Oral and Non-verbal Communication in Dubai and the US - Essay Example

While making verbal communication, the tone of voice used contributes thirty percent of the communication process with the rest, i.e. ten percent. Body language forms an important part of the communication process though it does not stand as the only form of communication.

Non-verbal communication will incorporate many aspects such as dressing, culture, and region. In Dubai, males commonly put on long dresses. This has formed an important part of non-verbal communication often relating to the Muslim culture with other Muslims doing the same in other parts of the world. In America, the dress code is different. Men will less likely to be found in such long dresses and if found, the conclusion made is that they could be Muslim. Women in Dubai which is a male-dominated region speak softly. Though significant steps have been made to address the issue and empower the women, the culture they have been brought up in dictated that they should be loyal to their husbands which makes them or puts them in an awkward state. Comparing that with the U.S., one realizes that women in the U.S. are more vocal. They take control of things and spearhead changes in their respective places of influence.

This has been cultivated by the culture they have been brought up in. The two different cultures have different expectations for each gender with the Arab in Dubai recovering from a purely male-dominated one and the U.S. being a fairly equal power population. Therefore, looking at the verbal and non-verbal communication in those places, the change that will likely be noted is the lack of confidence in some of the ladies in Dubai while those in the U.S. will take the center stage and deliver the message they wanted.

Whereas most people will likely adapt to the American culture and be in a position to maneuver well in communication, a study has shown that a business trip to Dubai will be more complicated. Though not a must, one will be in a better position if he can fairly utilize verbal and nonverbal communication. On top of this, he should be in a position to follow and understand the basic pointers in the Arab workplace. The role of women in business also forms a major difference in the region compared to the U.S.  Considering the normal etiquette which is part of communication, the people in the region rarely enter a house with their shoes on. Unlike in the U.S. where the weekend starts later, the majority of the inhabitants in Dubai are Muslims and so their weekend starts on Friday which is the day they reserve for worshipping. In giving out gifts, one should avoid including dogs, pigs, and alcohol. This is different from what is seen in the U.S. Discussion of female members is rarely part of the conversation. These differences in verbal and nonverbal communication form an important part of the communication process.