The Influence of Culture on Interpersonal Dialogue

What is Culture?

Culture is the set of shared beliefs, norms, and values shared by a group of people. These common views and values can have an impact on how people engage with one another. Culture is the glue that keeps society together by establishing a framework for interpersonal communication. It can be defined as a complex network of shared meaning systems that shapes and is shaped by human social behaviors and is passed down through generations. The most important thing to know about culture is that it changes with time, space, and people's experiences.

How Culture Affects the Way We Communicate?

There are various ways that culture influences how we communicate. For example, in certain cultures, discussing money is considered impolite. In other cultures, discussing money is not only acceptable, but actually encouraged. Culture can also influence how we communicate with others, both verbally and through body language. For example, when meeting someone for the first time in Western culture, it is customary to shake hands, whereas in many Eastern cultures, bowing is preferred.

Communication differences between cultures can be both positive and bad. One significant advantage of cultural differences is that they allow people to speak in a style that is more natural to them, making them feel more at ease. However, communication disparities between cultures can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Culture varies from one group to the next, and these differences can have an impact on the level of trust and openness in communication that one can obtain with people from various cultures. As a result, cultural differences must be adequately recognized to ensure efficient communication.

Culture and interpersonal communication are closely linked. A culture's beliefs and customs can influence how people communicate with one another. The way people communicate with one another can reflect a culture's values. Many diverse civilizations and countries have examined cultural norms in interpersonal conversation. Interrupting someone who is speaking during an argument is considered impolite in the United States, but this is not always the case in Asian nations such as China or Korea. Interrupting someone during an argument is considered a sign of respect in China since it demonstrates that the individual is prepared to listen and communicate with others.

The Importance of Understanding Cultural Differences 

It's essential to understand cultural differences in order to better communication. Understanding the perspectives of others with varied origins, ideologies, and cultures is crucial when interacting with them, and we should modify our communication approach accordingly.

For instance, determining whether the person we are chatting with is joking or being sincere is a frequent issue in these situations. People joke more frequently and can use humor to ease tension in some cultures. People in different cultures take their words seriously and value a playful conversation. To help the individual we are conversing with change their communication style, it is crucial to start the conversation by briefly describing our own culture and preferences.

The way people express themselves through gestures and body language is also influenced by culture. Meeting new individuals and talking with them enables you to vary your communication and view the world from various angles.