In the context of barriers of communication, explain personal space requirements, body language, and translation limitations.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. People raised in two different cultures can clash in various ways because cultures give different definitions of basics of interaction, such as values and norms.a. Personal space requirements: Space operates as a language just as time does. The study of cultural space requirements is known as proxemics. In all cultures, the distance between people functions in communication as "personal space" or "personal territory." In the United States, for example, for intimate conversations with close friends and relatives, individuals are willing to stay within about a foot and a half of each other. However, in many cultures outside the United States, closer personal contact is accepted, or greater distance might be the norm.b. Body language: Body language is not universal, but instead is learned from one's culture. Even the most basic gestures have varying cultural meanings-the familiar North American symbol for "okay" means zero in France, money in Japan, and an expression of vulgarity in Brazil. Similarly, eye contact, posture, and facial expressions carry different meanings throughout the world.c. Translation limitations: Words in one language do not always have an equivalent meaning in other languages, and the concepts the words describe are often different as well. Translators can be helpful, but keep in mind that a translator is working with a second language and must listen to one language, mentally cast the words into another language, and then speak them. This process is difficult and opens the possibility that the translator will fall victim to one or more cultural barriers. Even if you cannot speak or write another language fluently, people from other cultures will appreciate simple efforts to learn a few common phrases. REJ: Please see the section "Contextual Forces Influencing Business Communication" for more information.