Connecting through culture: Understanding its relevance in intercultural lingua franca communication
A new linguistic report discusses how cultural differences can affect the dynamics of informal communications
Doshisha University
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Culture may or may not be a relevant factor in intercultural communications for people globally. In this study, Professor Stadler from Doshisha University examines the relevance of intercultural communications.
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In today’s world, telecommunications and global connectivity have witnessed an unprecedented increase, making intercultural communication an unavoidable reality. A concerning aspect of such communication is the element of cultural and linguistic diversity between people. However, there is very little consensus on whether cultural diversity truly matters in intercultural communications or if it simply promotes miscommunication.
“In academic literature, culture tends to be approached in a dichotomous stance, either through a lens of miscommunication or is considered an altogether irrelevant construct when it comes to intercultural communication research,” says Stefanie Alexa Stadler, a Professor from the Faculty of Letters, Department of English, Doshisha University, Japan. She is also a member of the Faculty of Languages and Cultures, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. Adding further, she says, “While it’s true that culture isn’t always relevant, it typically takes the center theme in casual interactions.” Exploring this topic further, Prof. Stadler, who is a dedicated researcher in the field of linguistics, conducted a thorough investigation on the relationship between culture and intercultural informal communications. Her findings have been published online in World Englishes on December 09, 2024.
Reflecting on her personal motivation for the study, Prof. Stadler states, “Having lived in many countries over several decades, I have experienced the challenges and opportunities of intercultural communication firsthand. I wanted to contribute to a better understanding of how cultural contexts shape interactions.” Inspired by this thought, her study examines over three hours of recorded interactions between participants from 19 different countries in East and South-East Asia. The participants actively explored cultural differences, as evidenced by the sessions, which were primarily recorded in English, their shared lingua franca. Most of the participants often brought up topics such as language practices, lifestyle choices, and cultural norms, which were fueled by curiosity and shared experiences that helped foster connections.
Prof. Stadler observed that during professional conversations, people often tend to downplay their cultural identity to ensure focus on the important tasks. On the other hand, it was quite the opposite for casual informal conversations. In such informal settings, culture is often a rich source for interactions and sharing ideas. The major driver during such conversations was curiosity about cultural diversity; participants often asked questions related to each other’s cultural aspects. Another important observation during the study was that participants often sought solidarity through humor, where teasing and joking about cultural or linguistic differences fostered group cohesion.
The study also highlights the role of culture in identity construction. Participants frequently described their contributions around their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. In most of the conversations, cultural identity naturally emerged in discussions, even when not explicitly prompted. This clarified that these diversities not only served to explain differences but also aided in bridging the gap through shared understanding.
Talking to us about the future implications of her study, Prof. Stadler says, “I believe that this study could provide valuable insights for international business, where understanding cultural dynamics could help improve communication and collaborations in global terms.” Moreover, these findings also hold potential for reforming strategies to foster inclusivity and a better understanding of communication dynamics across diverse cultural environments, which, in turn, could improve global communication practices.
About Professor Stefanie Alexa Stadler from Doshisha University, Japan
Professor Stefanie Stadler is a Professor at the Faculty of Letters in the Department of English at Doshisha University, Japan. She is also part of the Faculty of Languages and Cultures, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. With a Ph.D. in Applied Language Studies and Linguistics from the University of Auckland and the University of Hamburg, she is a dedicated researcher in the field of linguistics and has a rich teaching experience. She has contributed to over 34 publications focusing on linguistics, intercultural communications, and social sciences with over 446 citations. Her research interests include sociolinguistics, intercultural communications, conflict communication, pragmatics, and discourse analysis.
Funding information: KAKENHI #23K00598
Journal
World Englishes
Method of Research
Observational study
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
When culture becomes relevant in intercultural lingua franca communication
Teaching of intercultural communication calls for increasingly diverse approaches
University of Eastern Finland
A new study by researchers at the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Eastern Finland highlights the need for multiple approaches in the teaching of intercultural communication in the context of international business.
Studies in intercultural communication constitute a key element in the international business and sales management syllabus; however, instruction is often too heavily focused on structures stemming from national cultures and their differences. Authored by University Lecturer Lotta Kokkonen and Associate Professor Jonna Koponen, the study suggests that effective teaching of intercultural communication requires understanding and integration of three different approaches to a culture: the positivist, the interpretive and the critical approach.
The positivist approach sees a culture as an unchangeable system allowing, e.g., comparisons between different cultures. This approach is often applied when comparing business negotiation styles between different cultures. The interpretive approach, on the other hand, emphasises the social construction of a culture through interaction. This approach views a culture as socially constructed, changing and negotiated through interaction, with the present study focusing on the experiences of individuals and groups. The critical approach, in turn, focuses on structural inequalities, manifestations of power, and societal discourses.
According to Kokkonen and Koponen, the theory of interpersonal knowledge can be applied, emphasising genuine interaction between individuals. This helps to understand why mere cultural-level knowledge is not enough for building trust between salespeople and customers in the context of international business.
“The diversity of a culture should be better acknowledged when teaching intercultural communication, and students should learn to examine phenomena from multiple perspectives. This gives them better capabilities to navigate genuinely intercultural interaction situations. For example, the ability to use interpersonal knowledge is a key skill in developing international customer relationships,” Koponen concludes.
The study offers valuable insight for higher education institutions and companies wishing to improve their intercultural communication in the context of international business.
The study constitutes part of the e-Leadership with Digital Communication project funded by the Research Council of Finland, grant number 362482.
Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Article Title
Teaching Interculturality: Considering Three Different Cultural Approaches in Intercultural Business Relationships
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