Would You Act Like That In Front Of Your Grandmother?

Would You Act Like That In Front Of Your Grandmother Context And Int

Would You Act Like That in Front of Your Grandmother?: Context and Intercultural Communication Context guides communication. Informal language intended for a comedy club audience often does not transfer well to a formal speaking situation such as a corporate board meeting. Nonverbal behavior present in a conversation among friends becomes inappropriate around a dinner table with extended family. Communication styles among co-workers could create problems when used to speak to a police officer. Accepted communication behaviors for one culture may be offensive or even illegal in another culture.

Informal gatherings as part of a larger, more formal diplomatic meeting (as shown in the image) require a very sophisticated level of contextual communication expertise that takes years to develop. In short, understanding the context of a communication scenario plays a very large role in successful interaction. In this week’s Discussion, you consider how communication behaviors change based on the context in which they take place. You explore the influence of context on communication style and the impact of context on intercultural communication. Photo credit: Bridiers, E. (Photographer). (2011).

U.S. Mission hosts delegates of UNHCR Executive Committee in Geneva [Print Photo]. U.S. Mission to the United Nations Geneva. Retrieved from To prepare for your Discussion: Review cultural contexts in Chapter 11 of the course text .

Consider the relationship between context and communication. How does your communication change based on where and to whom you are speaking? Why do you alter the way you communicate to fit the context in which you are speaking? Select two of the three following contexts to focus on for this Discussion: educational, personal, and professional. For each of the two contexts you selected above, ask yourself the following questions: What language do you use?

How formal or informal is it? Do you speak loudly or more softly? Do you speak faster or more slowly? What kinds of nonverbal communication behaviors do you use? Do you look someone in the eye?

Use hand gestures? Change your facial expressions? Reflect on how understanding context can help you overcome intercultural communication challenges. How can you apply this knowledge to future intercultural interactions that you may face? Select two different communication contexts.

Consider the communication style choices individuals would have in these two contexts: Would they use a formal or informal style or register? What nonverbal behaviors would be effective? How would the communication be paced? Note: One of the goals of this course is to promote a wide variety of views. You are encouraged to present your honest personal viewpoint while at all times reflecting a respectful tone for the views of others.

By Day 3 Post a 2- to 3-paragraph comparison of the communication styles in your selected contexts. Explain how context has an impact on style choices such as the use of formal or informal language, pacing, volume, and nonverbal behaviors.

Paper For Above instruction

The way individuals communicate significantly varies depending on the context and the audience, highlighting the importance of understanding specific situational and cultural cues to facilitate effective interaction. This comparison explores two distinct contexts—personal and professional—and examines how communication styles adapt to each, focusing on language use, tone, pace, volume, and nonverbal behaviors.

In personal settings, communication tends to be more informal and emotionally expressive. People typically use colloquial language, contractions, and humor, which foster intimacy and shared understanding. Nonverbal cues such as smiling, eye contact, and hand gestures are common, reinforcing the warmth and sincerity of the interaction. Speech is often casual, faster-paced, and louder when expressing excitement or joy. For example, chatting with friends or family, individuals tend to speak with relaxed diction, maintain frequent eye contact, and use expressive gestures. These behaviors demonstrate openness and emotional closeness, making communication more fluid and spontaneous. Understanding these contextual cues allows individuals to connect authentically in personal relationships, but the informality could lead to misunderstandings if these behaviors are misinterpreted in intercultural exchanges or formal settings.

Conversely, in professional environments, communication shifts toward a more formal tone, emphasizing clarity, professionalism, and respect for hierarchical structures. Language choices tend to be precise, avoiding slang and colloquialisms. The pace of speech is often more deliberate, with a calmer volume to convey authority and attentiveness. Nonverbal behaviors tend to be more controlled; maintaining steady eye contact, adopting a neutral facial expression, and using restrained hand gestures reflect professionalism and confidence. These strategic behaviors are crucial to establishing credibility and building trust in professional contexts. For example, during a business presentation or meeting, speakers modulate their tone and pace to ensure clarity and engagement while adhering to formal etiquette. Recognizing these differences helps prevent cross-cultural miscommunications, as international colleagues may interpret informal gestures or speech timing differently. Being adaptable to these context-specific cues enables effective intercultural communication, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Understanding how communication styles adapt to different contexts is vital in navigating intercultural interactions successfully. In personal contexts, emotional expressiveness and informality foster intimacy, whereas in professional settings, restraint and formality establish credibility. Being aware of these nuances allows individuals to tailor their communication strategies appropriately, thus overcoming potential intercultural challenges. For instance, when engaging with colleagues from different cultures, recognizing the preferred communication style—whether more direct and formal or relaxed and expressive—can facilitate better understanding and collaboration. Future intercultural interactions can be improved by consciously adjusting tone, language, and nonverbal cues to align with the cultural norms of others, promoting respect and effective dialogue across diverse settings.

References

• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. (2017). Communicating with Strangers: An Approach to Intercultural Communication. Routledge.
• LeBaron, M. (2009). Bridging Cultural Conflicts: A New Approach for a Changing World. Jossey-Bass.
• Kim, Y. Y. (2001). Becoming Interculturally Competent. In W. B. Gudykunst (Ed.), Communication Yearbook 25 (pp. 370–390). Routledge.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
• Intercultural Communication Institute. (2020). Effective Cross-Cultural Communication. Retrieved from https://www.intercultural.org
• Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., & McDaniel, E. R. (2015). Communication Between Cultures. Cengage Learning.
• Neuliep, J. W. (2018). Intercultural Communication: A Contexts Approach. SAGE Publications.
• Brislin, R. (2014). Understanding Culture’s Influence on Behavior. Routledge.
• Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2010). Understanding Intercultural Communication. McGraw-Hill Education.