Intercultural Communication

On Friday we discussed intercultural communication. We have already been noticing differences in culture and communication styles here, which is important for getting to know Germany and gaining a better global perspective, as well as better understanding our own culture. One of the main reasons to study abroad is to gain cultural knowledge about different parts of the world, which is increasingly important with communication technology using the Internet and with global business. We looked at culture as an iceberg (you only see a small portion of it from the surface), a tree (you don’t see the roots that actually sustain it), and as an onion (with layers). The outer layer of culture and what you see at first glance are things such as symbols, art, music, language… The inner core and what you have to dig deeper to understand are the ideas behind the culture- beliefs and values that make the outer layer the way it is.

            We began by examining our own culture and how we define ourselves. We did this by imagining what items we would choose to put in a time capsule that would best convey what our culture is like. We realized that for the most part we view our culture in a negative way, but we also talk about it as if we are the exception, like the negative aspects of our culture do not apply to us. The first thing I thought to put into the time capsule would be an iPhone. Our culture is very concerned with constantly being in contact with everyone and staying connected. Everyone wants to be socially accepted and tends to conform to what other people are using. The iPhone also represents a sense of entitlement that our culture seems to have, about material things as well as rights that we often take for granted. Our culture also tends to require constant stimulus; people can’t even walk to class without being on their phone. I noticed here that I rarely see people looking at their phones while walking or while they are with friends. Even while riding the bus the majority of people are not on their phones. My host family was disgusted by the idea of having a phone out at table or having the TV on during a meal. I think it is nice to not need to constantly be connected like that and to instead live more in the moment. Some other ways we described our culture were freedom, convenience, and friendliness.

            We also discussed communication, which we have already had quite a bit of experience dealing with differences in. The barrier of speaking different languages is just one aspect. I have already noticed a more direct style of communicating here. Back home, if you disagree with something you might say, “That is an interesting point, but I also think it might be like this…” We are indirect to save face or to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. But when I am talking to my host family or I hear Germans speaking they are far more direct, and conversations are more of an intellectual engagement, with less to do with emotions. When I discuss with my host mom how something is in the U.S. or how I think something should be, she very directly says, “No. That is not how it is here.” Or “No. That is not how it should be.” It is important to understand these communication differences and not take offence by them, and also to avoid coming off as offensive or rude by not following their customs. We also have to keep in mind that one person’s personality does not define an entire culture. While trying to learn about the culture here it is important for us to keep that in mind and try to differentiate between what might just be specific to an individual and what is German.