Communication Patterns All Over The World
Within an organization or society, communication patterns refer to the ways in which communication takes place among the members. These patterns can vary depending on a variety of elements. In addition, they can often be seen in forms of strategic communication, such as advertisements, public service announcements, and information campaigns. Recognized as a respectful and fair society, Canada’s culture is known for its tolerant, respectful, and community-oriented nature. Generally, Canadians are individualists, but they additionally exhibit and appreciate everyone’s input and opinion when it comes to the benefit of the community. These characteristics are showcased on the world stage as Canada has played a role in all of the peacekeeping missions of the UN and is very generous when providing foreign aid (Citizenship Canada, 2015). The country’s citizens take pride in the fact that it leads by example. They are known to be rational and inclusive, valuing politeness and friendliness. In regards to culture, Canada is heavily impacted by its position as a neighbor to the United States. A large portion of Canadian citizens live less than 100km from the shared border. Due to this, people of both nationalities share similar behaviors and an accent.
As seen in Americans, Canadians also tend of possess a certain informality, freedom to express oneself, pioneer spirit, and business orientation. They have additionally embraced cultural diversity. However, Canadians are recognizably more humble, indirect, and hesitant to voice their thoughts. The country stresses egalitarianism and respect for others. However, there is still somewhat of a class divide, which is a quite uncomfortable and hidden issue as it does not align with the aforementioned image. Wealthier citizens often identify themselves as belonging to the middle-class, though, showcasing the common attitude towards success, superiority, and modesty. Canadians are more likely to stay away from causing others to feel inferior on account of their income or socioeconomic standing. Therefore, signs of greater wealth or luxury items are rarely flaunted.Originally, the land was settled by Britain and France. As a result, English and French are the two official languages which corresponds to the Anglophone and Francophone groups. English speakers (Anglophones) account for the majority within all provinces and territories excluding Québec, where the official language is French (Citizenship Canada, 2015). Therefore, Anglophones recognized as representing the mainstream culture of Canadian society.
Since the French language is more regionally specific, the Francophones are known to be a more united linguistic group. Around 20% of citizens speak French within the home. To clarify, Francophones do not necessarily have French heritage; instead, the term only refers to those who predominately speak French and associate themselves more so with French-Canadian culture rather than that of the mainstream society.Culturally speaking, there are differences between the Anglophones and Francophones. They are not as extreme as if one were comparing individuals belonging to different nationalities, but they are still present and originate from the British and French settlers. Although the two groups are observably respectful and polite, Anglophones have a bit more reserved style of behavior and communication. They are known to possess a serene and controlled attitude. Meanwhile, Francophones are slightly more independent, upholding the spirit of French libertarianism. In fact, some French-Canadians have continuously attempted to create a separation from the mainstream, English-speaking society. Québec’s independence as a province is repeatedly discussed and debated, framed as both an argument of ethnic and cultural or linguistic and territorial variations (Citizenship Canada, 2015).
Communication patterns vary a bit between the Francophones and Anglophones. Other than the clear difference in language, the English-speaking population tends operate in a more high-context manner while the French-speakers are more likely to communicate with low-context. Anglophones rely on more low-key behaviors, such as being careful not to interrupt or speak with a raised volume. Meanwhile, Francophones are more comfortable with loud volumes and expressive hand gestures, giving them a reputation of being lively and animated. They are not as concerned with personal space and are normally informal with others. Despite these variations among the linguistic groups, Canadians are generally indirect communicators, making Canada’s society more high-context (Samovar, 2016). Conflict is carefully avoided with efforts to engage in discussion and dropping hints to vaguely send a message without making a scene. However, communication is not so extremely indirect that an outsider would be easily confused. Canadians are likely to speak transparently enough that their intention and message are made clear through this cautious nature towards word-choice. They are not hesitant to make their thoughts and opinions heard, but they make sure to do so respectfully. Interruptions are largely avoided in conversation.
Canadian society additionally has noteworthy elements of non-verbal communication (Samovar, 2016). Eye contact is important and should be directly maintained and broken from time to time. This is used to display an eagerness to listen, but its short durations keep the gaze from seeming aggressive. If one does not make eye contact within a conversation, this could should apathy or boredom. Canadians are not so involved with physical contact in terms of casual conversation. Friends are likely to hug, but strangers are largely not comfortable being tactile with those they are unfamiliar with. Personal space is greatly valued and Canadians are not fond of others coming too close. In any given situation, such as waiting in a queue, people usually leave about an arm’s length distance between themselves and someone else. Exaggerated hand gestures are not overly common in normal conversation. However, it can be considered a sign that someone is very interested and engaged in the present conversation. An advertisement that showcases Canadian culture and communication patters is a commercial for Tide laundry detergent. The couple showcased in the ad consists of two men, making a statement about the topic of homosexuality in the country. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) protections in Canada are extremely progressive and more developed in comparison to many other countries.
