what time it is or with whom he likes to talk.
This development leads to the arising importance of “Cross Cultural Communication”. Think-ing about business for example most of all existing companies operate all around the world by now. If a salesman from England wants to make profit, he will have to offer his products not only in his home country; he also will have to offer them in Japan and Germany. So for doing his job he has to communicate across cultures. It is the same in many other branches, like pol-itics or movie makers for instance.
It is an evident aspect that communicating across cultures is associated with problems and barriers to communication. The first big problem getting in mind is the language itself, because two communication partners must own one language which both of them are able to speak.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Foundations
- 2.1 Culture
- 2.2 Communication
- 2.3 Cross Cultural Communication
- 3 Dimensions of Communication
- 3.1 Verbal Communication
- 3.2 Nonverbal Communication
- 3.3 Paraverbal Communication
- 4 Barriers to Cross Cultural Communication
- 4.1 Language differences
- 4.2 Nonverbal communication
- 4.3 Paraverbal Communication
- 4.4 Stereotypes
- 4.5 Making a Judgement
- 4.6 High Level of Stress
- 5 Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to explore the complexities of cross-cultural communication, focusing on the significant barriers that impede effective interaction across cultural boundaries. It investigates the foundations of culture and communication to provide a context for understanding the challenges involved. The analysis delves into specific barriers, providing insights into how cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns.
- The definition and multifaceted nature of culture
- The process of communication and its inherent challenges
- The concept of cross-cultural communication and its implications
- Various barriers to effective cross-cultural communication
- The impact of cultural differences on communication outcomes
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the increasing importance of cross-cultural communication in a globalized world. It emphasizes the challenges inherent in communicating across cultures, particularly concerning language barriers and differing cultural backgrounds, values, and beliefs. The chapter establishes the thesis's focus on identifying and analyzing key barriers to effective cross-cultural communication, setting the groundwork for a detailed exploration in subsequent chapters.
2 Foundations: This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding cross-cultural communication by defining key concepts. It begins by exploring the multifaceted definition of "culture," drawing upon established sociological perspectives to establish a comprehensive understanding of its various components, including values, beliefs, and behaviors. The chapter then delves into the communication process itself, outlining a model that clarifies the roles of sender, receiver, and feedback. Finally, it connects these two concepts, defining cross-cultural communication as the interaction between individuals from different cultural backgrounds, highlighting the potential for misunderstandings due to differing values and beliefs.
3 Dimensions of Communication: This chapter examines the three dimensions of communication: verbal, nonverbal, and paraverbal. It analyzes how each dimension contributes to the overall message and how cultural differences can affect the interpretation of each. The chapter explores the nuances of verbal communication across languages, the complexities of nonverbal cues such as body language and gestures, and the role of tone and inflection in paraverbal communication. It underscores the significance of understanding these dimensions for effective cross-cultural interaction.
4 Barriers to Cross Cultural Communication: This chapter identifies and analyzes several key barriers to effective cross-cultural communication. It delves into the impact of language differences, nonverbal misinterpretations, paraverbal communication discrepancies, and the role of stereotypes and premature judgments in hindering successful interaction. The chapter emphasizes the compounding effect of these barriers and highlights the increased potential for miscommunication and conflict in cross-cultural contexts. It also discusses the heightened stress levels that can arise from navigating these communication challenges.
Keywords
Cross-cultural communication, culture, communication process, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, paraverbal communication, language barriers, cultural differences, stereotypes, misunderstandings, globalization.
FAQ: Comprehensive Language Preview - Cross-Cultural Communication
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a text focusing on cross-cultural communication. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The preview is intended for academic use, facilitating the analysis of themes within the text.
What topics are covered in the text?
The text explores the complexities of cross-cultural communication, examining its foundations in culture and communication. It delves into the different dimensions of communication (verbal, nonverbal, paraverbal), analyzes various barriers to effective cross-cultural communication (language differences, nonverbal misinterpretations, stereotypes, etc.), and discusses the impact of cultural differences on communication outcomes.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the definition and multifaceted nature of culture, the communication process and its challenges, cross-cultural communication and its implications, barriers to effective cross-cultural communication, and the impact of cultural differences on communication outcomes.
What are the main chapters and their respective focuses?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Sets the stage by highlighting the importance of cross-cultural communication in a globalized world and establishes the thesis's focus on identifying and analyzing key barriers. Chapter 2 (Foundations): Defines key concepts like culture and communication, providing a foundation for understanding cross-cultural interactions. Chapter 3 (Dimensions of Communication): Examines verbal, nonverbal, and paraverbal communication, analyzing how cultural differences affect interpretation. Chapter 4 (Barriers to Cross-Cultural Communication): Identifies and analyzes key barriers, such as language differences, nonverbal misinterpretations, stereotypes, and stress.
What are some of the specific barriers to cross-cultural communication discussed?
The text discusses language differences, nonverbal communication misunderstandings, paraverbal communication discrepancies, stereotypes, premature judgments, and high levels of stress as significant barriers to effective cross-cultural communication.
What is the intended audience for this text?
The text is intended for academic use, aimed at researchers and students interested in cross-cultural communication.
What keywords are associated with the text?
Keywords include: Cross-cultural communication, culture, communication process, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, paraverbal communication, language barriers, cultural differences, stereotypes, misunderstandings, globalization.
Where can I find the full text?
The provided preview does not include the full text. Further information on obtaining the complete text would need to be sought from the publishing company.
- Citation du texte
- Kathrin Kutz (Auteur), 2011, Barriers to Cross Cultural Communication, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/187685
