One university – many cultures Intercultural communication Lorraine Pickett-Rose

Workshop aims:  To raise awareness of communicating with students and staff from across the globe.  To give a brief overview of cross-cultural communication theory.  To reflect on own communications skills.

International & EU students studying at the University of Portsmouth International – 2426 EU Total- 3556

International students  China- 783Nigeria- 331  Saudi Arabia- 248India- 128  Malaysia- 158Thailand- 48  Hong Kong- 38Pakistan- 38  UAE- 35Kuwait- 32  Vietnam- 31

International & EU by faculty (data from International Office March 2010) FacultyInternationalEU CCI HUM SCI TEC PBS902342

Components of communication... 55% facial:– eye contact, length of glance, expression 38% vocal:– tone of voice, loudness, hesitations or pauses, firmness 7% verbal:– actual words (medical terms, abbreviations)

what is this?

What is it now?

And now?

What do these gestures mean?

What is culture?  A shared system of symbols, beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations, and norms of behaviour. (Bovee & Thill (2008)  It is learned  It is shared by members who agree  Teaches values & priorities (which then shape attitudes)  Prescribes behaviour

The Iceberg Effect (Hofstede 1991)

Fundamental cultural orientations How they affect communication  Contexting and face-saving  How the individual is viewed in relation to the group  How time is perceived  How status is accorded

When communicating with people of a different culture  Choose words & expressions carefully without using  ambiguous words  unfamiliar words  acronyms  idioms  slang  Organisation of messages  Clarity of pronunciation

(cont.)  Body language  Eye contact  Laughter  Touch  Physical space  Tone, volume and speed  Turn-taking and silence

Tips for effective intercultural communication (general)  Develop a sense of cultural awareness  Give up ethnocentricity  Recognise differences  Show respect & tolerance  Adapt if necessary  Look beyond appearances

Tips for effective intercultural communication (linguistic)  Use simple, frequently used words  Avoid slang & idiomatic expressions  Use short, simple sentences (written)  Number points to make them clear (written)  Speak slowly, clearly, simply  Make one point at a time  Watch for misunderstandings

EMBRACE!!

References  Bovee, C.L. & Thill, J.V. (2008). Business communication today. 9 th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall International, Inc.  Hofstede, G. (1991). Cultures and organisations. London: Harper Collins.

What do these gestures mean? (example answers)