Defining culture is difficult due to the vast array of things that combine to create it. Beliefs, attitudes, values, symbols, norms and/or behavior are shared by a group in some manner, and that is the closest I can come to defining culture. Of course, one must consider ethnicity, as it is an integral component of this scenario. Regarding rules and guidelines, the “Ten Commandments of Cultural Communication” (Hahn, 2011) provides a good set of guidelines to follow. Taking responsibility for communication seems trite, but this is more important that what one might imagine. Being sensitive to differences, being patient, showing respect, withholding judgments and being patient are key factors. It is the responsibility of the person who is engaging in intercultural communication to do just that. Be responsible. Empathize with the person while being flexible and mindful in order to send clear messages. Of course keeping all of these actions in mind may be hard, so it is good to use common sense. “There is no way that you could learn all the rules governing appropriate and inappropriate behavior for every culture and subgroup with which you come into contact.” (Jandt, p. 81, 2010). Instead, be aware of these general barriers that will influence your communication efforts: stereotypes and prejudice, anxiety, assuming similarity instead of difference, nonverbal actions, ethnocentrism and language. Importantly, being sincere in your words and actions translates well in any cultural interaction.
References
Hahn, M., (2005), The ten commandments of cultural communication, retrieved on March 23, 2011 from
Jandt, F., (2010), Intercultural communication, (6th ed.), Sage publications, Inc.
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