Name: Lê Thảo Kiều My

Class: 20CNA08
Group: 10
REVISION (CROSS-CULTURE)
*. What are the basic principles of culture ?
- What is logical and important in one culture may seem traditional and unimportant in
another.
- On describing culture, people tend to focus on differences and overlook similarities.
- Stereotyping maybe inevitable for people who lack frequent contact with another culture.
- Culture differences exist due to genders, ages social economic status and education.
- Understanding an another culture is a journey, not a goal.
Example: For example, in some cultures, gender roles are more rigidly defined than in
others. In some societies, older people are highly respected and revered for their wisdom and
experience, while in others, youth is highly valued. Social economic status can also play a
significant role in shaping cultural differences. In some cultures, wealth and material possessions
are highly valued and seen as a sign of success, while in others, simplicity and modesty are more
highly prized.

1. How important is cross-cultural communication?

In today's increasingly interconnected world, cross-cultural communication has become an
essential skill for individuals and organizations alike. With the rise of global trade, travel, and
communication, people from different cultures are interacting with each other more than ever
before. Effective cross-cultural communication is crucial for building strong relationships and
avoiding misunderstandings that can lead to conflict or missed opportunities. It involves not only
understanding cultural differences but also being able to adapt one's communication style to be
more effective with people from different backgrounds. Improving cross-cultural communication
can promote mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity. This can lead to more
successful business partnerships, more effective teamwork, and ultimately a more harmonious
and interconnected world.
2. What essential principles are applied to cross-cultural communication?
1. Respect cultural differences: It's important to be aware of and respect cultural differences in
order to avoid misunderstandings and offense.
Example: In some cultures, it's considered impolite to interrupt someone when they're speaking.
In others, interrupting is seen as a sign of engagement and interest.
2. Be aware of non-verbal communication: Non-verbal communication can vary widely
between cultures, so it's important to be aware of these differences.
Example: In some cultures, making direct eye contact is a sign of respect and engagement. In
others, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect.
3. Avoid slang and idioms: Slang and idioms can be difficult to understand for non-native
speakers, so it's best to avoid using them in cross-cultural communication.
Example: "Let's touch base" is an idiom that means "let's talk later". However, for someone who
is not familiar with this idiom, it can be confusing.
4. Use simple language: Using simple and clear language can help ensure that your message is
understood by everyone.
Example: Instead of saying "Let's table this discussion", say "Let's talk about this later".
5. Be patient and understanding: Cross-cultural communication can take more time and effort
than communicating within your own culture, so it's important to be patient and understanding.
Example: If someone from another culture is speaking slowly or asking for clarification, be
patient and try to understand their perspective.

3. Why do people think cultural adjustment can take so long?

Cultural adjustment can take a long time because it involves adapting to a new cultural
environment and learning new customs, values, and beliefs. It is widely recognized that there are
five different stages to the process – acceptance and integration, return anxiety, return
honeymoon, re-entry shock, and reintegration.
When people move to a new country or interact with people from different cultures, they may
experience culture shock, which can be a disorienting and stressful experience. Sometimes, the
level of cultural adjustment depends on the individual. Introversion, extroversion, profession, or
social position can all lead to different levels of cultural adjustment. Everything becomes strange
and unfamiliar, which causes them to spend a lot of time getting acquainted and adapting to the
new culture. Culture shock can be caused by differences in language, food, climate, social
norms, and other cultural factors. It can take time for people to adjust to these differences and to
develop new skills for navigating the cultural landscape. For example, a Vietnamese student
studying abroad will have a different experience than a less educated woman going to Taiwan for
labor export.

4. Distinguish cultural generalization from stereotypes. Give specific examples.

Cultural generalizations Stereotypes

  broad statements or observations about a  are oversimplified or exaggerated
particular culture that may hold some assumptions about a particular cultural
truth but are not universally applicable to group that are often based on biases,
every individual within that culture prejudices, or limited experiences
 based on common patterns or  tend to be negative, rigid, and can
characteristics that are often observed in perpetuate harmful stereotypes or
a specific group discrimination
 can be helpful in understanding cultural  ignore the individuality and diversity
norms, values, or behaviors, but they within a culture and unfairly generalize
should not be seen as absolute and an entire group based on the actions or
should always be approached with an characteristics of a few individuals.
open mind.

