Intercultural Communication for the Community College Verbal Communication

CHAPTER VERBAL COMMUNICATION Learning Outcomes When you have completed this chapter , you should be able to do the following Identify the role that language plays in a culture . and explain the principles of verbal communication . Explain why language can also be an obstacle to intercultural communication . Discuss the variations in communication styles . Articulate the differences between translation and interpretation .

CHAPTER VERBAL COMMUNICATION I 51 How do you communicate ?

As we learned in our first chapter , communication is a process of understanding and sharing meaning with others . Former . Senator and famous linguist , believed that meaning lies within in us , and not in the words that we use . Family members , community members , school mates , and others use language as a system to teach us the rules , norms , customs , traditions , and rituals of our culture . Whether reading , writing , or speaking , being articulate is valued in most cultures , but the same is also true for listening and knowing when to be quiet . Verbal communication or language is created by the cultural experiences of the users . There are approximately 6500 languages spoken in the world today , but about 2000 of those languages have fewer than 1000 speakers ( 19 ) As of 2018 , the top ten languages spoken by approximately half the world population are Mandarin Chinese , Spanish , English , Arabic , Hindi , Bengali , Portuguese , Russian , and or ( Chinese and Tamil are among the oldest spoken languages in the world ( 19 ) It is estimated that at least half of the world languages will become extinct within the next century . Of the 165 indigenous languages still spoken in North America , only are spoken by as many as ple . About are spoken by only a handful of older people and are believed to be on their way to extinction ( 19 ) When a language dies , a culture can die with it . A community to its past , its traditions , and the links tying people to specific knowledge are abandoned as the becomes part of a different or larger economic and political order ( 19 ) Figure Extinct Languages of Linear The Study of Language

52 CHAPTER VERBAL Linguistics is the study of language and its structure . Linguistics deals with the study of languages and the general properties common to most languages . It also includes explorations into language variations ( dialects ) how languages change over time , how language is stored and processed in the brain , and how children learn language . The study of linguistics is an important part of intercultural communication . Areas of research for linguists include phonetics ( the study of the production , acoustics , and hearing speech sounds ) phonology ( the patterning of sounds ) morphology ( the patterning of words ) syntax ( the ture of sentences ) semantics ( meaning ) and pragmatics ( language in context ) When you study linguistics , you gain insight into one of the most fundamental parts of being ability to communicate . You can understand how language works , how it is used , plus how it is developed and changes over time . Since language is universal to all human interactions , the knowledge attained through is fundamental to understanding cultures . Principles of Verbal Communication Although linguistics is the study of the structure of language , as communicators , we are interested in the role of language within the study of intercultural communication . Previously we have learned that verbal is a living exchange of cultural meaning . As true for many areas with communication studies , there are several basic principles important to the understanding of all verbal communication . In this section , we examine each principle and explore how it everyday communication . I Soda . Soda . 50 ( Soda . I Pop . I Pop . I Pop . I Coke . I Coke . Coke . I Other . I Other , Other . I data Figure Language is Arbitrary . Soda , Pop , and Coke in tweets

CHAPTER I 53 Language is Arbitrary and Symbolic Words , by themselves , do not have any inherent meaning . Humans give meaning to words , and their meanings change across time . For example , we negotiate the meaning of the word home , and it , through visual images or dialogue , in order to communicate with others . Words , in turn , have two types of meanings denotative and . Attention to both is necessary to reduce the possibility of misinterpretation . The denotative meaning is the meaning often found in the nary . The connotative meaning is often not found in the dictionary but in the minds of the users themselves . Connotation can involve an emotional association with a word , positive or negative , and can be individual or collective , but is not universal . An example of this could be the term rugged individualism which comes from rugged or capable of withstanding rough handling , and individualism or being independent and reliant . In the United States , describing someone in this way would have a positive connotation , but for people from a collectivistic orientation , it might be the opposite . But what if we have to transfer meaning from one language to another ?

