Cross-cultural communication Essay Example for Free

Cross-cultural communication Essay Cross-cultural communication is an art which cannot be practiced without verbal and non-verbal communication. Interacting with people of the same culture requires certain skills so interacting across different cultures is a task ahead. Every culture doesn’t only have its own language but also has a unique set of codes and customs; this makes verbal and non-verbal communication both important. With over 3000 languages and many dialects spoken in the world today, it is impossible for everybody to learn all of them. This humungous variety that is available creates problems for the cross-cultural communication. Apart from this the way words are uttered; the accents used add to the problem. In this case, the standard language makes cross-cultural communication easier. For instance one form of Arabic language is most common so it is widely used; Modern Standard Arabic. The same way an official language is given preference when interacting with people of different cultures. A country having many provinces synchronizes on a national language. Every province may have a different language but there is one language which is common to all. The same way the standard language for communicating across countries and continents is English. It is the most widely spoken language in the world and helps to overcome many ethnic differences. The reason that English is proved helpful in breaking barriers is that it is derived from other languages so many cultures can easily relate to it. Language is especially important when the interaction is not on face to face basis. In this type of interaction one cannot get the aid of body language and communication is solely dependent on words. Etiquettes over here emphasize the importance of verbal communication. People should take care of their words; they shouldn’t offend others while speaking. A word which means something good in one language might mean something totally appalling in the other. Care must be taken while selecting words for cross-cultural communication. Slang language especially should be avoided. While the importance of verbal communication is obvious and can be easily seen, the importance of non-verbal communication comes through experience and knowledge. The value of non-verbal communication is in fact greater than that of verbal communication across cultures. When the verbal communication is weak, non-verbal communication is relied upon. Gestures, eye contact, physical appearance, touch, expressions, silence and behavior speak a lot when we fall short of words. Majority of French people don’t understand English language and only communicate in their own language. When tourists visit their homeland it gets difficult for them to communicate. This is where non-verbal communication becomes very important. Actions help in communicating and letting people of different cultures interact without language. Some gestures are world widely same, others may show one thing in one culture and another in another culture. (Reisinger, 2009). Personal space or physical proximity is also an important non-verbal communication element. In some cultures, people dislike standing too close and maintain some distance between them while in others people stand pretty close while talking and consider it rude to stand apart. To make cross-cultural communication easier people are learning more languages but it is also very important to research other cultures and understand their non-verbal communication. Even if language skills are not appropriate, messages can be conveyed if body language is used correctly. It is said that non-verbal communication makes the first impression because even before a person opens the mouth to utter a word, an impression is made. (LeBaron, 2003). Non-verbal interaction is important during face-to-face communication. It can occur through the sensory channels- sight, sound, smell, touch or taste. Listeners process the non-verbal communication apart from the verbal one. Charles Darwin was the first man to conduct a study of non-verbal communication. His book â€Å"The Expressions of the Emotions of Man and Animals was published in 1872. In this writing he argued that animals show emotions on their faces so they communicate a lot without speaking (Davis, 1999). It is said that verbal communication is more important in public speaking and non-verbal communication is very important in interpersonal relationships. Also it is considered more polite is ideas are conveyed by non-verbal cues rather than verbal, especially in embarrassing situations. There are five primary functions of nonverbal bodily behavior in human communication: †¢ Express emotions †¢ Express interpersonal attitudes †¢ To accompany speech in managing the cues of interaction between speakers and listeners †¢ Self-presentation of one’s personality †¢ Rituals (greetings) Another important thing is that during non-verbal communication it is easier to catch someone who is not speaking the truth. Facial expressions and hand movements tell a lot. This also helps the interviewers when people go abroad in search of jobs. An interesting point of view of non-verbal communication is that it is rich in beauty. Cultural dance competitions are held and different cultures perform their own dances. Without speaking a whole story is formed and the message is conveyed. This is the beauty of non-verbal communication (Storti, 1994). It is important to address issues of both verbal and non-verbal communication. It is because in this competitive age those who have an edge over others and are good at everything are successful. References: Storti, C. , 1994, â€Å"Cross-Cultural Dialogues†, Available at http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/cross-cultural/book/crosscultural-dialogues. html [ Accessed May 12, 2010] Davis, L. ,1999, â€Å"Doing Culture: Cross-Cultural Communication in Action†, Available at http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/cross-cultural/book/communication-action. html[ Accessed May 12, 2010] LeBaron, M. ,2003, â€Å"Cross-Cultural Communication, Available at http://www. beyondintractability. org/essay/cross-cultural_communication/ [ Accessed May 12, 2010]

