Different
Communication
I do
not believe that I find myself communicating differently across cultures;
however, when I am speaking with someone from a different nationality and
language system I do find myself using body language more intentionally. I do not know why I do this, I am not sure if
it is even effective. When I am at
church or at work, I use more formal language than when I am with family or
friends. I think this is due to comfort
level and perception. When I am at home
or with family and friends, I am more comfortable and communicate freely in my
preferred method. When I am at church or
at work, I use language that is more formal so that I will be understood and so
that I will not be perceived as someone who cannot speak proper English.
I think that three strategies for improving communication in all situations is to really listen to the other person, ask questions if you don't understand, and try to use the platinum rule if at all possible.
Joseph, I was thinking about the comfort you feel communicating at home with family and friends and I was wondering it the comfort is because you already understand the many facets of communication- verbal, vocal and nonverbal that are involved in the patterns of meaning. When I am with my family I feel relax and that communication is easy. We build on previous experiences and refer to inside stories adding indepth meaning.
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