11.4 Cross-cultural Communication | English VG1

Communicating Across Cultures

In our globalized world, you'll communicate with people from many different cultural backgrounds. Understanding cultural differences helps avoid misunderstandings.

Key Areas of Cultural Difference:
- Communication styles (direct vs. indirect)
- Concepts of time and punctuality
- Personal space and touch
- Hierarchy and formality
- Humor and taboo topics

Intercultural Competence

Knowledge: - Understanding your own cultural values - Learning about other cultures - Recognizing stereotypes vs. generalizations Skills: - Adapting communication style - Active listening - Asking clarifying questions - Observing nonverbal cues Attitudes: - Curiosity and openness - Respect for difference - Tolerance of ambiguity - Empathy Avoiding Stereotypes: - Treat people as individuals - Generalizations can inform but shouldn't define - Ask questions rather than assume - Be aware of your own biases

📝Oppgave 1

Reflect on cross-cultural communication:

What aspects of Norwegian culture might seem unusual to someone from another country?

Have you experienced cultural misunderstandings? What happened?

How can you improve your intercultural communication skills?

📝Oppgave 2

Research a cultural misunderstanding between Norwegian and English-speaking cultures. Describe what happened and explain the cultural values behind the misunderstanding.

📝Oppgave 3

Role play: With a partner, practice a cross-cultural conversation scenario (e.g., a Norwegian student meeting an American host family for the first time). Discuss what went well and what could cause confusion.

📝Oppgave 4

Discuss: How has growing up with English-language media affected your understanding of other cultures? Has it created any misconceptions?

📝Oppgave 5

Write a guide (200-300 words) for a foreign student visiting your school, explaining Norwegian cultural norms they should know about.

📝Oppgave 6

Discuss: "In a globalized world, cultural differences are disappearing." Do you agree or disagree? Use specific examples from English-speaking cultures.

Summary

Key Points:
1. Cross-cultural communication requires knowledge of different cultural values and communication styles.
2. Intercultural competence involves knowledge, skills, and attitudes (curiosity, respect, empathy).
3. Stereotypes should be recognized and challenged; individuals are more than their cultural background.
4. Globalization both reduces and highlights cultural differences.

Key Vocabulary:
- Intercultural competence - the ability to communicate effectively across cultures
- Ethnocentrism - judging other cultures by the standards of one's own
- Cultural relativism - understanding cultures on their own terms

Sources and Further Reading

- Byram, M. (1997). Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence. Multilingual Matters.
- Hofstede, G. (2010). Cultures and Organizations. McGraw-Hill.
- The Culture Map by Erin Meyer (2014). PublicAffairs.