Cross-Cultural Comparison Intercultural Communication

Cross-Cultural Comparison

Intercultural Communication


The Nature of Communication in India

• Historically, language has divided people in India

• India is one of the most multilingual nations in the world

• 1947 after independence, India divided its states according to language

• Then introduced Hindi as the official language. English also now shares official language status.

• India has over 1000 languages and dialects


Verbal Communication

1. Inequalities in wealth and power • Linked directly to the caste system, which

originates in Hinduism• Upward mobility is prevented, even

though this practice has been outlawed• Most Indians are aware of this social

order and the place where they sit within it



2. Inequalities between men and women• India is a very patriarchal society, with the

father the head of the household.• This social order must always be

maintained

3. Spirituality based on Karma• Every action has a consequence and

everything happens for a reason• What one does in this life affects the next• This has implications for communication

and decision making as well as their idea of time


4. The Idea of collectivism is prevalent• Indians are more accepting of group

decisions and hierarchical settings• Indians often define their identity as their

group (or caste) rather than their individual identity

5. Small personal space and lack of privacy• This is amplified by many people from the

extended family living in one home.• Relationships, rules, structures, trust and

mutual obligations are created.


6. Respectful mistrust in business dealings• It is assumed that a non family member in

a business dealing will be dishonest• This prevents the relationship being

damaged by one party trying to gain an unfair advantage

7. Public Transport• Are very congested and personal space is

small• Many people are crammed into small

places and seats



8. Lack of privacy• Seeking personal information in India is

carried out in a very direct way. This can lead to conflict as westerners find this confronting

9. Indians are very hospitable• They will invite total strangers to tea

10.Avoiding conflict• Indians use indirect speech

Do Check for understanding page 104 question 3

HOMEWORK: Do Check for understanding page 104 question 1 and 4


Core Values in Indian Society Compared to Australian SocietyINDIA Collectivist/group identity. No privacy Patriarchal Society- father is head of household. Hospitable- accepting of strangers. Easily offended when refused. Indirect in their speech. Hindi and English main languages. Life based around the concept of karma. Limited personal space. Direct in their questioning/open about privacy. Intercaste marriage forbidden. Very trusting. Inequalities between men and women. Strict caste system still operates even though it is

illegal. Aware of position in caste- no mobility. Avoid conflict. Arranged marriage

AUSTRALIA Individualist Egalitarian Trust in business deals. Fluid social hierarchy. Strong sense of mateship. Multicultural. Looser family bonds. Earn trust. Large personal space. Christianity- but not tied to religion. Privacy is important. Open to employment of non-family. Both parents have equal roles. Take offence at directness. Confrontation when angry.


Non-Verbal Communication

There are two types of non-verbal communication• Illustrators which accompany words• Emblems which have meaning all their own

In India some main gestures are• “Fight or flight” - explain• Suicide gesture - explain


Facial Expressions and Body Gestures• Staring is more acceptable in India than in the

West• Greeting- Hands in prayer like fashion and

sometimes bowing• Left hand to clean oneself• Right hand for giving and receiving• “come here” - explain• “Sorry” - explain• Shoes - explain• Patting on the head - explain• Admiration - explain


Eye Contact• Women may speak from behind the veil of their

sari• Lower status (or caste) will look to the ground

when addressing superiors• Direct eye contact with equals or in business is

significant

Time and Space• Men and women stay segregated in large social

gatherings• Touching is only allowed by family or someone

from the same caste


Vocal Tones• Indians speak loudly and fast with greater

enthusiasm than those from the west• Westerners may interpret this as rudeness


The Effectiveness of Communication

Directness of response Cant say “no” - expand

Meeting People Hierarchical society - expand

Naming Based on Religion - expand

Titles Conveys education, caste and/or profession -expand

Gift giving Relates to religious beliefs - expand



Social Relationships and Social Control

The caste system is the basis of class in India. It is supported by Hinduism. It is illegal in Modern India to practice the caste system

The fifth caste is called the “Untouchables”. They were considered the lowest and performed menial unhygienic work

Name and explain the 4 main castes


People were born into their caste and where they were born was based on their previous lives

The Indian government has implemented positive discrimination laws to try and help the lowest caste groups

READ page 109. “India-Intecaste Relations”


The remains of the caste system maintain social relationships and social control.