In such cases , language and culture can sometimes make for interesting twists . The New Time , 98 ) noted that the title of the 1998 proved difficult to translate when it was released in foreign . In Poland , where blonde jokes are popular and common , the title ( translated back to English for our use ) was For the Love of Blonde . In France , Mary communicated the idea , while in Thailand True Love Event dropped the reference to Mary altogether . Capturing ideas with words is a challenge when the intended audience speaks the same language , but across languages and cultures , the challenge becomes intense . Language Has Rules Using any language means following rules . Constitutive rules govern the meaning of words , and dictate which words represent which objects ( 1964 ) rules govern how we arrange words into and how we exchange words in verbal conversations . If you don know the appropriate rules , you will struggle to communicate clearly and accurately with others . Consequently , others will also struggle to meaning in your communication .

54 I CHAPTER einen ich eine wir einen du ihr er sie einen Figure Regulative . Present einen Language Evolves Many people view language as , but in fact , language constantly changes . As time passes and technology changes , people add new words to their language , repurpose old words , and discard archaic words . New additions to American English in the last few decades include , and . Repurposed additions to American English include cyberbullying , tweet , and app ( from application ) Whereas , and are becoming extinct in modern American English . Other times , speakers of a language borrow words and phrases from other languages and incorporate them into their own . Oregon , and were all borrowed from Native American . is from Mandarin Chinese , and is from Italian . Language Shapes Our Thoughts We know that members of a culture use language to communicate their thoughts , beliefs , attitudes , and values with one another , thereby reinforcing their collective sense of cultural identity . The idea that language shapes how we think about our world was first suggested by the research of Edward , who conducted an study of Native American languages in the early . argues that because language is our primary

CHAPTER 55 means of sharing meaning with others , it powerfully effects how we perceive others and our relationships with them ( 1996 ) About 50 years later , Benjamin Lee expanded on ideas in what has become known as the Hypothesis or what is known today as linguistic determinism . argued that we can not conceive of that for which we lack a vocabulary or that language quite literally the boundaries of our thinking . More modern researchers such as ( 1974 ) 1977 ) and ( 1987 ) agree . In fact , 1987 , 59 ) states that I am my Other modern researchers ( Pinker ) have noted that linguistic determinism suggests that our ability to think is constrained by language and fore not realistic . Regardless , of what degree our reality is by language , there is no academic question as to whether language is a major in our understanding of culture . Because language our thoughts , and different people from different cultures use different languages , most communication scholars agree that ple from different cultures would perceive and think about the world in very different ways . This effect is known as linguistic relativity . Your language itself , ever changing and growing , in many ways determines your reality . Cultural Variations in Language If your intercultural communication is to be effective , you can not ignore the broader cultural context that gives words meaning . Cultural rules about when and how certain speech acts can be performed may differ greatly . Routine formulas such as greetings , thanking , apologizing and so on do not follow the same , or even similar rules , across cultures causing misunderstandings and confusion . How language is used in a culture is strongly related to the values a culture emphasizes , and how it believes that the relations between humans ought to be . Lack of cultural knowledge can embarrass second language learners who produce grammatically correct language but embarrassingly inappropriate sentences . Attitudes Towards Speaking , Silence . and Writing In some cultures , such as the United States , speech is highly valued , and it is important to be articulate and spoken . People in such cultures tend to use language as a powerful tool to discover and express truth and have an impact on others . These countries tend to take silence as a sign of indifference , indignation , objection , and even hostility . Silence confuses and perplexes them since it is so different from the expected behavior . Many are even embarrassed by silence and feel compelled to fill the silence with words , so they are no longer . Or if a question is not answered immediately , people are concerned that the speaker may think that they do not know the answer . Countries these attitudes would include the United States , Canada , Italy , and other Western European countries . On the side , silence can be a sign of respect in some Asian countries . If a person asks a question , it is polite to demonstrate that you have on the question before providing an answer . In differences of

