1. On Some Communicational Barriers In Cross-Cultural Interaction
By Guo Jinxia
China Conservatory
May 16-21, 2007

2. Abstract
We are living in an ever-more-global world today. As a matter of fact, the opportunity for cross-cultural interaction may be right at hand in our place where we work and live. When we and our own cultural background come into contact with persons of another culture, something new emerges—a middle ground, called “ transaction culture”.
In this new middle ground, communicational barriers other than language inevitably occur.
To get over the barriers, we should begin with knowing and recognizing what often causes misconception and misunderstandings when we communicate in the “middle ground”.

3. I. Misunderstanding of Culture—Just to Know “What” Instead of “Why”
It is not enough to know “what” instead of “why”
The “why” is the essence of culture
That means we have to understand why people value some things and why people behave a certain way.
Then we can make good guesses of people why they value other things and interpret other behavior with a degree of accuracy.

4. Lists of taboos in some countries
Be very careful not to cross your legs so that the sole of your foot points to someone in Thailand.
Never help yourself to food when you are the guest of honor at a banquet in China.
Never mind waiting for somebody to negotiate with for a hour or two in China
Be sure to remove your shoes when you visit a Korean home.
Never refuse the offer of coffee from a businessman in Kuwait.

5. II. Language Barriers and its Consequence
Robert Hasting, 35 year-old businessman, from the United Stated wanted to do business with Minmetals.
Before Robert Hasting came to China, he had picked up some Chinese. It was his first trip to China.
He greeted the ex-president in a wrong way but with grammatically right sentences.
He lost his deal finally because his improper use of language.

6. culture and language are intertwined and are shaping each other.
Whenever we select words, form sentences and send a message, either oral or written, we also make cultural choices.
But if we select language without being aware of the cultural implications and differences, we may not communicate well or even send wrong message in cross-cultural interaction.

7. III. The Non-verbal Language Barriers
1. Differences in Body language
Communication is more than words, it also involves body language such as eye contacts, facial expressions and gestures etc.
In the intercultural working background, people will meet many differences in culture, customs and communication styles.
Body language provides extra information, which enriches understanding.
Body language is based on certain culture and custom foundations.

8. 2. The Conception of Being formal and informal in cross-cultural communication
The difference between “formal” and “informal” is not that between “grammatical” and “ungrammatical” in writing.
Different ways in dealing with business letters
The ideas about formality are dramatically different from those of different cultures.
Different behaviors in dressing and greeting

9. V. Ethical Considerations in Intercultural Engagement
What is considered ethical depends on the cultural backgrounds of the peopled involved.
People from different cultures establish the standards and criteria what is right or ethical and what is wrong.
there is no issue that is absolutely right or wrong because the reality consists of both opposites.
Ideas about nepotism and other issues

10. VI. Communicational differences in High-Context and Low-Context Culture
Communication not only involves in language system, but also closely relates to nonverbal factors.
we can distinguish among the cultures on the basis of the role of context in communications.
“ High-context” cultures rely on the context, rather than on language.
In low-context culture, the messages are explicit, direct and completely encoded in words.
When people from low-context culture meet people from high-context culture, both of them have to bend a little.

11. VII. Conclusion
International experience is becoming more important in global workplace, and it will undoubtedly be more universally valued in the future.
A mixed set of rules—middle Culture —develop for the purposes of the interaction.
we should show our respect for other’s culture, and be willing to adapt our own patterns of thought and behavior to meet the communication needs of the other.
it is necessary and important for foreign language learners to research and know some communicational barriers frequently occurring in cross-cultural interactions.