Dimensions of Difference
When reviewing the reading, you'll notice references to high context and low context communication. High Context means that there is more to communication (written or otherwise) than what is included in the words themselves. There is more context and more meaning behind the words than the words themselves. In low-context cultures, what you mean is explicit in the words on the page. There is little context beyond the vocabulary used.
Recognizing that context may exist outside of the written communication is a first step to understanding your participants. Often the greatest challenge to cross-cultural communication is a failure to recognize that differences exist.
In Collaborating Online, Palloff and Pratt outline DuPraw and Axner's list of six fundamental patterns of cultural difference:
- Different communication styles. These include language usage and the importance of nonverbal communication. The online environment may enhance or detract from some of the cultural elements of communication style.
- Different attitudes toward conflict. Some cultures avoid conflict while others welcome it. DuPraw and Axner note that written communication might be a favored means to resolve conflict when cultural differences are present. Consequently, the online environment may actually be a benefit when conflict emerges in a culturally diverse group, allowing them to work through that conflict in writing.
- Different approaches to completing tasks. Some of the differences emerge from the degree of importance that is placed on relationship building for the completion of collaborative work. Another issue is differing access to resources and differing notions about time and timeliness.
- Different decision-making styles. Individuals' attitudes about their own roles in decision making may vary by culture. Some cultures value democratic decision making, while others defer to the will of the leader.
- Different attitudes toward disclosure. In some cultures people feel uncomfortable about displaying emotions, dealing with conflict, or sharing personal information with a group.
- Different approaches to knowing. In some cultures people prefer finding information through researching literature, while in others, people prefer to learn through experience or by talking to people who have experienced the same challenges they are facing. In other words, some cultural styles employ a more cognitive way of knowing, while others use a more community-based way of knowing (2005).
The text also discusses the differences in forms of address and levels of formality. According to Palloff and Pratt in their book The Virtual Student, "In many languages, words and grammar are used to convey different levels of politeness" (2003). There are participants who will insist on using your title when addressing you. Others will feel very uncomfortable telling you if there is a problem, since it would be considered disrespectful to the teacher/authority. In some cultures it is considered inappropriate for students to question the instructor or the content. Many online courses encourage informality, especially in the break room. Remember that some cultures are very uncomfortable with informality of this kind, especially if the facilitator is involved. As always, flexibility is the key to success for the facilitator.