56 CHAPTER VERBAL opinion , it is often thought that saying nothing is better than offending the other side , which would cause both parties to lose face . The prevailing thought is that sometimes words do not convey ideas , but instead become barriers . If so , then silence can convey the real intention of the speakers and can be interpreted according to the expected possibilities and a have more profound meaning than words . There are many reasons when silence might be appropriate . For example , in hierarchical cultures ( high power distance ) speaking is often the right of the most senior or oldest person , so others are expected to remain silent or only speak when spoken to and asked to corroborate information . In listening cultures , silence is a way to keep exchanges calm and orderly . In collectivistic cultures , it is polite to remain silent when your ion does not agree with that of the group . In some African and Native American cultures , silence is seen as a way of enjoying someone company without a need to every moment with noise . Or silence could simply be a case of the person having to speak in another language and taking their time to reply . The act of writing also varies widely in value from culture to culture . In the United States written contracts are considered more powerful and binding than verbal agreements . A common question is did you get that in writing ?

The relationship between writing and speaking is an important reinforcement of commitment . Other cultures tend to value verbal communication over written communication or even a handshake over words .

CHAPTER VERBAL I 57 ( and leave when you ' spread the word . Figure Cultural View of silence Language Can Be an Obstacle Language and verbal communication can work both for and against you in intercultural communication . allows you to communicate , but it can also cause misunderstanding . jargon , and slang often present problems for intercultural communicators . A is a word or phrase that has lost impact through overuse . Sometimes are considered lazy communication because people haven bothered to original words to convey meaning so listeners have a tendency gloss over them . Cultural can also stereotypes . A is something that should avoid like the ( LOL ) Jargon is used by specialized groups to communicate to communicate efficiently . In other words , it is an language used by people in a particular profession . The medical professions information technology technicians , and gamers are for their usage of jargon . Examples of jargon include ( bruise ) sutures ( stitches ) cache ( storage area ) defrag ( becomes quicker ) away from the board ) and bullet sponge ( hard to kill ) For those on the outside of the group , jargon can cause confusion and misinformation so it always best to use common words and avoid jargon in intercultural communication . Most of us have heard of the term slang but probably don realize how often we use it . Slang is the use of

58 CHAPTER VERBAL COMMUNICATION existing or newly invented words in particular groups . Slang differs from jargon in that it is used informally , and often changes quickly . Sometimes slang is used to tell the difference between and . The Urban Dictionary is a great place to learn new slang . Variations in Communication Styles How language is used in a particular culture is strongly related to the values a culture emphasizes , and how it believes that the relations between humans ought to be . For some time , social scientists and linguists have been stud in how individuals and rou interact throu lan ua , both within the same lan ua and between Ian ua es . The have sou to discover how and lan ua use varies . If your intercultural communication is to be effective , you can not ignore the broader cultural context that gives words meaning . Cultural rules about when and how certain speech acts can be performed may differ . Routine formulas such as , a and so on do not follow the same , or even similar rules , across cultures . When communicating across cultures , an understanding of style differences helps to interpret verbal messages more effectively . High and Low Context High Context cultures , such as China , Japan , and South Korea , are those in which people assume that others within their culture will share their viewpoints and thus understand situations in much the same way . There is a great deal of emphasis on the environment or context where the speech and interaction take place . sequently , people in such cultures often talk indirectly , using hints or suggestions to convey meaning with the thought that others will know what is being expressed . In context cultures , what is not said is just as important , if not more important , than what is said . High context cultures are very often collectivistic . Low context cultures on the other hand are those in which people do NOT presume that others share their beliefs , values , and behaviors so they tend to be more verbally informative and direct in their communication ( Hall Hall , 1987 ) The message itself is everything . A argument with a delivery is convincing . Relationships are separated from messages , so the focus is on the details and logic . The clock in timing . Many low context cultures are individualistic , so people openly express their views , and tend to make important information obvious to others . Examples are no fear in discussing conflict or talking to strangers . Direct and Indirect Direct and indirect styles are closely related to high low context communication , but not exactly the

