Understanding Of Different Types Of Communication Patterns
Language & Written Communication Patterns
The lesson on week five was on Language. Language is the one which bounds us as one. Language unites us and also controls the way in shaping the concepts. High context culture makes use of indirect communication. It also handles conflicts discreetly and also transmits less in explicit language, . Some examples of such countries are Arab nations, Latin America, Japanese and Chinese. Countries like Australia, US, and Germany are low context culture as they say directly with clear and explicit messages.
English language has become the dominant and most popular language. But while going through the reading materials, it has cleared my understanding of English being widely spoken language. Now I know that Mandarin are spoken by 955 million people followed by Spanish and English. Bengali is ranks the least amounting to 205 million. But it was interesting to know that all correspondences mostly happens in English. Although we have our own language in Bhutan, English is widely spoken in offices and organizations. Most subjects in the schools are in English right from the beginning of their school life. Many people like to speak English and many parents try hard in teaching their kids English at a young age instead of the national language. English as the medium of instruction in Bhutan has paved way for reaping many benefits for its people. Bhutanese can correspond well in English in this fast changing world. Introduction of English language was great initiative which proved as an eye opener enabling the people to catch up pace of the globalization. Language has turned out to be one of the important components for creating strong business relation. As miscommunication leads to conflict and loss of business entity, communicating precisely and having knowledge on intercultural communication has become important. With language having the power in deciding the fate of any business, the organization needs to be very conscientious while communicating.
Oral and non-verbal communication patterns
The concept of communication gives vast knowledge of broad understanding of communication. It was enriching to have come across different aspects of such concept. Non-verbal communication has an important role to play in this fast developing and busy world where a person have no time for relaxation and give time for others in conversation. The way we sit down, gesture, talk, and make eye contact are non- verbal ways of communicating. Non-verbal is an effective means of communication mainly to grab audience’s attention and it has greater meaning in conveying the messages. It was whole new learning experience for me when I learned that communication also happens through the clothes that we are wearing. Verbal tones are communicated through the words that we use.
Although verbal tone is an important part of our communication, non-verbal communication is equally important. Research reflects that 55% of our message comes from body language, 38% of our message from tone of voice, and only 7% of message is conveyed by the word we use. Therefore, as the communication of body language as well as verbal tone are known to be the best form of communication, it is really important for an organization to have employees well-versed in both forms of communication. Different region have different interpretations and message to every gesture we make. Greeting someone early in the morning will be not be same to what Bhutanese and Australian do. I have noticed people in Bhutan use more non-verbal communication than the Australians. For instance, whenever we greet people, we just bow down, and it is just gesture of greeting and respect. Even at workplace, as mark of respect and greeting we just stand up whenever we see our bosses or senior employees. It is common to see in Bhutan that people always shake their head even to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. So with regard to this, I have often experienced communication gap and cultural mishaps with new environment and cultures.
