Intercultural Communication - Essay Example

Perceptual differences are a major cause of communication problems Consider the following article: I believe that we could have avoided numerous wars borne from miscommunication if we had only taken into consideration matters from the recipient's point of view (Chown 2002). The above example illustrates how a difference in perception by the Chinese on the 'apology' of the United States, nearly cost the US its 24-member crew. By changing the apology to convey a more sincere apology acceptable to the Chinese Government's loss. In effect by considering the matter from the perspective of the Chinese Government, the US was able to communicate its message across. Doubtless that the above is an extreme example, it nevertheless conveys, the importance of how differences in perception affect communication. Considering that how we perceive the message the other is trying to communicate is being directly affected by our personal biases, past experiences, cultural background, language, non-verbal communication and level of defensiveness, value judgement and state of mind at the time of the conversation (Hill 1996), it can be said that the chances of a 'miscommunication' happening is almost moot. A simple example is that in most Northern European countries like England, Scandinavia and Germany, people allot a larger zone of personal space than his Italian or French counterparts (Interpersonal Communication in an Intercultural Setting 2003). The stoic Englishman would look askance at a man who suddenly pulls him into a hearty embrace when all he wants is a handshake. He would probably cease to do business with the man, because from his perspective, the fellow is violating his personal space and thereby intruding in his privacy while to the other, he is simply trying to make the British gentleman feel welcome. Models and Theories - The Communication Process It is difficult to define what communication is but regardless of that fact, it is "is so deeply rooted in human behaviours and the structures of society that it is difficult to think of any social event or behaviour that is not affected by it (Communication Theory 2003). Although communication involves a variety of factors, the basic model of communication remains the same for all. There is a sender who transfers a message to a receiver (see: Figure 2) and it is in between the sending and the receiving of the message that the potential for a breakdown in communication happens. There are numerous sources for error that by the time the message reaches the receiver a there is already a 40-60% loss of meaning. Factors such as those previously mentioned regarding personal biases and the like, act on the communication model to either facilitate or distort the message received. Often referred to as "noise", these factors which warp the message so that the recipient receives it incorrectly. Consider a somewhat humorous but realistic example of a man who is asked by a significant other if she is fat. If the man takes time to consider his answer and answers honestly that she is, the woman would become angry with the man or worse would break down in tears and state that the man does not love her anymore. In this scenario, we would often see the beginnings of an argument brewing or the emotional breakdown of the relationship because in her question, the woman is not actually asking if she is fat but is actually seeking reassurance that the man loves her regardless of her size. The man in this case, having failed to received the non-verbal cues and having failed to understand the woman from her perspective gives an honest answer which is the same response he would give a male companion who asks him the same thing. On a more serious vein, consider how the perceptual differences of two nations such as China and Taiwan make it difficult for them to communicate effectively with one another. With China considering Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China Policy" which states that "the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of all of China...and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China" (Nationmaster.com 2003). With Taiwan refusing to acknowledge Chinese sovereignty, there is an ever-present conflict between the two countries. According to the "One China Policy", Taiwan is a mere territory and should thus subject itself to its laws; it does not recognize the independent Taiwanese government as a separate ruling body. We can only imagine what it is like to be in the shoes of the Taiwanese people who wish to be acknowledge as the independent country that it is but whose economic progress and political advancement in world politics is continually hindered by its larger neighbor. Or let us take the American Civil War between North and the Southern territories as another example of the major communication problems caused by a difference in perception. While the North fought the war because it saw the South's advocacy of Slavery as an oppressive and despicable institution, the South fought to preserve their properties, their land and their way of life. One thought the other in violation of some sacred right the other had. Conclusions Most of the major communication conflicts that occur are usually the result of perceptual differences between the communicators. Differences in thought processes as shaped by education, emotional and intellectual development, cognitive status, upbringing and even present mental status at the time of the communication all contribute to the way people send and receive a message. Particular attention must therefore be paid to clarifying and understanding how the receiver will possibly receive the message he is given, if one wants to achieve an effective communication outcome where both parties clearly understand exactly what the other needs. Works Cited: Chown, T. Clear Communication. 2000. 30 July 20005. Communication Theory. Answers.com. 2005. 30 July 2005. Encyclopedia: One China Policy. Nationmaster.com. 2005. Hill, Linda. "Building Effective One-on-One Work Relationships.". Harvard Business School Technical Notes. (1996). 3 Ausgust 2005. Jandt, Fred E. Intercultural Communication. California State University, San Bernardino. 3 August 2005. Read More