Introduction: For this intercultural communication process, I connected with a Chinese partner through a language exchange app. We decided to communicate over messaging and voice chat to improve our language skills and cultural knowledge. My partner was a university student majoring in English who lived in Shanghai, China. Our communication lasted for about two months and we spoke at least once a week.
Cultural Knowledge Exchanged: During our conversations, we exchanged cultural knowledge on various topics such as food, holidays, customs, and traditions. My partner shared with me the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival and how it is celebrated with mooncakes and family gatherings. They also explained the importance of filial piety in Chinese culture.
In return, I introduced my partner to some traditional American dishes like apple pie and Thanksgiving turkey and explained the concept of individualism in Western cultures. We also discussed our respective educational systems and differences in academic expectations.
We both learned about different nonverbal communication styles such as the use of hand gestures in Italian culture or maintaining eye contact during conversations as a sign of respect in Chinese culture. We also discussed indirect communication styles prevalent in Asian cultures compared to more direct communication styles found in Western cultures.
- Analysis of Cultural Differences and Similarities: Through our conversations, we observed many cultural differences between our two countries such as collectivism vs individualism, high-context vs low-context communication, and varying attitudes towards hierarchy. Hofstede’s dimensions can be used to further analyze these differences:
| Dimension | USA | China |
|---|---|---|
| Individualism vs Collectivism | High individualism | High collectivism |
| Power Distance | Low power distance | High power distance |
| Masculinity vs Femininity | Masculine culture | Masculine culture |
| Uncertainty Avoidance | Low uncertainty avoidance | High uncertainty avoidance |
However, despite these differences, we also discovered many similarities such as a strong emphasis on family and respect for elders. We both also shared a love for certain types of music and movies.
In terms of communication styles, we can use Edward Hall’s theory of high-context vs low-context communication to analyze our differences. While American culture tends to be more direct and low-context, Chinese culture is known for its high-context communication style where indirectness and nonverbal cues are important in conveying messages.
- Tips/Feelings in Intercultural Communication: Through this intercultural communication process, I learned the importance of being open-minded and patient when interacting with individuals from different cultures. I experienced some culture shock initially when learning about the concept of “face” in Chinese culture and the significance of hierarchy in relationships.
To succeed in intercultural business communication, it is important to have strong active listening skills, be aware of cultural differences, and approach situations with empathy. It is also helpful to educate oneself on the values and customs of other cultures before engaging in any form of intercultural communication.
Overall, this intercultural communication process allowed me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture while improving my language skills. It was an enriching experience that taught me valuable lessons about effective cross-cultural communication.
