CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION

1. Match the headings below to the seven paragraphs

Note there are two extra headings
i. Ask questions
ii. Avoid idioms
iii. Speak slowly
iv. Keep it simple
v. Be aware of body language
vi. Use your hands
vii. Prepare beforehand
viii. Take turns
ix. Practise active listening

1)___________________________
If possible, before you meet someone from another culture, do some research. It's easy
enough on the internet. Become aware of some of the basic customs and rules around
communicating in the other culture (e.g. touching, greetings, formal or non-formal terms
etc)
2) ___________________________
In a cross-cultural conversation keep your messages clear and concise. Use easy to
understand language and short sentences. It is best to get straight to the point.
3) ___________________________
Make eye contact and show the other person you are listening. Ask questions, paraphrase
or echo a speaker's comments to check you are on the same wavelength.
4) ___________________________
This is polite and respectful. After speaking, wait and then listen to the other person
respond when it is their turn. It is better to talk in short exchanges rather than delivering
long speeches that mean that other people cannot get a word in edgeways.
5) ___________________________
These are difficult to learn and difficult to understand, so when communicating with
someone who is not a native English speaker, don't use them.
6) ___________________________
Don't rush. Think before you speak. Focus on speaking clearly and pronouncing your words
properly. Give your listener time to translate and understand your words. Also, if the other
person is speaking too quickly, don’t be afraid to politely ask them to slow down too.
7) ___________________________
Look for non-verbal communication, especially when talking with people from other
cultures. While many native English speakers communicate using their hands and gestures,
in some countries – such as Japan – this can be considered rude. It is also worth noting that
the meanings of hand gestures can vary from country to country.
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Paragraph

1 Prepare beforehand

2 Keep it simple

3 Practise active listening

4 Take turns

5 Avoid idioms

6 Speak slowly

7 Be aware of body language