Intercultural Communication
by Amna Asad
“Communication –the interchange of messages between people-is the fundamental building block of social experience”.(Inkson, 2009).
Effective communications holds an important place in Pakistani culture. It is considered that inter-cultural communication is much more operational as well as easier if people understand the importance of interpersonal relationships. It has been observed widely, that people all over Pakistan are non-confrontational, and they will seldom say “NO". The factor of courtesy, respect and hospitality will not allow an individual ethically and religiously to differ and effect relationships.However sometimes non-verbal cues , including the gestures, the body language, facial expressions and the lack of interest discloses the reluctance in people.
Communicating across cultures is challenging. Each culture has set rules that its members take for granted. Few of us are aware of our own cultural biases because cultural imprinting is begun at a very early age (Gorman, 2011)
Inter-cultural communication in Pakistani culture is considered to be very diplomatic and tactful. Pakistani people are generally friendly and welcoming. Making healthy relationships and maintaining them in long-term is considered to be very important and helpful in Pakistani culture.
Pakistanis generally enjoy close interpersonal relationships even with foreigners (Cultural Information-Pakistan, 2014)
The main focus is led on building strong and long-term relationships when meeting new people, whether with the fellow citizens or foreigners. Exchanging information about, family, culture and social group is observed commonly while negotiating with Pakistani people. However discussion of religion in Pakistani culture is considered to be sensitive and serious topic when communicating with new people.