CHAPTER 59 same . Context refers to the assumption that speakers are homogeneous enough to share or implicitly stand the meanings associated with . Whereas , direct and rect refers directly to verbal strategies . Direct styles are those in which verbal messages reveal the speaker true intentions , needs , wants , and desires . The focus is on accomplishing a task . The message is clear , and to the point without hidden intentions or implied meanings . The communication tends to be impersonal . is discussed openly , and people say what they think . In the United States , business correspondence is expected to be short and to the point . What can I do for you ?

is a common question when a businessperson receives a call from a stranger it is an accepted way of asking the caller to state his or her business . Indirect styles are those in which communication is often designed to hide or minimize the speaker true intentions , needs , wants , and desires . Communication tends to be personal and focuses on the relationship between the speakers . The language may be subtle , and the speaker may be looking for a softer way to that there is a problem by providing many contextual cues . A hidden meaning may be embedded into the message because harmony and saving face are more important than truth and confrontation . In indirect cultures , such as those in Latin America , business conversations may start with discussions of the weather , or family , or topics other than business as the partners gain a sense of each other , long before the topic of business is raised . Elaborate and Understated Elaborate and Understated communication styles refer to the quantity of talk that a culture values and is related to attitudes towards speech and silence . Elaborate styles of communication refers to the use of rich and expressive language in everyday conversation . The French , Latin Americans , Africans , and Arabs tend to use exaggerated communication because in their cultures , simple statements may be interpreted to mean the exact opposite . Understated communication styles value simple understatement , simple assertions , and silence . People who speak sparingly tend to be trusted more than people who speak a lot . Prudent word choice allows an vidual to be socially discreet , gain social acceptance , and avoid social penalty . In Japan , the pleasure of a versation lies not in discussion ( a logical game ) but in emotional exchange ( 1970 ) with the purpose of social harmony ( 1975 ) Lesser Known Styles The three styles listed above are researched and discussed most often in intercultural literature , but there are other styles that are equally valid in explaining cultural differences in verbal communication and language usage . Many of these styles are strongly tied to perceptions of logic , power distance , and self . Although in the United States we often refer to individual words as concrete and abstract , cultural styles can be as well . Concrete communication stresses that issues are best understood through stories , metaphors , allegories , and examples with an emphasis on the rather than the general . Abstract

60 CHAPTER COMMUNICATION communication stresses that issues are best understood through theories , principles , and data , with emphasis on the general rather than the . Like concrete and abstract , linear , and circular styles refer to the logical development of a conversation . Linear communication is conducted in a straight line , developing causal connections among to an explicitly stated end point . There is little reliance on context . Circular communication is conducted in a circular movement , developing context around the main point , which is often left unstated . There is a high reliance on context . Directly tied to the idea of power distance is the idea of whether verbal communication should be formal or informal . Formal styles are and emphasize formality with a large power distance . Informal styles emphasize the importance of a lower power distance with informality , casualness , and suspension of roles . The last style is focused upon the function and value of an individual within a group . A communication style that focuses on the promotion of one own accomplishments and abilities is called , where as a style that focuses on the importance of humbling oneself through verbal restraint , hesitation , and is called . Context Rules of Communication Styles While there are differences in the preferred communication styles used by various cultures , it is important to remember that no particular culture will use the same communication style in all situations all of the time . When a person either emphasizes or minimizes the differences between themselves and the other person in versation , it is called . In other words , it the practice of shifting the language that you use to better express yourself in conversations . There are many reasons why people may incorporate in their conversations . People , and unconsciously , to better reflect the speech of those around them , such as picking up a southern accent when vacationing in the American South . Sometimes people to ingratiate selves to others . What teenager hasn used the formal language of their parents when asking for a favor like borrowing the car or asking for money ?

can also be used to express solidarity , gratitude , group identity , compliance gaining , or even to maintain the exact meaning of a word in a language that is not their .

CHAPTER 61 ( HELLO WE LIKE INFORM THAT MEAL to CAN . IF YOUR KIDS ASK ABOUT THIs , TELL ' ABOUT OR SOMETHING . Figure What does this mean for intercultural communicators ?

