When we speak to another person, we use words, both spoken and written, and a variety of non-verbal means of communication.
Different cultures have different meanings for both verbal and non-verbal symbols. A symbol is just a representation of a concept in a tangible form.
IN CONTEXT
A symbol could be a gesture, or simply a letter of the alphabet. Or if you're texting, you might use some sort of shorthand, such as “u” instead of the word “you” or “LOL” for “laughing out loud.”
People in the group with whom you are using this shorthand have to understand that "LOL" stands for "laughing out loud", as texting involves its own symbols that people who are accustomed to using them understand. If you're not used to using them—even though you speak English and use texting—you may not be able to decipher a particular message.
We all use symbols differently, and there are different meanings for particular symbols in different cultures. Naturally, this can sometimes cause misunderstandings.
A very common gesture can have several different meanings depending on the culture in which it is used.
EXAMPLE
The symbol formed by making a circle with the index finger and thumb means “OK” in the United States and Britain. However, in Japan, it means money; in Russia, it means zero. In Brazil, it’s actually an insult.This can also be true of other non-verbal communication methods.
IN CONTEXT
In the United States, there is a certain distance that we feel comfortable standing from people. If someone starts to move into what we call our personal space, we move back and get uncomfortable. In other cultures, standing more closely together is considered natural and normal.
You could be talking to someone from a culture in which standing close, even if the person doesn’t know you, is considered the norm. Because this is not the norm for you, you might find yourself moving across the room to try to get more distance. Things like this can cause a misunderstanding.
These misunderstandings can sometimes be based simply on tone of voice.
EXAMPLE
In some cultures, speaking in a more animated way indicates interest, whereas in other cultures, people might want to speak in a more contained manner, particularly in a professional setting.Even the use of a particular word can be taken the wrong way when engaging in verbal communication.
IN CONTEXT
In the United States, it's quite common to refer to ourselves as American. However, if you use that term in Canada or South America, it's a bit insulting. It sounds ethnocentric because people from those countries are also Americans. Thus, it’s preferable to call yourself a North American or someone from the United States in order to specify the particular country.
Becoming more aware of these differences can be very helpful in terms of preventing conflicts, especially conflicts that can escalate because people are unaware that what they’re doing has conveyed an unintended message.
Things like words, gestures, and spatial distance are all examples of misunderstandings that can happen because the meaning of a particular verbal or non-verbal symbol is interpreted differently in different cultures.
EXAMPLE
Even something as simple as a handshake, which in the United States is considered very friendly for someone you’ve just met, can cause a misunderstanding. In some cultures, a handshake is totally inappropriate; you would bow instead.Source: Adapted from Sophia tutorial by Marlene Johnson.