Page 5 - Prevention Leaflet v2

Cross Cultural Communication

Greetings

In some cultures people commonly greet each other with kisses, although some communities
may find any physical contact, including the offer of a handshake unusual or unwelcome, and

especially across genders. However, a warm but formal introduction is universally appropriate.

Gestures

Use of non-verbal communication such as hand movements and gestures, and general use of

body language differ from one culture to another. It is important to be aware of this and the

different signals that this can give across cultures.

Eye-Contact

In some cultures it maybe the norm for people to lower or adjust their gaze and face away when

talking to someone of the opposite sex, when showing respect for an older person, or someone
perceived to be in a more influential position.

Dress Code

There are noticeable cultural differences in levels of formality in relation to dress, which may

also link to the dress code requirements of a person’s faith. In some Asian cultures women in
particular may dress very modestly, which may overlap with verbal and non-verbal

communication factors.

Time

Attitudes towards the use of time can vary, and in many African, Asian and Middle Eastern

cultures there can be a longer-term orientation and fluid perception of time. This may mean that
being precisely on time is not seen as essential, and being late is not viewed as unacceptable

or rude. In the UK there is generally a short-term orientation or perception towards time, which
may mean that professionals have to check the understanding of individuals they are working

with, and reinforce the importance of attending scheduled meetings and for punctually.

Social Interaction

Modes of social interaction can differ significantly across cultures, were in one it may be
culturally acceptable or the norm to be loud and boisterous, in others it may be more likely that
individuals will be reserved and quieter. Similarly, it may be customary to wait for a pause in
conversations before speaking, but in others accepted that people will talk across each other.

Context of Communication

A broader framework for inter-cultural awareness can be encapsulated in the context in which
people communicate in general, which can be described as either low or high. In low context

cultures there is a lack of non-verbal elements and the verbal message is very explicit and
clear. Conversely, in high context cultures non-verbal language is more commonly used and the
verbal message is indirect and the person may talk around the point. There is also a link to

proximity or territoriality with people from high context cultures more likely to be happy to stand
close and share the same space as someone else, than a person from a low context

background who would value their own private space more.

All of the ethnic minority communities listed earlier in the leaflet from across Tees, except for
Polish and Black Caribbean, could be described as high context, although every person is an

individual and we should not stereotype people in relation to this or any other subject.

More detailed information is signposted here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-context_and_low-context_cultures