Communicating between different groups is seen as unacceptable

Do Check for understanding page 110 questions 1 and 4Do Think it through page 110 question 4



Gender and Communication

All men and women cannot be grouped just according to their gender

The variety of religions, regions, classes and ages are going to affect the personal experience of women especially

Modernisation has transformed India and women as well as men peruse career paths nowadays



However, even in modern India sons are seen and the main economic source for the family. In many parts of Northern India, wives move in with their husbands families. They are still segregated as communication between spouses is a threat to the patrilinial nature of the family

Describe how women are being given more power in economic decision making

Provide an example of how traditional practice still prohibits women from active communication




In the cities the traditional and modern gender roles are in conflict as well. For example university educated women work in menial jobs, just to earn a living

Socialising with the opposite sex outside work hours used to be taboo, this is now changing

Gender roles in India are reflected in language Mothers duty - expand Tamil language - expand Women remain silent while males express their

opinion - expand The way men and women speak to each other

- expand




Intercultural Understanding

Multiculturalism refers to an attitude about the acceptance of a number of different cultures living together in one society.

Usually there is one dominant culture that supports the mix of other cultures

An example is in Australia – explain Multiculturalism has only been introduced in

Modern India. Its constitution emphasis inter-group equality


The concept of intra-group equality is not recognised in India. That is within specific groups, inequality, domination and patriarchy still exist

Read section on Mumbai. Page 113

1. List the various places of worship in Mumbai. Page 1132. Define Hybrid Society. Page 1143. Explain how this relates to India


Aspects of Society and Culture that are similar and different between

India and Australia (PAGE 114-115)

CULTURAL FEATURES

AUSTRALIA INDIA MISUNDERSTANDINGS

LANGUAGE

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS


CULTURAL FEATURES

AUSTRALIA INDIA MUSUNDERSTANDINGS

SOCIAL STRUCTURES

CULTURAL COMPLEXITIES


The effect of gender roles and values

on behaviour All societies assign specific traits to males and

females. Traditional societies tend to focus on this more (read page 115-116)

In India males are viewed as being superior and therefore demand more respect

This is evident in the birth of a new baby. A male child is sought after to look after the family and property



The role of acculturation in the acquisition of cultural perception

1. Read page 116-117

2. Do check for understanding question 1 and 2 page 117

3. Do think it through question 1 page 117


The existence of group identity and commitment to cultural continuity

Australia's group identity and cultural continuity consists of:

The belief of a fair go The values of mateship, freedom and safety The customs of commemorating Anzac day and

Australia day

1. Read page 117-118

2. Define Cultural continuity

3. Define Group Identity


The behaviours of participating in outdoor activities (especially the beach)

Being direct in our communication and informal in our language

India’s group identity and cultural continuity consists of:

The belief of self determination and some form of nationalism

The values of multiculturalism and family The customs of women wearing a sari and a bindi and

Hindu traditions The behaviours associated with the caste system in

social, family and business interactions


Intercultural Misunderstanding

Role play activity (page 119-120)

4 scenarios with 3 different outcomes


Strategies to deal with

intercultural misunderstandingIt is important to be aware and to acknowledge causes of

misunderstandings: Different communication styles Importance of non-verbal communication (e.g.: facial

expressions, personal distance, tone, volume and sense of time)

Attitudes towards opinions and conflict Decision making related to roles and status Different attitudes towards personal information Gender roles and expectations


Strategies to deal with intercultural misunderstanding because of intercultural

differences Know the language – explain Demonstrate social and cultural literacy

– explain Be patient – explain Language expertise – explain Be self reflective – explain Speak with natives – explain Use multiple forms of communication – explain

Documents

Cross-Cultural Comparison Intercultural Communication