An intercultural communication concept that I chose to explore in regard to Ugandans is direct versus indirect style of communication. According to Martin and Nakayama (2010), “A direct communication style is one in which verbal messages reveal the speaker’s true intentions, needs, wants, and desires” (p. 228). Martin and Nakayama also state, “An indirect style is one in which the verbal message is often designed to camouflage the speaker’s true intentions, needs, wants, and desires” (p. 228). In indirect communication, the truth is mainly revealed through nonverbal signals. Communicating indirectly is often considered as “beating around the bush.”
“Ugandans tend to communicate more indirectly than directly” (Culture Crossing, n.d.). For example, in Uganda, the listener is expected to have an implicit knowledge of what the speaker is talking about, as they often communicate through stories and proverbs (Culture Crossing, n.d.). In the United States, which contains a direct style of communication, it would most likely be seen as strange if someone tried to communicate with you using a story or proverb. Another example of how Ugandans communicate indirectly is the way they conduct business. “Greetings and a good amount of small talk always occur before talking about business” (Culture Crossing, n.d.). I am in a couple of business communication courses, and I have been learning that business communication in the United States is typically expected to be brief and to the point. Small talk before giving a presentation would not be looked upon kindly.
When engaging in future interactions with Ugandans, it is important to remember that they prefer indirect communication. For example, never ask a Ugandan something up front, such as directions, but instead begin with a greeting (Kabiza, 2011). Doing something as simple as beginning a conversation with a greeting will help outsiders create a more positive impression. It is also important to remember to remain patient. Because Americans are used to direct communication, it can be easy for us to get impatient with indirect communication. Just remember that with Ugandans, most signs of direct communication are taken as disrespectful. Keeping the qualities of indirect communication in mind when engaging in communication with Ugandans will help facilitate future intercultural interactions.
References
Culturecrossing.com. (n.d.). Uganda. Retrieved on October 24, 2011 from culturecrossing.com.
Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2010). Intercultural Communication in Contexts. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Kabiza.com (2011). Conversation Uganda Style. Retrieved on October 24, 2011 from kabiza.com.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting to look at the direct vs. indirect style of communication with the culture in Uganda. Do you have any plans for your third blog? I think there is a lot that you could do with talking about how they use stories and proverbs. Would this make communication difficult across different parts of Uganda? Where do these stories originate and how do they spread to become universal? What could someone in the US do to learn about and/or make up for not knowing this contextual background so they can engage in effective communication? If you can find them, I think it would also be cool to hear some of the specific stories that the Ugandans have. How have Ugandan refugees in the US adjusted to our more direct style of communication?
Looking forward to reading more!
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI think that direct and indirect communication are very important in all cultures. I found it interesting that you said the Ugandans communicate more indirectly. I compare what you said to complicated films (think French films), because the director of those films expects the audience to have a decent understanding and knowledge of the subject. They expect you to figure out things on your own just like the Ugandans expect their listeners to have a specific knowledge of the topic being discussed. Great work!