You will try to adapt to other people communication preferences ( 2002 ) You notice how long people take when speaking , how quickly or slowly they speak , how direct or indirect they are , and how much they appear to want to talk compared to you . You may also need to learn and practice cultural norms for nonverbal behaviors , including eye contact , power distance , and touch . Please use caution to avoid inappropriate imitation though . Mimicking can be considered in some cultural , whereas an honest desire to learn is usually interpreted positively . Translation and Interpretation Because no one can learn every language , we rely on both human and intelligent translators and interpreters . On the surface translation and interpretation seem to be much the same thing , with one skill

62 CHAPTER VERBAL COMMUNICATION relying on written texts and the other orally . Both and enable communication across language boundaries from to target . Both need deep cultural and linguistic understanding along with expert knowledge of the subject area plus the ability to communicate clearly . In spite of the similarities , lation and interpretation are not the same . Figure Translation generally involves the process of producing a written text that refers to something written in another language . Traditionally , the would read the in its original language , decipher its meaning , then write , rewrite , and proofread the content in the target language to ensure the original meaning , style and content are preserved . Translators are often experts in their of knowledge as well as linguists in two or more languages with excellent written communication skills . Interpretation is the process of orally expressing what is said or written in another language . Contrary to popular belief , on isn a translation of a spoken message . If it was , it wouldn make sense to the target audience . Interpreter need to transpose the source language within the given context , serving its original meaning , but rephrasing idioms , colloquialisms , and other references in ways that the target audience can understand . They may have to do this in a simultaneous manner to the nal speaker or by speaking only during the breaks provided by the original speaker . Interpreters are also often experts in fields of knowledge , cultures , and languages with excellent memories . The roles of translators and interpreters are very complex . Not everyone who has levels of in two

CHAPTER 63 languages makes a good translator or . Complex relationships between people , intercultural , and intercultural involve more than just language , but rather culture as well . Learn a little more Language management within structural culture is going on all the time . Language policy is deeply embedded in the beliefs that people have about language and culture . Often policy centers around who has the ability or authority to make choices where language is concerned , and whose choices will ultimately prevail . Language policy values often manifests in official governmental recognition of a language , how language is used in official capacities , or to protect the rights of how groups use and maintain languages . While some nations have one or more official language , the United States does not have an official legal language . English is only the de facto national language . Much debate has been raised about the issue , and states have passed Official English laws ( Remember linguist and former US Senator . mentioned at the beginning of the ter ?

He tried to introduce legislation to adopt English as the official language of the United States several times and failed . The European Union has 23 official languages and recognized an additional 60 indigenous . Canada has two official languages and recognizes an additional 70 indigenous languages from 12 language families . The official language of China is Mandarin or , and it an additional language families with over 300 dialects . Surprised ?

Language policies are not just about culture . Language policies are connected to the politics of class , ethnicity , economics , and power as well as culture . Conclusion It has been said that all language is powerful , and all power is rooted in language ( Russell , 1938 ) Those who speak the same language not only can make themselves understood to one another , but also have a feeling of belonging together . The culture forming power of language and the language forming power of culture is incredibly in our understanding of intercultural communication .

64 CHAPTER VERBAL Key Terms ' Linguistics Context ' Denotative ' Connotative ' Constitutive ' Regulative ' Hypothesis ' Linguistic Determinism ' Linguistic Relativism Effacement ' Cliche Translators ' Jargon Interpreters Slang Reflection Questions . Is it possible for two people to communicate effectively if they don speak the same language ?

Should everyone learn a second language ?

What are some variations in language use and communication style ?

What is the ship between the language you speak and the way you perceive reality ?

What is your communication style ?

Are you a or communicator ?

What are your cultural rules concerning silence and public forms of speech ?

What are some of the functions or ways we use language ?

Why do people have such strong reactions to language policies , as in the English only movement ?

What does a translator or an interpreter need to know to be effective ?

What is the difference between translation and inter retation ?

Can ou think of an exam les to ex lain the differences ?