I believe language is fundamental to communication. Difference in language also directly expresses the difference in culture. For example, when I was in Thailand, I observed that the pace of life is much slower and simpler compared to Singapore. Hand gestures are more effective than verbal communication too as both sides could not speak each other language effectively. Even our multi racial nation boasts different cultures across the Chinese, Malays and Indians. I have to be careful in my words and actions when I’m with my friends from other racial background as what I think might be okay, may be potentially offensive to them. I once made a joke about a certain racial group, but it struck a nerve and my friend did express his disapproval. I immediately retracted my actions and apologized.
That said, very different cultures exists even in places where the people speak English as their first language. When I was in the United States, I observed that simple, everyday words or phrases would have a different meaning, or the locals would not understand them at all. For instance, when we buy “take away” food, I have to say “to go” instead, or the waitress would not understand me. In restaurants, each table would have a designated waiter or waitress that would serve you throughout your meal, whereas back home, you can call any staff to assist you in your order. Tips are considered a standard practice in America too, but that is not the case in Singapore. When I was a student on exchange to America, I found that if I were to learn and be part of that culture I was in, it was easier to get things done and the locals would be more responsive to you as well.
I had an African American friend on exchange to Singapore. One of the first few things he asked me was both eye opening and intriguing- he asked if there was any place or area that he should avoid near campus or in Singapore in general. Initially, he did not believe me when I said “No”. In the States, being “colored” could get you in trouble if you walked into the wrong neighborhood. In contrast, Singapore’s culture and subcultures are such that it has always provided us with a safe environment to live in.
Culture also affects the accessibility of information. I have observed that the locals tend to assist you more if you are able to speak their language- simply because they would feel comfortable speaking to you too. For example, in Thailand, my Singaporean friends who were able to speak basic Thai were able to negotiate a better deal when buying products, compared to someone who did not know the language. Also, in Thailand the white men are always targeted as they are believed to have a culture of being rich. I also heard that in France, the French refuses to speak English to you even if they knew how too. Thus, in my opinion, similar language is the fundamental to effective communication, especially between different cultures. One must also learn to respect and understand another’s culture to ensure proper communication.
You have talked about a lot of important things related to effective communication in this post, Lance. I agree with you that learning to be a part of that culture, can help get things done better and faster. But a friend once asked me - "What if I don't approve of the new culture?" I joked by telling him to go back home. What do you think about this?
ReplyDeleteAlso the French don't refuse to speak English. This generation of French, from what I have seen, understand the need of a common language for better communication and do make attempts to learn. Some of them avoid speaking English as they are embarrassed to try. It is probably only very traditional and old people who might refuse to speak (provided they know English).
Woah Lance, you covered quite a lot in your post. You mention about the pace differences, language usage (Same language and how people use it differently; Different languages), security differences etc.
ReplyDeleteAll these simply shows that Intercultural Communication is an aspect of Communication which is so huge (like 3D) and there are too much to learn and experience (it’s ongoing).
For the last paragraph of your post, it actually reminds me of an article in the newspaper I saw few years back, about the way Singaporeans treat the “Ang Mohs”.
It was the writer’s experience when he visited the foodcourt to buy chicken rice.
When the person queuing is a Caucasian, the aunty asked, “What would you like to have, Sir?”
When it was the writer’s turn, the aunty asked “What you want?”
You have experienced a lot of cross-culture situations. I agree with you that language is very important in intercultural communication. As you mentioned that if you can speak the same language as the others, they will tend to speak to you more and are more likely to help you.
ReplyDeleteI just heard the same that French people do not like to speak English due to the competitive relationship between England and France. But I happen to know a French exchange student here. I cannot see that he repels English.
Thanks, Lance, for this overview of language and its connection to geography/culture. Certainly that is clear when one uses derogatory phrases, as you seem to indicate from your first example. Your selection of anecdotes is varied, but not always language-culture focused (the African-American visitor's question seems focused on the social issue of crime, or on perceptions). Personally, I think it might have been better to focus on one of these examples and flush out the language/culture connection. You start to go in that direction when you mention the way the aunty serving food addresses different customers. In that case, multiculturalism in Singapore allows for a person to shift their language register, from one conversation to the next.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, thanks for your effort.