3 Methods of Intercultural Communication which Impact your International Business

Welcome to my latest article on Intercultural Communication. In this article, I will provide a short introduction to the three methods of intercultural communication in face-to-face interaction and why you should pay attention as an international entrepreneur, business leader, project manager or team leader in your international and multicultural business environment especially in Asia.

Once separated by vast oceans, our world's population is now more mobile and connected than ever in its history. Multi-national companies expanded to the ends of the earth and a transparent worldwide labour pool is no longer a distant vision on the horizon. Despite these waves of global change, world events demonstrate we can still fail to understand and be understood in intercultural communication. We all know, human beings use three different methods to communicate our thoughts in face-to-face interaction; word, tone and body language. The way in which we use these methods determines how well others receive our message. Its meaning is based on the response we get, which tells us how well we used the three methods to convey our message.

Using Words and being Silent

Verbal communication is important and has significant influence on human behaviour. Words don’t always translate precisely when you’re going from one language to another. Words that are translated to different language seldom have the same meaning they did in the original language. This happens to me having Swiss German as mother tongue and English as a second language learnt in school or when I started studying Japanese as my fifth language via English, I needed to figure out that in Japanese you either do not have the same word or you might have four or five different words for the same meaning. In a summary, the meaning of word varies with every person, language and culture.

Language is a foremost way of communication, while silence can also convey a lot of information, even something difficult to express with language. Generally speaking, silence is used in most situations in Chinese culture, thus the attitude of Chinese towards silence is positive. Chinese people emphasize the functions of silence in their communication. In Chinese people’s communication, pause and silence can express plenty of meanings, such as agreement, praise, disagreement, protest, decision, respect, etc. Silence in Western Culture is a contrast. Imagine Italian and Spanish people being silent during any of their conversations. Western attitude towards silence has a more negative meaning. In most situations, Western tends to consider silence in communication as indifference, anger, shame, disgust, embarrassment, disagreement, etc. They cannot bear those who always keep silent. They cannot understand what conveys from silence.

Using Tone

The second method we use to communicate is our tone of voice, or tonality. Voice does not always have the same interpretation across cultures. In Asia, senior members of the business and social cultural hierarchy do not raise their voice or shout. Speaking with a soft voice is a signifier of higher ranks; so practice using a restrained and moderate tone as a more effective way of communicating. Avoid shouting or raising your voice to member of staff. In Asia, raised, loud, or angry voices lead to a loss of face.

When you are travelling on business, nonverbal communication is key to understand what is said beyond verbal word. To communicate and comprehend nonverbally requires awareness, observation and openness. You have to think beyond the words and outside the box.

Body Language and Gestures

Shakespeare said once:” "There's language in her eyes, her cheek, her lip, Nay, her foot speaks." Indeed, this body language not only can make their word lively, but also express the speaker's mood, or even substitute a sentence. What the body language means when they use for communication? This is the necessary knowledge of Intercultural Communication. Any kind of body language is formed on the foundation of culture. Without understanding the true meaning of a body language, it will embarrass or make mistake.

Asian cultures are using indirect communication and words can only be understood in context. Sometimes it means that it asks you to read between the lines of speech and body language. Body language is very important. As an example, international business negotiations may appear to be more efficient through email, but Koreans prefer Skype calls and face-to-face meetings so they can read body language and other nonverbal cues.

When it comes to body language keep in mind that also gestures are very important in the communication process. Our body language often conveys more than the words we use. At times, it can completely change - or even nullify - our words’ meaning. As an example, pointing with the index finger at something or someone can be offensive in many cultures. It is considered a very rude thing to do in China, Japan and Indonesia and many other countries. In Europe, it’s thought of as impolite. It’s best to use an open hand with all your fingers together when you need to point at something or someone.

Almost every gesture using fingers is sure to offend someone, somewhere, at some time. As a recommended rule, it is best to avoid using any single finger as a gesture - unless you are absolutely sure it is appropriate for a particular culture or country. Open-handed gestures with all fingers generally together, is usually considered the safest approach. There are countless additional gestures that mean something different in every culture. Gestures have such a profound influence on communication that it really is best to keep your fingers to yourself.

People around the world, it doesn’t matter which professional role you are in; all use the same three methods to communicate in face-to-face interactions. Our words, tone of voice even silence, and body language and gestures are the common links that help us transfer our message. How we use them determines how successful we will be in different cultures and in an international business environment.

Do you want more intercultural insights? Looking for cultural advice in international business and multicultural working environments? Share your cultural questions in the comments below and I will either replay directly or even writing a new article on a certain topic. Thank you.

Keywords: #intercultural communication #culture #international business #asiamatters #businessvalue, #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #startup