The 1960’s - Rooster Essay -- Drama

The 1960’s - Rooster In expressive arts we are studying the theme of the 60’s. In our lesson we watched a dance called â€Å"Rooster†. Rooster was created for the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve and first performed on October 10 1991 at the Grand Theatre de Geneve, Switzerland. It was first performed by Rambert Dance Company on 8 December 1994 at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle. Christopher Bruce (the choreographer), wished to celebrate the music and to use the qualities of the song to reflect the "sexual war" between women and men that he felt was revalent during his teenage years. He compared the image of a strutting cockerel with its fine feathers and the men dressed up to go out. Rooster is a creation of the 1960’s by using music, dance, gesture and costume to create the feeling of a Saturday night out. My first impression of the dance was very strange, as it opened with a man moving across the stage in a very strange way. A style of walk that the man did was a move where he slid his feet along the floor and jutted his head forward. This move reminded me of a bird, and was actually named the â€Å"rooster strut†. There are about 10 people in this dance, but there are 2 main dances throughout. I believe it shows what a normal night out in the 60’s was like. The costumes are very significant to the dance. The women wear a mini skirts, this relates to the 60’s because this was very fashionable at this time. It is a combination of black and red. This contra...

Nursing Philosophy Essay

Nursing Philosophy, Model, and Theory Discussion Question Jennifer Gauze, Kathy Hatfield, Karen Hunt, Rina Lacombe, Jillian Morrow, Stephanie Yates Theories and Models of Nursing Practice May Thirteenth, 2013 Mary McGill Nursing Philosophy, Model, and Theory Discussion Question In this paper we are going to discuss three different theorists, Dorthea Orem, Ida Orlando, and Betty Neuman. We will discuss how their theories expand our view of the nursing process and now they fit during our workday. Dorthea Orem believed that people have the innate ability for self-care (Simmons, 2009). It is our duty as nurses to encourage, and promote self-care though patient teaching. This is critical to maximize our patient’s health. We are to make sure patients can meet their basic needs by participating in their care. Simmons, L. (2009). Dorthea orem’s self care theory as related to nursing practice in hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 36(4), 419-21. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/216533281? accountid=35812 Ida Jean Orlando’s theory focuses on how nurses process observations and respond based on the interactions with their patients. Orlando’s theory differentiates between automatic and deliberate action (Alligood, 2010). Orlando’s theory of deliberative nursing process is important in the planning stage. Planning verses automatic action is crucial to ensure the desired outcomes in implementing care for patients. Taking time to process the observations made during the nurse-patient interaction  assists  in planning  individualized patient care based on the needs  that are identified  for that specific patient. Surrounding the core are the patient’s lines of defense which function to help maintain stability. Anything, internally or externally, can disrupt lines of defense resulting in illness, injury, or depression. As nurses, we work to repair the broken lines of defense and to strengthen and maintain existing ones while keeping the core in mind as our main focus. Neuman’s theory correlates with the nursing process. We must first assess our patients to determine broken lines of defense. We then make a plan with a goal to repair broken lines of defense and carry out our plan. Evaluation of the patient is an ongoing process. We must look at our result and determine if our interventions are effective or not. As we carry out our nursing care plan, the patient’s lines of defense should become stronger. ( Jillian ) Alligood, M. R. (2010). Nursing theory: Utilization & application (4th ed. ). Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier. Retrieved from University of Phoenix University Library

The American Dream Through Various Eyes - 1270 Words

The American Dream Through Various Eyes In a country that is based around the idea that you can be anyone and do anything, one would think that most Americans all want the typical â€Å"American Dream.† Many would agree that when we think American Dream, we think fancy yachts, designer clothing, and big buildings, but is that really what the dream is all about? By definition, the American Dream is defined as, â€Å"the idea that every U.S. citizen should have equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination† (â€Å"American Dream†). It is the idea that someone that comes from the very bottom can make their way to the top through determination and persistence. But what is considered to be â€Å"the top† is hard to†¦show more content†¦Perhaps the dream of a wealthy individual is constant improvement and expansion of their wallet, but also to find gratitude with what they have. Contrary to the upper class, the middle class retains an opportunity for growth and therefore believes in the American Dream. However, their dreams shy away from the common view of the American Dream and instead revolve around their values and wants. Primarily, the middle class is defined as having an income between $46,960 and $140,900, although the economic boundaries that make up the middle class constantly varies (Luhby). Besides income, the middle class also can be identified by occupation, net worth, or education, but every middle class citizen, no matter how they are identified, experience similar circumstances (Elkins). The majority of the middle class yearn to have a nice home and secure job, along with extra money to enjoy their interests and hobbies. In addition, they strive to set aside savings for their children’s transition into the working world or future education. Although the middle class has more opportunities than lower class citizens, they still encounter their own struggles. For many middle class families, hard times come and go while they try to maintain a comfortable living situation. Money for them does not come as easily as it does for the upper class, who typically have enough to constantly feel stable. Nonetheless, the middle class obtains enough to live moreShow MoreRelatedThe Great Gatsby - Demise Of The American Dream883 Words   |  4 PagesGreat Gatsby - Demise of the American Dream The Great Gatsby (1925) is a highly symbolic novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald on 1920 s America, an era of great prosperity and material excess. Its theme mainly deals with the disintegration of the American Dream due to decayed social and moral values. 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