1. How important is cross-cultural communication?

Cross culture communication is important because of the ability to understand, interpret, and correctly
reply to people from another culture. Given the prevalence of remote work and the continued
globalization of the economy, cross-cultural communication is likely to become more important than
ever.
It helps people of different countries, ethnicities, and cultures can work together to communicate most
effectively. This means overcoming language barriers, understanding multicultural nonverbal cues, and
working together to understand how to best convey ideas across cultural divides.
Cross-cultural communication allows people to avoid miscommunication and misinterpretation, widen
relationships; it enables the free exchange of information among people of different backgrounds, help
build and foster relationships and trust.

2. What essential principles are applied to cross-cultural communication?

In today’s diverse workplace, cross-culture communication issues can take on an added dimension of
complexity. Here are our top principles for effective cross-cultural communication:
- Maintain etiquette
Many cultures have specific etiquette around the way they communicate. For example, reversing family
and given names in China and the use of ‘san’ in Japan for men and women etc.
- Avoid slang
Not even the most educated non-native English speaker will have a comprehensive understanding of
English slang, idioms and sayings. As a result, you could end up confusing them or at worst, offending
them.
- Speak slowly with clear pronunciation
Modulating your pace will help, as well as speaking clearly and pronouncing your words properly. It
gives your listeners time to translate and digest your words as you go.
- Keep it simple
In a cross cultural conversation there’s no need to make it harder for both of you by using big words. Just
keep it simple.
- Practice active listening
Active listening is a very effective strategy for building rapport and ensuring that important information
doesn’t get missed or misunderstood.
- Physical and mental preparation
Before you meet, research the target culture, or if time allows, do some cross cultural training.
- Treat all people with dignity and respect
Keep an open mind; keep it simple; speak in a polite manner; avoid making judgments and assumptions.
* Business communication must be professional and clear in each working process to avoid possible risks
and seize opportunities. Principles of effective Business Communication: Clarity, Complete, Concise,
Correct, Concrete, Consistency, Coherent (Be logical!) Then choose the methods of communication that
align with your business communication goals, as well as the interactions between core groups in your
company: Web-based communication, Telephone meetings, Video conferencing, Face-to-face meetings...

3. Why do people think cultural adjustment can take so long?

Cultural adjustment is difficult and take so long for a number of reasons. A common reason is that since
one is already accustomed to their own culture, and might experience the phase of "culture shock". It
causes the feel of giving up adapting to the new culture due to the difficulties and differences.
Furthermore, the typical pattern of cultural adjustment often consists of 4-5 distinct phases: Honeymoon,
Crisis, Recovery, and Adjustment.
For example, an international student from Vietnam comes to the US. At the beginning of the adjustment
process, they encounter a culture shock: the difference in language, the different American way of life,
the different moral standards... make it difficult for them to get on well. Then comes the Crisis stage,
which makes them even more depressed with symptoms such as homesickness, fatigue... That's only the
2nd stage and the adjustment process still has 2-3 more stages.

4. Distinguish cultural generalizations from stereotypes. Give specific examples.

In general, generalizations of cultures are broad statements based on facts, experiences, examples, or
logic. There are two kinds of generalizations, valid and faulty, and it is your role to determine which
generalizations have validity behind them. For example, Hispanic societies have a high degree of
machismo, or, Japanese people are very polite and pay attention to details — these types of
generalizations are helpful when engaging with people of those cultures. But you have to recognize that
generalizations do not apply to everyone within a cultural group.
By contrast, stereotypes are negative statements and interpretations made about a group of people.
Stereotypes, whether deemed positive or negative, place people into boxes and categories and limit them
to those specific perspectives. A stereotype, such as “Africans are very poor” does not provide the
complete picture needed to understand the Africa culture or the differences between cultures in the world.
Similarly, just because you meet a 70-year old who does not know how to use current technology, it does
not mean that other individuals in that generation do not know how to use it.

5. What are typical symptoms of culture shock? What should people do to overcome them?
- The symptoms of culture shock are quite varied, these are the common:
 Extremely Homesickness
 Inability to work well
 Too much eating, drinking or sleeping
 Anger toward the members of the new culture
 Glorifying the native culture and emphasize the negative in the new culture.
- Culture shock is completely normal and temporary. It can be adapted with a number of solutions:
 Learn as much about your host country as possible
 Make friends of people from current/ own country
 Make leading goals for your trip
 Find something you like about the new culture
 Do sth take courage everyday
 Do something familiar: write diary/ journal
 Get involve in the local society
 Learn local language

