Indirect vs. Direct Communication: Steps in Becoming Culturally Intelligent

Abstract

The paper brings into discussion the importance culture plays in communication, and highlights the necessity of training students in crosscultural communication. Focusing on an important dichotomy in communication styles, i.e. indirectness vs. directness, it proposes possible activities to do in language and/or translation and interpreting classes. Their purpose is to culturally intelligent, particularly by drawing their attention to cultural differences in communication, and helping them to acquire knowledge to anticipate differences, practice mindfulness and develop cross-cultural skills

Keywords

• : cross-cultural communication
• indirect communication
• direct communication
• cultural intelligence
• training