The cornerstone of any civilization is human communication, woven into the fabric of cultures, which differ and are shaped by their specific geographies and histories. Diverse cultures developed diverse communication styles.
The continuing rise of Asia, as an economic power has the US focused on the region. Diplomatic, commercial, and personal interactions between Asia and America are at an all-time high. The geopolitical power play between the US and China is intensifying. In 2023 US investments made in Asia Pacific were valued in excess of one trillion dollars. Asian bookings for westerners have been booming since 2022 with China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore as the top countries for travel for Americans.
The imperative for deeper cultural awareness in both the east and west cannot be overstated. With globalization, the need for Asians and Americans to know and accommodate the differences in each other’s communication styles has never been more pressing.
Three well-documented basic east-west communication style differences are herein discussed.
The first difference is in Context: High versus Low
In high context cultures, communication is indirect, and meanings are implicit. In low context cultures, communication is direct, meanings are explicit and are clearly stated. Asian cultures are often high context because they are basically collectivist and hierarchical. The rule of face saving guides how words are chosen so as not to offend and to avoid mistakes. In Asian cultures, much is hidden in what is said and much is not said.
Western cultures, by contrast, are low context cultures being essentially, individualistic and egalitarian. While they value politeness as well, what is said is usually what is meant. Especially in corporate America, speech is direct, up front, and succinct.
The second difference is in Speaking Up.
Westerners are encouraged to speak their mind and ask questions to promote learning while Asians are trained to listen, which is seen as passive learning and to let others speak as a sign of respect. Tied to saving face, Asians are reticent to speak up for fear of being wrong; hesitant to ask questions particularly in the classroom lest they appear dense or disrespectful. The Asian tradition of silence still prevails.
The third difference is in Non-verbal Communication.
While it is universal, the meanings of non-verbal communication and how they are expressed vary across cultures. Eastern and western cultures interpret gestures, facial expressions, and body language differently.
A sustained eye contact in western cultures is seen as a mark of confidence or rapt attention. In Asian culture, it is a sign of aggression and disrespect.
Pointing with the index finger is customary in America, but is considered bad manners in Malaysia.
In Asia, a smile or a nod depending on its nature, may signal positive emotions such as acknowledgement or approval or conceal negative ones such as disagreement or even anger.
The Asian culture, rich in diversity, is nuanced at its core. It is a face culture that values duty, authority, and circuitousness to preserve social harmony. The western worldview, on the other hand, emphasizes individual freedom, directness, and achievement of personal goals. In respecting their differences, these two opposing cultural sensibilities benefit each other.
Maureen Marx is retired from Western Illinois University, where she was chair of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department. She is now a volunteer and community activist.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of WIU or TSPR.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.