In his book on Cross-Cultural Conflict Duane Elmer observes that in most cultures people specialise in indirect speech in contrast to the direct forms of communication favoured by Westerners. He comments:
Although at first it seems mystifying and frustrating to be constantly decoding people’s speech, it soon becomes second nature, and eventually one finds enjoyment in practicing the new skill.
In his book Where the Nations Meet Stephen Rhodes, the pastor of a multiethnic congregation, finds it hard to accept that this ever becomes second nature. He responds:
I have yet to really understand the relational yes. I still find myself disappointed when, for example, we are having a cleanup day at church and I have spent several hours making calls to secure enough volunteers for the day, but not many people show up. Although I get many yes responses over the phone, I am never really sure just how many people will actually come. Too often it seems that picnics were already planned, a person was previously scheduled to work that day, family members are coming in from out of town – and all of this is known when we talk on the phone. It is more important to my parishioners, however, for me to be assured that they will come and for me to be pleased by their answer than whether they actually show up on that day.
Posted December 23, 2010
www.facetofaceintercultural.com.au
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November 25th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
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