of Subtler Cultural Communications

(part two)

Kinesthetic and other Non-verbal Differences

   In the realm of subtle considerations there is enough written that if the proper research was done first an awareness of custom can be addressed proactively when it comes to errata such as business cards, color of gift-wrap, etc. However, the subtleties of body language and other nonverbal communications are at least as important. Considerations such as the relationship of time in a culture, personal space and proximity, body language and posture, ritual gestures and aspects of presentation (clothing, scent, hairstyle, tattoos, etc.), symbolism and metaphor and humor, touching, where and how an eye is directed and how things are spoken (including inflection and volume) are all worthy of being sensitive to.

   France
   Unless one is already a friend resist being overly friendly. Remain courteous and formal, do not presume, and honor any hierarchy. Be patient, detail oriented, maintain eye contact, be persuasive without aggression and remain understated.
   Insofar as this documents creation occurs within an American context, it has roots in Euro centricity. In large measure, this applies for the United States as well.

   India
   India is in Asia, after all, and consequently is subject to the dynamic of “face”. One would do well to make a conscious effort to avoid garnering responses where a negative is potential. Here is a setting where body language and nonverbal cues is especially useful. Please bear in mind that even something as graphic as a subtle horizontal headshaking, which in the West would indicate no, is absolutely how Indians respond “yes”.
   Indians have an interest in establishing a positive relationship, are slow and methodical and tend to avoid confrontation at all costs. This has a direct tie to the countries larger relationship with time, including as an example the majority religions expressions over incarnation. A paradox in this culture is that one will find it useful to communicate well in advance, and even follow up shortly prior; and yet, please, be flexible as things may change.
   Negotiation is not a separate consideration but part of the fabric of business communications. One needs to be prepared to haggle.
   Having its independence, for only about 25% of the length of time the United States has this country of laws is still developing its legal foundation. Contracts are not as important and one's word is more important than it would be in the US.
   As India leapfrogs into the 21st century there are still remnants of honoring abstract hierarchies of caste or title; this is manifest in subtle ways and noted by Hofstede’s power distance ranking. Indians may no longer need to be subjugating and they voluntarily tend to demure; they are by default a humble people. This is an expression of respect (which is highly valued). In addition, this country is crowded in its urban settings where strangers commonly get shoved against each other in trains and buses. Pay attention to the distance a counterpart will stand from you and watch that space shift over your time knowing them.
  Although in the lower left quadrant of the Inglehart-Welzel cultural map, much like an obverse of France, India clocks close to the center; and this is telling of any inherent balance in the culture.

   Japan
   There is such a highly developed sense of nonverbal communication that it might be difficult to sort through the cues given to seek out telltale signs that have not been ensconced in custom. “Non-verbal communication is so vital that there is a book for 'gaijins' (foreigners) on how to interpret the signs!” (Kwintessential Ltd, n.d.).
   The Japanese live in one of the most densely populated countries on the planet; comparatively, this is half the US in its proxemics. Yet, please avoid direct eye contact.
   Overarching considerations in Japan would include the concept of “face”, developed to a fare the well, along with harmony and balance. It is paramount to make every effort to show respect; nothing will excuse an error as much as a genuine effort of respect. A heightened sensitivity would not be so much paranoia as wise. Words and all else that reflect communication can be subject to layers of interpretation, as well as contextual differences. Seek to behave as neutrally as possible, considering a mannequin as a model, whenever in doubt. This is because the Japanese are apt to seek meaning in all the silly little things western folks find themselves doing that mean nothing; like touching one's face, scratching one's head, wriggling one's nose.
   There too are carry over’s from India, simply because certain things are pan Asian. “Face” was already mentioned, this also includes avoiding soliciting responses where “no” is a possibility, being deferential to those who are older or of higher status, being patient and avoiding confrontation, etc.

   Nigeria
   The Hofstede™ Cultural Dimensions site lumped Nigeria in with Ghana and Sierra Leone (three and six countries to the west respectively) under the heading of “West Africa”. The most pronounced ranking is approximately 75 (on a scale of 100) for power distance. This may be lingering from colonialism. The rest of the rankings are at or below 50, indicating a more relaxed posture; especially on individualism and long-term orientation.
   Unlike the Japanese, the Nigerians do not appreciate a blank expression; preferring an overt positive facial expression. While this is not “face”, it is nonetheless as apt to hide challenged feelings. Nigerians do not tend to get directly to the point, but find value in creating the context, taking the time to narrow in on the topic. Presumably, this is an echo of the value of storytelling, (that maintained their history for so many millennia). Nevertheless, this circuitous behavior is simply to be aware of, as Nigerians are equally apt to be very direct.
   Relationships are important to Nigerians as expressed in the value of extended families. A genuine effort to be friendly is welcome. However, indirect eye contact (to the neck, hair, etc.) is expected behavior.
   Like the languages themselves being regional, some areas of Nigeria use humor more than others, some allow more excitement in their expression, and so on.
   Like their Indian counterparts, Nigerians also expect haggling as a natural way of business.