Intercultural Communication - India

Intercultural Communication

in India

Some facts:- there are 22 accepted languages in India.- in total, there are estimated to be 438 languages.- the official languages of The Republic of India are Hindi and English. - 41% of the population speak in a form of Hindi dialect, 12% speak English.

Cultural HeritageWhy such a variety of languages? India has a long, rich and diverse history.Recorded Indian history dates back to circa 2600 BCE (that's a long time!). It is in close proximity of China, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Throughout its history, India has been home to a plethora of tribes, groups and empires, each with their own language and culture.Most recently (from 1856 - 1946), India was under Britsh Colonial rule. The British Raj has been hugely influencial on modern Indian culture, which can be seen most obviously through the prominence of English as a spoken language (and explains the nation's love of cricket!).

Non-Verbal CommunicationNon-verbal communication is far more pronounced India than most Western cultures. It is present in facial expressions and bodily gestures.Perhaps the most famous form of non-verbal communication is the Indian 'head wobble', which is a tilting of the head from side to side and can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the situation.

Consider this explanation of the Indian 'head wobble'. Can you see the link with India's cultural heritage?

PRESS PLAY!

Let's consider table manners...Firstly, it is polite to turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again, but it is considered good manners to refuse a few times.Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers (the right hand is much more valued than the left in India). If you are finished eating, be sure to leave a small amount of food on your plate. If you eat everything, then you must be hungry, so expect another serving!

How different is this from your own understanding of good table manners?

Cultural Continuity: festivalsCultural continuity is the aspects of a group's beliefs, values, customs and behavious which are maintained over time.In India, cultural continuity can be seen most obviously in the huge number of religious festival which take place all across the country.Every festival has some traditional or religious importance. There are festival which welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, or the advent of the New Year in different calendars.Many of the festivals are ancient, and have been celebrated in India since Hinduism spread to the land.

Watch this video of the Holi festival - the traditional Hindu colour festival that has become a great attraction.

Implicit MeaningThe role of non-verbal communication means much value is placed on implicit meaning when communicating. Most Indians will be reluctant to say 'no', or to offer an explicitly negative response.Because of this, Indians may give you an affirmative response but be deliberately vague about any specific details. This is one of the reasons communication in India relies so heavily on the recognition of non-verbal cue and clues.

Cultural ChangeOf course, not every part of a culture will stand the test of time. In India today, there is a gradual, but noticeable, change in gender roles.The traditional Indian family operates under a joint-family structure. The men of the family were the 'bread-winners', while the women were charged with domestic duties. Women played an undoubtable subservient role in traditional Indian culture.However, in the India of today, where Western culture has been hugely influential, women have far greater freedom, access to education, and are clearly moving away from old-style gender roles.