1.4.3 The Competent Communicator Is Culturally Sensitive

     Communication competence is culture specific; that is, the principles of effective communication vary from one culture to another, and what proves effective in one culture may prove ineffective in another. For example, in American culture you would call a person you wished to date three or four days in advance. In certain Asian cultures, you might call the person’s parents weeks or even months in advance.
     Cultures also differ in politeness; in the roles assigned to men and women; in the meanings of different nonverbal messages from facial expressions, colors, touch, silence, and time; in approaches to small group communication and leadership; and in their evaluation of different approaches in public speaking (for example, some cultures appreciate directness and a fully confident speaker, while others may prefer one who is indirect and modest). Because culture is so important in all forms of communication, the next chapter is devoted to culture in human communication and intercultural communication.