Same-sex relationships have been legal in Canada since the 1960s and the country’s history reflects a commitment to improving the lives of those within the LGBT community. Canada is commonly referred to as one of the safest countries in the world for those who identify as gay. Celebrations of this identity, such as pride parades, are very common in places such as Toronto and other locations across the country. The commercial maintains Canadian communication patterns by way of showcasing an openness to homosexuality while also remaining subtle and nonchalant. The appearance of the gay couple in the commercial is not made out to be shocking, but instead it is simply the backdrop for selling the detergent. The general atmosphere of the commercial is very relaxed which suggests a certain informality. Adversely, a commercial originating from India displays different societal dynamics. With a population of more than a billion people, India possesses a large amount of diversity in the way of culture, language, geographic areas, religious practices, and social hierarchy. Indians tend to place great value on peace and structure with others, upholding strong relationships with their community and family, causing them to demonstrate a very collectivistic society. This fusion of community and relatives provides an interdependent support system that one can depend on in any given situation. Indians are likely to have faith in their social relationships for assistance regarding everyday tasks.
As a result, loneliness or segregation can seem intimidating to them, as group ties and safety from separation provides them with structure and self-assurance. Similar to the Canadian communication style, the communication style of Indians is more likely to be reserved and well-mannered. When conversing with individuals they may not be familiar with, they will most likely avoid being completely honest if it means that conflict will be avoided. Their communication style might be perceived as vague or indirect. Indians tend to discuss conversation topics in a calm manner, and beliefs or perspectives are often subject to debate as opposed to making the argument that their opinion is a universal truth. However, nearly the opposite can be said regarding communication between close individuals, such as family members. Communication in this arena is likely to be more straightforward and honest, especially if it is an elder directing a message to a younger member. The commercial revolves around the family eating together, and a mother is choosing to punish her son for stealing by now allowing him to eat. Another (older) female family member reprimands her in front of everyone for her choice until a man interjects and defends her tactic. In India, the notion of family exceeds the nuclear family structure that is more common in the west. Individuals commonly have a strong bond with their aunts or uncles identical to the bond with their parents (Samovar, 2016).
Since extended family connections are extremely valuable, it is normal for three or four generations to reside together in the same home. It is also worth noting that it is the older man that has to validate the mother’s choice, as this suggests certain gender roles and a clear hierarchy among family members. The inequality between the position of men and women is very present in India. There are certain traditions that require the isolation and silencing of women under specific circumstances. However, these inequalities are currently being questioned and debated. For example, members of both genders presently have a greater chance of being given the same schooling and treatment within the educational system. In society’s upper class, educated women are becoming increasingly emancipated. However, they are still put under pressure by many expectations.
A certain hierarchy exists within a household and each member’s role and position is followed and respected so that peace can be upheld. Elders are seen as sources of wisdom, experience, and are to be respected. The father (or eldest son, if the father has passed) is normally the leader of the household while his wife may be in charge of chores and other small family matters. Both advertisements showcased two different kinds of families. One was simply a couple while the other included extended relatives. The couple from the Canadian commercial seemed very open and relaxed together while the larger family brought about tension due to the given situation and hierarchy. They are similar, however, in the way that they both showcase a clear bond between individuals. If an Indian company was attempting to sell detergent to the people, the commercial might consist of some familial elements. Perhaps the detergent in question has been used through multiple generations and is therefore seen as reliable. If a Canadian company wished to promote the idea of a “tough” mother, considering their individualistic nature, they may show a single mother taking care of her children with no help, exploring the concept that she must be the one to teach her children right from wrong, even if this sometimes means being strict. It may not be so conducive to India’s present culture to present a homosexual couple in an advertisement while it might consequently be strange for Canadians to witness this sort of familial hierarchy. It is clear that patterns of communication form the ways in which the general audience in a country is appealed to. The messages passed through these exchanges vary greatly even within a single state. However, a great deal of information about these patterns can be discovered by examining the messages directed to the masses.
