Understanding Cultural Differences in Communication

Intercultural communication is something I was aware of but didn’t fully understand until reading Chapters 1-4 of Intercultural Communication for Everyday Life. A key idea that stood out to me is how communication and culture are deeply connected, shaping how individuals interact within different cultural contexts. Baldwin et al. (2023) explain that culture provides a framework for understanding the world, influencing both verbal and nonverbal communication. This concept highlights how our communication styles are shaped by cultural norms and expectations.

A personal experience that relates to this happened when I worked as a lifeguard at the community pool in Mackenzie. We had a diverse group of patrons, and I sometimes struggled to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. One day, I told a young boy to walk instead of run near the pool, but his father ignored me and let him continue playing. At first, I was frustrated, but I later learned that in some cultures, particularly in patriarchal societies, women in authority may not be taken as seriously. This experience helped me recognize how cultural expectations shape interactions and power dynamics in communication.

This connects to the textbook’s discussion on high-context and low-context cultures. Baldwin et al. (2023) describe that high-context cultures rely on indirect communication and nonverbal cues, while low-context cultures prefer direct verbal communication. My approach was direct, which may not have aligned with the father’s cultural expectations. Understanding this has made me more aware of how culture influences interactions and the importance of adapting communication strategies in diverse settings.

Moving forward, I want to be more mindful of cultural differences in communication. Whether at work or in daily life, recognizing these differences will help me engage more effectively and respectfully with others. Developing intercultural competence will allow me to navigate cultural differences with sensitivity, leading to more meaningful interactions and relationships.