When I started training on Business Communication, I wasn’t aware of how my culture impacts communication. It was at the “Business English for the 21 Century” conference, organized by STETS (Singapore Tertiary English teachers Society) and IATEFL BESIG at Singapore in September 2005, I first came across the term “ Cultural Differences in Communication.” This …
After a long time, I am reading an interesting book on Culture- Culture Map by Erin Meyer. The book talks of eight scales which affect the way people interact in Business. Replete with examples the book is an enjoyable read. Erin Meyer talks of cultural relativity. Your cultural leanings are measured on a scale and …
Cultural generalizations and Ethnocentrism All of us are aware on how we get judgmental when we meet people for the first time. We often make judgments about a person’s capability by looking at the way she/he dresses. I have had many experiences during my travels when people who meet me often exclaim “You speak very …
Was the bag heavy or light? This happened a few years ago. I was travelling by bus to work. It was peak hours and the bus was crowded. However, I had a comfortable seat. When the bus stopped at one of the scheduled stops a few foreigners got in. One of them, a lady, was …
“On your right!” During my visit to Seattle in the United States, my routine included a long walk every day. The walk was through a path in the woods in one of the many forested areas around Mercer Island. During the walk I met many people; joggers, cyclists. Many of them would smile and greet …
