Body language

SPACE

TIME

STEREOTYPES

Cross-cultural Barriers to Business Communication

Lesson 2

Task 1. Read and translate the text paying special attention to the words preceding each paragraph.

stereotype[`steriətaıp]

concept[`kOnsept] / [`kα:nsept]

etiquette[`etıket]

In addition to physical, legal and political barriers, cultural differences make international business more challenging. Misunderstandings are especial-ly likely to occur between business people of different cultures because of the following “barriers” to communication: 1) stereotypes; 2) time concepts; 3) space concepts; 4) body language; 5) etiquette standards; 6) translation problems.

preformed[pri:`fLmd] imaginary[ı`mxGın^əri] stereotypical[ֽsteriə`tIpIk^əl]

to perceive[pə`si:v] / [p^ər`si:v] conclusion[kən`klu:Z^ən] to exaggerate[ıg`zxGəreıt]

All cultures have stereotypes or preformed ideas about other cultures. These stereotypes generalize the main characteristics of a group of people and can get in the way of communication when people interact on the basis of the imaginary, generalized picture and not on reality. The stereotypical American, for example, is a straightforward, get-to-the-point, aggressive-in-business person for whom “time is money.” On the other hand, the American in everyday life is perceived as easygoing, loud, friendly, and smiling. It should be stressed that one must not jump to conclusions based on such stereotypes. All individuals are different, and stereotypes, though true to some extent, are often exaggerated and generalized.

Vocabulary Notes:

1. straightforward [ֽstreıt`fO:wəd] – open, clear and honest; not hiding anything;

2. get-to-the-point – saying and doing what is most important, omitting unimportant details;

3. aggressive-in-business – doing business in a very determined way to be successful and earn more profit;

4. easygoing [ֽi:zi`gəuıŋ] – taking life easily; tending not to worry or get angry;

5. loud [laud] – talking in a loud and confident way which attracts attention of other people by being unpleasantly noisy, annoying or colourful; expressing their opinion in a very strong way;

6. jump to conclusions [kən`klu:ჳ^ən] – to make a decision about something too quickly without knowing all the facts;

7. to some extent [ık`stent] – partly, but not completely.

schedule[`Sedju:l] / [`skeGu:l] whereas[weə r `xz] delay[dı`leI]

nonchalant[`nOn^tS ə lənt] / [ֽnα:nSə`lα:nt] toward[tə`wLd] / [tLrd] impatient[ım`peıS^ənt]

Different perceptions of time can also lead to misunderstanding. American straightforwardness, for instance, leads Americans to make strict schedules, appointments, and arrangements whereas in Ukraine delays in meeting visitors and in responding to correspondence are not uncommon. However, a Ukrainian partner who is late for an appointment will probably then spend more time with you than originally scheduled. The same nonchalant attitude toward time can be found in Mexico. We can say that there exist two perceptions of time in Ukraine or in Mexico: the time on the clock and “Ukrainian time” or “Mexican time” – that is, “when I get there.” The Japanese, knowing that North Americans are impatient, use time to their advantage in negotiations. Perhaps they think: “You Americans have one terrible weakness. If we make you wait long enough, you will agree to do anything.”

Vocabulary Notes:

1. straightforwardness [ֽstreıt`fO:wədnəs] – the quality of being honest and frank, not doing attempts to hide their feelings;

2. nonchalant attitude [`nOn<sup>t</sup>∫ ə lənt `ætıtju:d] – unconcerned and cool attitude, i.e. showing calmness, lack of anxiety, and often lack of interest.

bubble[`bAb^əl]

Arab[`xrəb]

pushy[`puSi]

aloof[ə`lu:f]

Space operates as a language as much as time does. In different cultures the “personal space” or “body bubble” (that is, the personal territory or the distance between people in communication) varies. When a Ukrainian is conducting a business conversation with an American or a Canadian, he (she) should keep in mind that North Americans stand about five feet apart. For an Englishman, the space will be larger, while an Arab or Latin American will find this distance uncomfortable and so will move closer. This action does not mean they are pushy or aloof, and we should not react negatively to it. By observing the behaviour of others, we can gain some idea of their concepts of personal territory, which can assist us in our own attempts to communicate.

Vocabulary and Cultural Notes:

1. body bubble [`bOdi `bAb^əl] – personal territory around a person which imaginary stretches like a bubble;

2. to stand five feet apart = 60 inches; about 150 centimetres.

vulgarity [vAl`gxrəti]	palm[pα:m]	Thailand[`taılxnd]
obscene[əb`si:n]	Saudi Arabia[ֽsaudi ə`reıbiə]	evasive[ı`veısıv]

Another non-verbal factor in international business communication that springs from cultural background is body language. The familiar American symbol for “OK” means “zero” in France and “money” in Japan. In Latin America, it is sign of vulgarity. The familiar V (victory) sign will be an obscene, insulting sign in most of Europe, especially in Great Britain (unless the palm of the hand faces the receiver of the message). In Saudi Arabia and Thailand, communication breakdowns may result if you sit with your legs crossed with the sole of your shoe visible. It is considered to be the dirtiest part of your whole being. In Ukraine, as well as in Europe or North America, we “read” each other through eye contact. Avoiding eye contact can be regarded as evasive or dishonest. But in many parts of Latin America and Africa, keeping your eyes lowered is a sign of respect.

Vocabulary and Cultural Notes:

1. to spring (from smth.) [sprıŋ] – to come from a particular place, family, or situation; to have sth. as its source or origin;

2. cultural background [`kAlt∫<sup>ə</sup>r ə l `bækgraund] – the culture that someone comes from;

3. breakdown [`breıkdaun] – a sudden failure in operation or effectiveness;

4. one’s whole being [ֽhəul `bi:ıŋ] – the deepest and most essential part of someone’s individual character; the central qualities or nature of a living thing.

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