Throughout the course of human history, the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas has been at the center of our evolution. From the tower of Babel through to the social media revolution, the nature of humanity has expressed itself through the need for interaction. We are social creatures and our continued success depends upon our ability to communicate with one another.
In our shrinking world, the ability to thoughtfully communicate across different cultures and experiences is critical. Simply put, “communication is a process of circular interaction involving a sender, receiver and message (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2011).” Though accurate, this description does not tell the full story. In order to communicate effectively, our message must first be clear. Choices in language, terminology and expressions of intent are critically important to making sure the intended message is communicated, especially when sending messages across cultural divides. Consider the use of adjectives, when we communicate using connotative or denotative language our message may be enhanced or lost entirely. When selecting the language of a message, “the same set of observations can be represented by two very different sets of adjectives that lead to two very different judgments… (PHIL 10, 2020).” In order to communicate effectively, the choice of language is critically important.
Also, effective communication relies heavily on the ability to present a clear message without the interference supplied by cultural differences. Communicating effectively across cultures is not accomplished merely by translating from one language to another but rather through thoughtful construction of the message itself, made in such a way as to be accessible to the receiver. The cultures of both sender and receiver are “…a key ingredient within the practice of communication (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2011).” Understanding the implications of using certain words or titles through the lens of culture increases the likelihood a message will be received and reduces opportunities for misinterpretation (PHIL 10, 2020).”
Finally, effective communication requires an understanding of the significance of cultural norms as they relate to the sending and receiving of ideas. “The most basic skill that [we], must cultivate is learning how to effectively communicate and listen cross-culturally (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2011).” In order to do this, we must consider the objectives and normative behaviors of those we seek to communicate with. Understanding is how we bridge the gap between “us and them,” allowing us to create messages that will be well-received and to listen in kind. “Our normal tendency [is] to listen to only those with similar value priorities… (Browne & Keeley, 2015)” and without cultural understanding the message may be poorly received or lost.
Humans are social creatures and effective communication has been the key to our survival since time immemorial. In our globalist age, the most critical skill we can possess is the ability to communicate across cultures. This requires great care and attention to detail, both of which are essential to a successful outcome. As Stephen Hawking famously observed, “…speech has allowed the communication of ideas, enabling human beings to work together to build the impossible. Mankind’s greatest achievements have come about by talking, and its greatest failures by not talking. It doesn’t have to be like this. Our greatest hopes could become reality in the future. With the technology at our disposal, the possibilities are unbounded. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking.”
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Browne, M. N., & Keeley, S. M. (2015). Asking theRight Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking. Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2011). Managing Cultural Differences. New York: Routledge.
PHIL 10. (2020, 09 20). L04 Denotation and Connotation. Retrieved from PHIL 10: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2077033/pages/l04-denotation-and-connotation?module_item_id=29508590
PHIL 10. (2020, 09 20). L04 What’s In A Name. Retrieved from PHIL 10: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2077033/pages/l04-whats-in-a-name?module_item_id=29508588
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