of Subtler Cultural Communications

(part one)

Introduction
   So the joke would start, four businesspersons from Japan, Nigeria, France, and India walk into a bar… However, it is not a joke. To consider subtler communication differences the choice of these four countries represents an opportunity to arbitrage expressed differences. This becomes a consideration of what informs these differences and how these representatives have become who they are. In addition, middle or lower management is more likely to yield the more graphic outcome. And while Hofstede has given us a kind of focus on this matter, other work has emerged. The Inglehart and Welzel World Values Survey is such a work that brings us nearer such subtler considerations (Inglehart , 2009).
   One last thought before starting, the block quote above is as is, for your consideration. However, please bear in mind that if there is a yellow ball between two, one party is wearing red glasses and the other is wearing blue glasses, both can honestly argue that the ball is respectively orange and purple. Even in relationships where both actors feel they are “on the same page”, each nonetheless brings his or her own lens to the equation.

Relation of Language and Culture
   France
   An extensive consideration of which is proper is counterbalanced by not taking things too seriously; “wearing” things, as it were, like a loose jacket. This seems typified by the Toubon Law of 1994, wherein a mandate for the French language was actually legislated into law for all official and broadcast expressions. Interestingly, this does not apply to private, commercial or artistic expressions.
   If Napoleon had played his cards right, we might be talking about a French empire of substance, if only in the past. Perhaps this is among the reasons for the various French scores (of Hofstede and Inglehart’s works) being as they are. The Franco influence on the world is undeniable. Among the power countries of Europe, one could argue it is perhaps the most iconic of European countries.
   France finds itself in Inglehart’s chart in the upper right-hand quadrant, representing secular rationale and self-expression; but does so close to the center. A progressive and actualized position, yet with an emphasis towards balance. From Hofstede , we find above-average rankings for power distance and individualism, muted by a below average masculinity. The highest-ranking being uncertainty avoidance may also be seen as casual. If one were not in a position of power then perhaps they would simply like to be told what to do and get on with it; being relieved of significant responsibilities.
   This balance extends through all that is French. One finds that there is a polite public persona as well as an intimate, private posture. While a truly global presence, the French have nonetheless maintained a significant value on the family (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010).

   India
   Arguably, the longest-lived culture on the planet, India seems to have integrated, either by gift of circumstance (mountains, plains, rivers, oceans...), or manually (the functional representation of every world religion, etc.), all that the universe has had to offer.
   In the enormity of this subcontinent, every world-religion becomes the glue that colors all things. In addition, such a colorful country it is; for order continues, expressed through a caste system and arranged marriages, (although in the face of the 21st century these constructs are beginning to fade).
   India has over 60 distinct and unique languages (beyond dialect), three are official (Hindi, Urdu and Bengali) and yet English, as the language of academia and business, seems as widely spoken as Hindi. Language and culture are both kaleidoscopic.

   Japan
   An extraordinarily highly developed culture; certainly among the most developed. Japan has a wide and deep history of considering many arenas most other countries have not; elevating the following to high art (just to name a few): flower arrangement, paper folding, penmanship and gardening.
   The Japanese language has also been highly developed, deeply considered and adaptive. It borrows no less than three expressions from China, has integrated in significant measure the Western influence and this all finds its way through its own Japanese filter.
   A quick review of Hofstede and Inglehart’s works should therefore not surprise us that we are looking at a very highly structured culture. No other culture has such a high score for secular rationale value. In the Japanese are expressed extremely high in masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation. Such is the expression in all the iterations that make up the subtleties to be wary of in business culture. One example of this is that upon meeting for the first time ones shirt should be white and one's tie should be visually humble (and, no coincidence, this suggestion is masculine-centric) (“Executive Planet“, 2010).

   Nigeria

   Of the two most significant powers on the African continent, besides South Africa, the other is Nigeria (Kwintessential Ltd, n.d.). Nigeria's history may go back as much as 9000 years. However, colonization did not take place until the mid-1880s; lingering under British rule until 1960. In the wake of World War II, and instigated by internal movement, the British actually helped craft and move Nigeria toward a successful independence. Another contributing factor to Nigeria's relative success would certainly have to include the wealth that the Benue and Niger rivers represent, including vast deltas. In addition, of course, one should not overlook its natural resources; particularly oil wealth (“Nigeria Culture, facts about Nigeria, customs, business and social ethics. “).

   Nigeria has a celebrated culture, rich with extended families and lingering Victorian quaintness in various expressions of etiquette. While a man cannot give a woman a gift without making clear that the gift is from a female relative of his own, on the one hand (an example of such a Victorian manner), on the other, one is encouraged to brag about one's degrees.

   There are six root languages, from which over 500 living languages exist. Three of these are most common: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. However, as an expression of binding this new independent country English forwarded as the official language. English is used mostly in government business and education.