BRANDO EVBODAGHE

Cultural Awareness Paper: A Reflective Comparison

Effective communication in the world that we live in requires an understanding and the ability
to overcome cultural differences. It is essential to recognize and examine the nature of our own
cultural systems if we are to move beyond them, as E. T. Hall so effectively puts it. This essay will
examine Hall’s work, paying particular attention to his observations about the differences across
cultures in terms of time, place, and proximity. It will additionally include a review of the
author’s personal experiences traveling to various parts of the world.

Hall’s Notes on Cultural Issues, “Beyond Culture” by E.T. Hall, presents important insights into
the intricate details of communication between cultures. Hall presents the idea of two types of
context high or low, highlighting the significance of clues from context in meaningful
communication. Cultures with high context rely on previous knowledge and shared experience
to promote better understanding, leaving a lot unsaid. Cultures with little context, on the other
hand, place a higher value on explicit communication, which is more straightforward and less
dependent on the situation. Furthermore, Hall’s investigation of monochronic and polychronic
time systems reveals various cultural perspectives on time. Polychronic culture embraces a
more fluid conception of time emphasizing connections and flexibility over tight timeframes,
whereas monochronic cultures follow precise schedules and place an importance on
punctuality.

My personal Thought on Cultural Encounters, When I think back on my own experiences

traveling to other countries, my time spent as an exchange student sticks out as a life-changing
experience. I saw firsthand how social customs, communication styles and day-to-day
interactions varied greatly from my own society. The meeting brought to light the unspoken
character of communication and the vital function that social cues play in helping people
interpret meaning. Beyond the unspoken word, for example, information could be sent by
gestures, facial expressions, and unspoken standards. Furthermore, living abroad while studying
in Canada allowed me a broader understanding of various cultural viewpoints. Different
techniques of managing my time, respecting people's personal space, and realizing the value of
being close to someone emerged. Although actions that seem insignificant have deeper cultural
implications, navigating these differences requires an increased understanding of cultural
sensitivities.

Analysis of Time and Space, the influence of cultural environment on communication was
highlighted by concentrating on two significant areas of cultural difference which are geography
and time. Certain cultures view personal space as an extension of their own freedom, and as a
result, communication tends to be more restricted to respecting this barrier. On the other hand,
cultures that place a high value on sharing spaces could have different standards when it comes
to personal space, with physical proximity denoting warmth and connection. Comparably in
certain cultures, the idea of time was fluid, while in others, strict timetables were the norm.
Cultures that view time as circular and flexible tend to place more value on connections and
events than on strictly adhering to deadline
In conclusion, this insightful example emphasizes how crucial cultural sensitivity is to effective
communication. The model developed by E.T. Hall offers a thorough lens through which we can
examine and comprehend all aspects of cultural differences, promoting productive global
exchanges. Not only must we acknowledge these distinctions as important chances for learning
that expand our global perspective, but we must also embrace them as part of our path to
overcoming our cultural system.
Reference
Hall, E.T.(1989). Beyond culture. New York, NY: Anchor Books. (Original work published 1976)