Intercultural communication types

A

B

1

In some countries, people tend to talk quite quickly, frequently interrupting others in order to get their ideas across.

In other countries, people tend to talk in a slow and considered way, rarely interrupting other people when they are talking

2

In some countries, people tend to talk quite loudly and are not particularly concerned if people they do not know overhear their conversations.

In other countries, people tend to be more soft-spoken, and take care to ensure that they do not talk so loudly that other people can hear their conversation

3

In some countries, people use many physical gestures (such as smiling a lot, waving their arms or banging the table) to emphasize what they are saying and to communicate important ideas and feelings.

In other countries, people do not often use many physical gestures (such as smiling a lot, waving their arms or banging the table). Instead, they use words and their tone of voice to communicate important ideas and information

4

In some countries, demonstrating interest in what other people have to say means maintaining good eye contact with them when they are talking.

In other countries, demonstrating respect for other people means trying to avoid too much direct or close eye contact while they are speaking

5

In some countries, even people who do not know each other very well will hold hands, embrace, place their arms around each other's shoulders, or touch each other on the arms

In other countries, people are taught not to touch other people they do not know, and will try to avoid physical contact with strangers wherever possible.

6

In some countries, when people talk to each other they stand or sit a considerable distance apart, sometimes as much as 50 cm

In other countries, when people talk to each other than stand or sit very close to each other - sometimes so close that they are almost touching the other person

7

In some countries, people are direct and frank in the way they speak. They will give their personal opinions freely, regardless of whom they are talking to, and will often criticize other people directly if necessary.

In other countries, people are less direct in the way they speak. They will often avoid giving their personal opinions unless they know the people they are talking to well, and will try to avoid saying things that might come across as too critical of others.

8

In some countries, people write e-mails or faxes that are as short, direct and factual as possible. They pose questions directly and ask for information in an explicit and unambiguous way.

In other countries, people sometimes write e-mails or faxes in a less direct and wordier way. They often don't feel the need to spell out precisely and unambiguously the information they require

9

In some countries, people often prefer to use e-mails, faxes, letters or other forms of written communication to pass on important information and make sure they get the response they want.

In other countries, people often prefer to use face-to-face discussions, telephone calls or other forms of spoken communication to pass on important information and make sure they get the response they want.

10

In some countries, learning foreign languages (particularly English) forms a big part of the educational curriculum. People from these countries often speak other languages very well

In other countries, learning foreign languages is not an important part of the educational curriculum. People from these countries often do speak other languages very well

11

In some countries, people are happy to talk about their personal and family life with their colleagues at work. They are also inclined to ask other people questions about their private and family life, even if they do not know them very well

In other countries, people prefer to keep their private life and their work life separate. They do not tend to ask questions or talk about personal and family life at work, unless it is with close colleagues who they know well.

12

In other countries, people prefer to keep their private life and their work life separate. They do not tend to ask questions or talk about personal and family life at work, unless it is with close colleagues who they know well.

In other countries, people like to get straight into business without bothering with too much 'small talk' (that is, talk about the weather, football, politics).

13

In some countries, people are happy to talk about their accomplishments without embarrassment or shame. They think it is polite and honest to describe what they have achieved in their lives.

In other countries, people feel uncomfortable talking about what they have accomplished. They think it is polite and courteous to keep quiet about their attainments

14

In some countries, people will try to remain as reasonable, rational and dispassionate as possible during business discussions and conversations. They believe that the best way to remain objective is to argue based on facts and talk from the head, not from the heart.

In other countries, people feel comfortable following their feelings and intuition during business discussions and conversations. They believe that the best way to get their message across is to talk with passion and conviction, even if this sometimes comes across as being emotional.

15

In some countries, people are happy cracking jokes and telling funny stories at work or in business situations, even with people they do not know very well                  

In other countries, people think work is a serious place to be and try to avoid making jokes or telling funny stories unless they know the other person very well

16

In some countries, people tend to communicate in an informal way, using first names at work or when dealing with customers and colleagues. People rarely use formal titles (like Mr or Mrs, Doctor, Engineer, Architect)

In other countries, people tend to use formal titles (like Mr or Mrs, Doctor, Engineer, Architect) at work, or when dealing with customers and colleagues, people tend to use first names mainly with family and close friends