DEC. CD VHVM_ Verbal communication DEC. CD VHVM_ Verbal communication.pdf

DEC. CD VHVM_ Verbal communication.pdf

1. Lesson 2.b
Verbal communication and
Culture
CULTURAL DIVISION –ENGLISH DEPARTMENT –HANOI UNIVERSITY
JANUARY, 2021

2. Contents
1. Functions of language across cultures
2. Verbal communication styles: Low-context and High-context

3. Communication and culture
Cultureis communicationand communicationis
culture(Hall, 1959)

4. Communication and culture
Culture determines how we view ourselves, how we behave.
Cultureinfluencesoutcommunication habit and preferences.
Culture influences the whole spectrum of communication:
linguistic influence, movement, conceptions and the use of
time, space,….

5. Verbal & non-verbal
communication
Verbal communicationinvolves the use of words or speech or auditory
language to express emotions or thoughts or exchange information.
Non-verbal communicationinvolves the use of visual ornon-verbal
cuessuch as facial expressions, eye or body movements, gestures, and
many more withoutspeaking.

7. NOTE!
Linguistic rules give rise to the diverse functions of
languages across cultures and answer the question of
why language plays such a critical role within each
culture (Dougherty, Mobley, & Smith, 2010; Park &
Guan, 2007, 2009). Language is an integral part of both
a sense of identity and the mindset that goes with it.

8. 1. Fuctions of languages across
culture
Cultural worldview
function:
Waysofperceivingthe
world(outlook)andhow
thisoutlookaffectsout
thinkingandreasoning
patterns.

9. 1. Functions of languages across
cultures
Social reality function: language serves as a mirror reflecting value
priorities
Cognitive shaping function: how our thinking pattern is shaped by the
grammatical structure
Group identity function: speaking the same language evoking group
sentiment and shared identity
Social change function: changes of the society reflected in new words
added to our everyday vocabulary.

10. a. Social reality function
language serves as a mirror reflecting value priorities.
English speakers:
-Useexplicitpronouns: I, you, my to express an opinion
-Use“self”indailyEnglish: self-service, self-help, DIY,…
àindividualisticvalue

11. b.Cognitive shaping function
How our thinking pattern is shaped by the grammatical
structure
Thegrammatical structure is entirely culture-based
E.g.InAmerican English:idioms in the U.S(“That was a slam
dunk”)
In Spanish: future à“may” àan unknow in time and space

12. c. Group identity function
Speaking the same language evoking group
sentiment and shared identity
E.g.AfricanAmericans speak Ebonics
Hawaiian Pidgin brings sense of pride to locals

13. NOTES
On purely linguistic grounds, all languages are
created equal. However, in all linguistic struggles, a
fierce competition exists: “Not between languages
themselves but, rather, between language
communities or linguistic interest groups” (Edwards,
1994, p. 205)

14. d. Social change function
Change of the society reflected in
the new worlds added to our
everyday vocabulary.
-Technology development:
texting, google, facetime
-Sexistinlanguage:mankind,
chairman, businessman, human

15. 2. Verbal communication styles: Low-
context and High Context interaction
patterns
Low-context communication: the emphasis is on how intention or
meaning is expressed through explicit verbal messages.
High-context communication: the emphasis is on how intention or
meaning can best be conveyed through the embedded contexts (e.g.,
social roles or positions, relationship types, intergroup history) and the
nonverbal channels of the verbal message (e.g., pauses, silence, tone
of voice).

16. 2. Verbal communication styles -
Low context vs high context
Low Context Culture Patterns High Context Culture Patterns
Individualistic valuesCollectivistic values
Linear logicSpiral logic
Direct verbal styleIndirect verbal style
Matter of fact toneUnderstated or animated tone
Informal verbal styleFormal verbal style
Verbal assertiveness or
talkativeness
Verbal reticence or silence
Verbal self-enhancement styleSelf-humbling style

17. Country examples
Low contextHigh context
GermanySaudi Arabia
USAJapan
SwitzerlandKuwait
CanadaChina
SwedenMexico
UKS. Korea
Denmark Nigeria
Australia Vietnam

18. Check your communication styles
Do you find irritating when you interact with individuals who:
Not answering questions directly
Talking bluntly
Insisting on calling you Ms. or Mr.
Making a request directly
Using lots of silence in conversation
Talking about themselves constantly
Speaking slowly
Speaking really fast
Asking personal questions
Speaking softly
Speaking loudly
Constantly apologizing

19. 2.1.Direct/indirect verbal styles
A direct communication style :
Reveal the speaker’s intentions
with clarity and frank tone of
voice.
Be more in individualistic
cultures.
Give me your bottom line!
What’s your point?
An indirect communication style
Trueintentions or needs are only
implied or hinted with a softer
tone.
Be more in collectivistic
cultures.
Ask for favor in a more implicit
way to avoid being imposing or
demanding.

20. 2.2. Self-enhancement and self-
humbling styles
Self-enhancement
Emphasize one’s self with
accomplishments and special
abilities.
In Swiss, the USA: sell
themselves and boast about
their achievements.
Self-humbling
Emphasize the importance of
downplay oneself via modest
talk, restraint, hesitation, and the
use of self-deprecation message.

21. 2.3. Beliefs expressed in Talk and
Silence
1. Is the Silence positive or negative? àIt is contextual.
In Japan, it is more positive. It is a sign of respect
In Finland, it conveys engagement.
In Africa, it means enjoyment, or the notions that you want to hear.
In North America and in Spain, it carries negative meaning such as
confusion, disinterest, shame or distrust.
2. Is silence common in a culture’s communication style?
àIt is more common in high-context cultures.
3. Are there Multiple possible meaning for silence?
àYes . It depends on other non-verbal cues.

22. Conclusion
1. Functions of language across cultures
2. Verbal communication styles: Low-context and High-context
2.1. Direct/indirect verbal styles
2.2. Self-enhancement and self-humbling styles
2.3. Beliefs expressed in Talk and Silence

23. Reference
Ting-Toomey, S., & Chung, L. C. (2012). Understanding intercultural
communication. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
https://www.rw-3.com/blog/conversational-silence-the-modern-art-of-
cross-culture-business-communication