Example: All Italians are loud and

Example: In many Asian cultures, there is a gesticulate wildly when they talk." This
strong emphasis on respect for authority and stereotype assumes that every Italian person
elders." This statement acknowledges a behaves in a specific way, disregarding the
common cultural value observed in many fact that individuals within any culture can
Asian societies but does not imply that have different personalities and
every individual from an Asian culture communication styles
adheres to this value

5. What are the typical symptoms of culture shock? What should people do to overcome
them?
Culture shock is a common experience for people who move to a new country or interact with
people from different cultures. Symptoms of culture shock can include stress, fatigue, tension,
anxiety, depression, and hyperirritability. People may also experience physical symptoms such as
headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. To overcome culture shock, it is important to take
time to learn about the new culture and to develop new skills for navigating the cultural
landscape. This may involve learning the language, making new friends, and participating in
cultural activities. Seeking support from others who have experienced culture shock can also be
helpful. Additionally, practicing self-care, such as getting enough rest, eating well, and
exercising can help to reduce stress and promote well-being. With time and effort, people can
successfully adjust to new cultural environments and build strong relationships with people from
different cultures.

6. Choose one typical country. Explain some outstanding cultural features and taboos of
the country.
Outstanding cultural features: Greetings are accompanied by the gesture known as a 'wai', which
is the placing of two palms together, with fingertips touching the nose. A wai indicates the level
of respect for another person and is an acknowledgement of seniority. When entering temples,
private homes, or even some shops and offices, take shoes off. Feet are considered the dirtiest
part of the body in Thailand, and shoes even more so.
Taboos: Thai people think that the head is the most dignified part of the body. They are not
allowed to pat anyone's head, even if it is a friendly gesture. At the same time, the feet are
considered to be measly. People are not allowed to use their feet to point or touch anyone,
otherwise it will be considered unreasonable and rude.
7. What are the major differences between formal communication and informal
communication?
Formal communication and informal communication have some major differences in terms of
their definition, language, and context.

Features Formal communication Informal communication

Definition A type of verbal A type of verbal communication
communication in which the in which the interchange of
interchange of information is information does not follow any
done through pre-defined channels i.e. The communication
channels is known as formal stretches in all directions.
communication.
Language Formal and professional.
Employs casual language,
including slang, colloquialisms,
and informal expressions, which
Avoiding slang, and may vary based on the
colloquialisms participants' relationship and
context.
Context Commonly used in official or Used in casual settings or social
professional settings, such as interactions, such as informal
business meetings, formal meetings, lunch breaks, social
presentations, written reports, gatherings, or personal
or official correspondence. conversations.
Examples Well, ladies and gentlemen, Right, let's get started.
let's get down to business. If everyone is here, we can start
It's a pleasure to welcome all the meeting. I'd like to welcome
of you here today. you all to the meeting.
8. What are the major differences between oral communication and written
communication?
Oral communication Written communication
Oral communication is less formal. Written communication is formal, planned,
and detailed.
It produces a prompt response of some kind. It causes a response after lapse of some time.
Oral communication is not valued much for It carries more authority and is proof of a
legal purposes. transaction.
Oral communication is highly flexible. It is rigid and inflexible.
It is an active transfer of information It is precise and direct
Here the speaker can get the audience engaged It is less personal.
psychologically.
Ex: Ex:
Linda: Excuse me, can you show me how to “The way a crow
get to Hoan Kiem Lake, please, Shook down on me
Minh: You should go straight ahead for about The dust of snow
100 meters before turning right. On your left, From a hemlock tree.”
you’ll see Hoan Kiem Lake.
Linda: Thank you so much.