Blog post 2- Intercultural communication conflict
I will discuss the general differences in communication patterns between Singaporeans and Indians. I will be using personal anecdotes to illustrate my arguments.
I visited India for a medical check up last year and had the chance to interact with Indian doctors and nurses. I have several observations about differences in communication styles between Indians and Singaporeans.
Firstly, I felt that men and women were not treated equally in India. I am used to greeting people of higher authority, or social status with a handshake. When I extended my arms for the first time in India, the male doctor was not very comfortable with this practice and he looked away. He returned my handshake with a flimsy handshake. I felt very awkward at that time. I should have stuck to folding my arms, a more common practice in India. I was chided for traveling alone.
Second, I feel that the people there are more expressive and emotional. I am used to communicating without expressive words or by stating my emotions. Indians also tended to experience emotions to a larger degree.
Having been raised in Singapore, some of these communication differences in communication came across to me as cultural differences. In general I feel the corporate culture is stronger here and that it calls for a more neutral statements. However, I feel family ties are strongly emphasized in India and the emotional attachment often surfaces in conversations.
I have spoken to several of my family members in India about this and many of them tend to have similar opinions. I was advised to dress more traditionally, be more expressive, and to work at slower pace.
Perhaps changing expectations about Indians can help to correct these misunderstandings. I can try to change my expectations and dress appropriately depending on the country’s culture. I can also try to fit in by learning more of the local culture without assuming that cultural practices are standard everywhere.
How else do you think I should have better prepared for my trip to India?
