- 09/02/2013
- Posted by: essay
- Category: Free essays
Those for whom the term “culture of communication” and “speech etiquette” are not empty words, it would be interesting to get acquainted with the peculiarities of verbal and nonverbal behavior of residents of different countries without the knowledge of which it is impossible to fully understand and appreciate their own culture. Language and speech formulas – an important part of national culture, they represent a storehouse of folk practices, customs, traditions, lifestyles and living conditions. So before you start talking about the features of manifestations of linguistic etiquette in international communication, must be at least a glimpse of habits, rituals and conventions of different peoples.
Being in a foreign country, you need to know the inconsistencies of verbal and nonverbal behavior of different cultures. The differences begin with the very first moment of communication – greeting. For example, when meeting with a lady Pole automatically kisses her hand, and the Austrian only says: “kiss your hand”. But even if the inhabitants of a united Europe can not always understand each other, what can we say about cases where there are two great civilizations – western and eastern.
– Chinese, Japanese and Indian, of course, shake the outstretched hand when greeting a European, but for them it is unusual.
– When a Chinese sees for the first time a European, strolling arm in arm with a lady and even kissing her, he will have a cultural shock from the obscenity of such behavior.
– In Chinese hotels, furnished with modern European furniture at the entrance is certainly a traditional screen, through which allegedly can not enter hell, always going straight.
– In Japan, there is no screens at the entrances, but going into the house and even a restaurant, it is necessary to leave shoes at the door.
– Chinese laws of hospitality ordain owner to bring a gift to his guest the thing that caused his admiration; Europeans are not burdened with such obligations, and simply enjoy the interest of the guest.
– European man who was visiting and wanting to show how tasty the dishes were, enjoy food and try not to leave on a plate a single piece. Chinese, to show that he was hungry, never touches the bowl of dry rice, filed in late afternoon.
There are number of differences associated with religious beliefs: for example, at the entrance to the temple of Christian takes a hat, and a Jew puts on it. The Chinese, being in mourning dress up in white clothes, the Europeans – in the black.
As for me, over the past months I had a lot to communicate with students from Eastern countries, especially from China. While attending various cultural events, I came to the team of students. I have held many discussions with representatives of various representatives of Chinese society. I met with the Chinese in different circumstances – in hotels, official receptions, the streets, on public transport, discotheques, or simply in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere at home.
As students in any other country, the Chinese students do not live only studies: they are interested in sports, discos, they try to keep abreast of new works of literature and the arts, fashion.
The Chinese are taking foreigners such as we are, showing kindness, openness, respect and hospitality. First, they always face with a dislike of Europeans and Americans, but behave very openly, frankly. For example, I just met the person in the subway, and he tells the details of his personal life, said something intimate, may complain, ask for advice.
I must say that Chinese have no tradition of Western “secular communication”. Speaking on the general topic is not accepted, because conversation is perceived as vapid as the reluctance of the interlocutors to be frank, as a waste of time. The ceremony dating is not important for the Chinese, they immediately seek to pass the barrier of sincerity, talk “from the heart” and expect the same from a partner. Therefore, an informal dialogue with the Chinese has a very personal nature: they show sincerity by other means: ask questions, which, in their view, appropriate to the situation in terms of their socio-cultural norms.
Conversation in Chinese culture – is a means of expression. Person a lot of talks about himself, about his children, always expresses his opinion and his own assessments, wants to be heard and understood. As a rule, the Chinese does not want to be seen to be in the center of conversation, flashes knowledge, competence, wit, answer all questions. In the dispute the Chinese shows the desire to know the views of the interlocutor, the desire for consensus, to compromise. Chinese man shows his understanding, listening attentively to his companion, shows attention and interest of supporting cues with facial expressions and gestures (eg nodding or shaking his head, raises eyebrows, widely opened eyes, shrugs, etc).
Conclusion
Human communication – is the product of millions of years of evolution, it is incorporated both genetic and due to our affiliation to any group, sex, age, personal experience, education and many other factors. Despite these differences, people in all cultures come together in a variety of relationships in the context of which they meet, exchange ideas, make some actions, etc. The meaning of each act is often important to understand because it does not always lie on the surface, but often hidden in traditional notions of what is normal, that in different cultures and socio-cultural groups also vary.
Increased interest in the problems of intercultural communication in the modern world is obvious. Differences in culture should not be exaggerated, but it remains an important factor in communicating. Therefore, the creation of optimal conditions for learning cross-cultural and linguistic competence and awareness of national cultural differences is important for everyone.
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