Analyze A Recent Conversation With A Person Of A Different

Analyze A Recent Conversation You Had With A Person Of A Different Cul

Analyze a recent conversation you had with a person of a different culture. Or, if you haven’t had this type of conversation recently, find a video clip online that focuses on people from different cultures communicating and analyze the clip. Provide a brief synopsis of the conversation—what was the general content and context? Describe how you greeted this person. Did you greet this person with a kiss, a handshake, or some other cultural mannerism?

Was there additional touching or no touching at all? Describe your physical proximity. How far were you standing from each other? What if any body language was evident? Did you maintain eye contact?

Describe the physical characteristics that might be evident. What were you wearing? Were you dressed in casuals or in business attire? Describe what the other person was wearing. How might the apparel make a difference in the conversation?

Describe the protocol for the conversation. Did you take turns talking, or did you both talk at the same time? How did you refer to each other? Do you feel like you had equal time to express yourself? Why or why not?

Did the physical setting impact what was discussed? What did you talk about? How was the conversation brought to a close? What happened at the end? How might your own cultural affiliation have impacted this conversation?

Do an analysis using support from scholarly sources. Submission Details: By Wednesday, August 16, 2017, prepare a 2 1/2-page paper. Your response should rely upon at least two sources from professional literature. This may include the Argosy University online library resources, relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov). Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA format); and use accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding intercultural communication is a vital skill in today’s globalized society, where interactions across diverse cultures are commonplace. Reflecting on a recent conversation with a person of a different culture provides insights into how cultural norms influence communication styles, physical gestures, and conversational protocols. This paper analyzes such a conversation, supported by scholarly literature on intercultural communication, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity.

The conversation took place at a multicultural community event, where I interacted with a colleague from Japan. The general content centered around exchanging professional experiences and cultural practices. As we approached each other, I greeted my colleague with a bow, a gesture rooted in Japanese etiquette, rather than a handshake common in Western contexts. This greeting set the tone for mutual respect and acknowledgment of cultural differences.

Regarding physical proximity, we stood approximately three feet apart, a distance considered appropriate for social interactions in many cultures. There was no touching during the greeting; instead, the bow was accompanied by a slight nod and eye contact, which is significant in Japanese culture for conveying respect and attentiveness. My colleague maintained direct eye contact throughout the exchange, demonstrating engagement while adhering to cultural norms that discourage prolonged eye contact in some Asian contexts, which I was aware of and respectful toward.

In terms of physical appearance, I was dressed in business casual attire—neat slacks and a collared shirt—appropriate for the professional setting. My colleague also wore business attire: a suit with subtle accessories. The formal dress code influenced the tone of the conversation, emphasizing professionalism and mutual respect. Apparel choices can serve as non-verbal cues signaling the seriousness of the interaction and cultural values attached to appearance.

The conversational protocol involved taking turns speaking, with clear pauses indicating when each person finished their thoughts. We referred to each other by formal titles and last names, which aligns with Japanese cultural norms emphasizing respect for hierarchy and formality. I felt I had adequate time to express my viewpoints, partly because the conversation was structured around shared professional interests, which facilitated a respectful dialogue.

The physical setting of a quiet, private conference room contributed to focused communication, free from external distractions. The discussion covered cultural differences in business etiquette, communication styles, and negotiation tactics. As the conversation concluded, we exchanged formal expressions of gratitude and bowed again, reinforcing mutual respect. My own cultural background, which values directness and casual interactions, contrasted with the more formal and indirect communication style of my Japanese colleague—highlighting how cultural affiliations shape conversational dynamics and expectations.

Scholarly research emphasizes that intercultural competence requires awareness of such differences and adaptability (Bennett, 1998). Understanding gestures, proxemics, dress codes, and conversational protocols enables more effective cross-cultural interactions, reducing misunderstandings and fostering respect (Hall, 1966; Ting-Toomey & Kuroki, 1998). In this context, respecting cultural norms—such as bowing, appropriate proximity, and formal speech—enhanced mutual understanding and demonstrated cultural sensitivity.

In conclusion, intercultural communication involves a complex interplay of verbal and non-verbal cues influenced by cultural norms. My interaction with my Japanese colleague exemplifies how respectful engagement, cultural awareness, and adaptive communication strategies can facilitate meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. Such practices are essential for effective intercultural interactions in our interconnected world.

References

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• Kim, Y. Y. (2005). Foreword: Intercultural competence as a key to understanding others. In Kim, Y. Y. (Ed.), Intercultural communication: A reader (pp. xx–xx). Routledge.
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