Intercultal Communication

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- What does it tell or do not tell you about the incident?

This tells me that everyone has different types of communication styles and that people respond differently depending of which communication style you use. In this situation my RA could have used a different communication style. Though in Japan separation of trash is important, he must understand that I come from a different country and culture background. In return I must understand that this is Japan and that there are rules regarding various matters.

My RA should have noticed by non-verbal behaviors and actions and communicated to me differently. It tells me that it is important to see nonverbal codes and cues, as you can really understand what a person is trying to express in a situation. Though some nonverbal signs may not be obvious, there are also particular ones that are that anyone should be able to notice.

- How can you interpret the situation differently based on the two theories?

By learning the understanding the two theories I understood that there are different ways to talk to people. By understanding the different communication styles, I interpreted that communication and communication styles are a very powerful tool in conveying what you want. I also interpreted that people come from different backgrounds communicate differently thus you must learn to understand and not take offensive to their way of communication.

The theory of nonverbal codes also helped me interpret the situation better. I understood that if both parties are able to read each other nonverbal cues, we would have easily been able to avoid conflict or tension with each other. As nonverbal codes are culture bound one must understand the meaning of gestures and signs in relation of what a person is trying to express.

- Any appropriate actions based on the two theories?

Actions based on this theory would be different in any situation when you are thinking about communication styles. Depending on the situation I personally believe that a certain type of communication style must be used in order to display your emotion or get what you want in the situation.

It is very important to read non-verbal cues, as you will be able to understand the situation better. In order to do this one must be tentative in decoding and interpreting non-verbal cues as one action or actions could have one or many different meanings. Though a person cannot be read like a book, it helps if you are able to analyze any situation better.

- Illustrate your learning

- What can you learn from this episode and your analysis

From this episode and my analysis I learned the importance of communication styles and nonverbal codes. It had great significance, as these two theories can be applied to my situation and other situation as well. I also learned that every culture has it’s own rules and regulations thus I must stop and think before reacting to a situation. Also by reading about communication styles, I was able to understand that different types of communication styles are effective in different situations. It was eye opening to be able to know the importance of reading nonverbal cues.

- What will you do if you are faced with a similar situation in the future?

If I am faced with a similar situation I will analyze the situation with my own judgment and react with an appropriate response. I would also try to be more understating as the person I am talking to might be having a bad day. If another similar situation were to occur, I would try my best to analyze it by using the theories that I have learned from class and utilize them in order to appropriately respond to the situation.

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