Communication and Culture Europe, Greece

Communication and Culture

Europe, Greece

Cultural beliefs are learned patterns of behavior together with attitudes shared by a given group of people. In essence, culture is a system of shared beliefs, customs, behaviors, values, and artifacts that members of a given society use to relate with their world and with one another. Consequently, culture and cultural beliefs are transmitted from one generation to another through learning (Qingxue, 11). The cultural belief systems that are created or developed within a society help to a great extent in the study of intercultural communication as they are at the center human thoughts and actions. Cultural beliefs are like rules or guideposts that are normative teach the society what is useful, good, right, wrong, what people belonging to a certain group should strive for or even die for in life. Cultural beliefs are extremely important to the human world views and ideologies. In this regard they are conditions which contribute to the manner in which humans perceive and think about the world and consequently the way in which they live in the world (Qingxue, 14).

Communication styles and patterns with regard to cultural beliefs can be categorized as either high context or low context communication. Accordingly, cultures across the world have characteristics which exhibit both high and low variables. High-context communication is where a person already posses information but little is coded. On the other low-context communication pattern is where a person has very little information while most of the information is coded; for instance vast information is vested in the explicit code (Cunningham, et al., 56).

European countries and Western countries exhibit low-context communication patterns and styles. Greece in this context has low-context communication patterns where her population is less homogeneous and hence the trend compartmentalization of interpersonal contacts is highly evident. Individuals in this country lack common experience thus when they interact with each other the need for background information is prevalent. Many communication professional have determined that in low-context communication style; the verbal message tend to contain a substantial amount of information while very little is embedded in the participants (Cunningham, et al., 57). In addition, low-context communication always tends to take a direct and explicit where everything must be stated as the participant are unaware of their surroundings and must depend on verbal communication as a preferable channel of communication (Qingxue, 15).

Part Two: South America, Argentina

Cultural values are learned organization of rules that are essential in making choices and for resolving conflicts. It has been established that cultural values like cultural beliefs guide both perception and communication in a given society. Across the humans, each and every individual has his own unique values that are then spread into a culture. In addition, cultural values are transmitted through a myriad of sources including, family media, school, church and even the state; cultural values are also broad based, enduring and above all they are relatively stable (Foster, et al., 10). Values are always translated into action and in this regard, understanding cultural values help humans to appreciate the behavior of other individuals. South American communities are proud of their states, they are highly educated, and they like to be viewed as cosmopolitan and progressive. In Argentina for instance, a substantial percentage come from across Europe and the Middle East. Argentines like identifying themselves with Europeans.

The cultural values in Argentina influenced the society to have hierarchical relationships. Given this fact Argentines are required to honor their elders, co-workers and business counterparts (Foster, et al., 16). Decisions are often made at the highest level of the hierarchy. Accordingly, Argentines appreciate senior people in approving agreements. However, cultivating personal relationships within a given group of people is usually encouraged because these relationships are very vital in influencing the decisions that are made (Foster, et al., 12).

Argentines has a moderately high context culture and hence the style and pattern of communication. This is mainly due to their tight-knit family relationships. The close family links have influenced them to focus more on non-verbal communication. In essence, cultural values across Argentina demand for observation, tolerance, and understanding. The tingo dance for example is one of the nonverbal communications. Argentines also like engaging in activities that give them a sense of belonging (Foster, et al., 18).

Part 3: Africa, Tanzania

Cultural norms are patterns of behavior that specifically are typical to a given group. They are shared, sanctioned, and integrated systems of beliefs and practices. These behaviors are passed from one generation to the next. In other words, cultural norms are the expectations and rules that are agreed upon through which a society guides the behavior of its members with regard to a given situation (Qingxue, 13). Cultural norms widely vary across cultural groups. In most cases cultural norms are not considered to be formal laws, however, they are helpful and vital in instilling social control within the society. Cultural norms are mainly enforced through non-verbal communication cues.

Tanzania has a harmonious culture which is anchored on strong social code of respect and courtesy. Tanzanians are globally known for their polite and friendly nature. The cultural norms embraced within the Tanzanian culture are geared towards fostering politeness. Here are examples of cultural norms within Tanzanian culture: greetings, food, clothing, and respect for the elderly and public affection (Shivji & Kapinga, 15).

Greetings in Tanzania are done mainly through handshakes which are considered vital social etiquette. Tanzanians hold hands when conversing as a sign of respect. Tanzanians value and respect cooks. Smelling food is not allowed as it may imply that it is rotten or unpleasant. Consequently, when offered food or drink you are supposed to accept; refusing it is considered rude. Clothing is valued in Tanzania; for instance it is recommended to cover most of ones body as assign of respect. Respect for the elderly is extremely important; older folks are regarded to be knowledgeable and experienced.

The above discussed norms have greatly influenced communication patterns and styles within Tanzania (Shivji & Kapinga., 16). Hierarchical form of communication is embraced where everybody accepts his status within the community. Decisions come from the top and transmitted to the lower ranks.