6. Choose one typical country. Explain some outstanding cultural features and taboos of the country.
Vietnam
• Vietnamese people are very particular about etiquette, from greetings to hospitality, from eating
habits to traditional folk customs, they are unique. Some traditions in Vietnam are celebrating Tet,
making Chung cakes. Vietnamese people value to religious and spiritual life. They tend to think about
the past. Almost everyone worships their ancestors and follows one of the major religions such as
 Buddhism, Christianity, Protestantism, etc. Vietnamese people have a high national spirit and a
tradition of solidarity.
• Vietnamese people also have many taboos, which should be paid attention. You mustn't wear
revealing clothes or show disrespect in places of worship, pagodas or churches. Never touch or be
very close a someone of the opposite sex and avoid public displays of affection. You shouldn't touch
someone’s head, even child and you shouldn't take photos of three people.

7. What are major differences between formal communication and informal communication?
- There are rigid rules and regulations in formal communication but informal communication doesn't
have.
- Reliability: Formal communication is the more reliable form, as there is a paper trail. Compared to
informal communication which has comparatively less reliability, and is very unlikely to have a paper
trail.
- Speed: Formal communication is slower, sometimes requires a number of different processes. On the
other hand, informal communication is very quick, often being instantaneous.
- Information Flow: Information through formal communication is only through predefined channels,
whereas information through informal communication moves freely.
- Secrecy: Secrecy is maintained with formal communication, whereas informal communication makes it
hard to maintain full secrecy due to its reliance on individuals.
In meetings or negotiations, in work, politics, talking
In daily communication, talking, texting, etc.
with superiors or elders, etc.
*Example: Below is the live conversation template for formal communication that can use while calling.
-Good morning, this is ………… May I speak to ………… please?
-Good morning, hold on, please. I will put you through.
-Thank you.
8. What are major differences between oral communication and written communication?
Oral communication Written communication
Form of communication in which Here, a form of communication in
information, ideas or messages are which messages or ideas are conveyed,
Form
conveyed, transmitted or exchanged via transmitted or exchanged through
face to face conversation or verbally. writing or texting.
Transmission Very fast and easy transmission of It is the slow transmission of
Speed information or message information and messages.
There is no real proof because there will
Records of written communication can
be no record of the message because the
Evidence be preserved properly. So, there is proof
way of communication is via word of
or evidence.
mouth.
Types Speech, radio, chat,... Letter, card, text,...
Reliability Less Very much reliable
Flexibility More Less
Immediate
Possible Impossible
Feedback
9. What does “the complexity of people’s cultural identity” mean? Explain the four settings of cultural
resources.
Cultural identity is a part of a person's identity and is multifaceted and shifting. Nation is a large factor of
the cultural complexity, as it constructs the foundation for individual's identity but it may contrast with
one's cultural reality. Cultural identities are influenced by several different factors such as ones religion,
ancestry, skin colour, language, class, education, profession, skill, family and political attitudes. These
factors contribute to the development of one's identity which is the evidence of complexity, layers and
facets.
 Setting 1: Politically distasteful to you
One specific example in cultural resources that can make people politically distasteful is the presence of
extremist ideologies. It promotes radical and uncompromising beliefs, further fuel political discord and
animosity among different groups, which can lead to a divisive and polarized political environment.
Additionally, certain literary works can also contribute to political distastefulness by depicting
controversial themes or characters that challenge societal norms or values. For example, a novel or play
that explores themes of corruption, power abuse, or societal inequalities may evoke strong emotions and
ideological disagreements among readers, potentially leading to political divisiveness. Individuals with
significant influence or popularity, such as politicians, celebrities, or public figures, can also shape public
opinion and sway political discourse. If these personalities espouse polarizing views or engage in
inflammatory rhetoric, it can create a hostile and divisive political climate, making people more
politically distasteful towards one another.
 Setting 2: “Strange” moral code
In cultural resources such as clothing, etiquette, and religion, there are various examples that can make
people perceive a moral code as "strange." Here are a few examples:
1. Clothing: In some cultures, certain clothing choices may be considered morally inappropriate or
offensive. For instance, wearing revealing attire in conservative societies might be seen as disrespectful or
morally objectionable.
2. Etiquette: Different cultures have distinct norms and practices regarding etiquette. What may be
considered polite and respectful in one culture might be seen as strange or inappropriate in another. For
example, in some cultures, it is customary to eat with your hands, while in others, using utensils is the
norm.
3. Religion: Religious beliefs and practices often play a significant role in shaping moral codes. Some
religious traditions may have rules or commandments that seem peculiar or difficult to understand from
an outside perspective. For instance, Muslim men can marry 4 wives because religious law allows that.
 Setting 3: Does not recognize who you are
People may not fully recognize or understand who you are due to differences in ceremonies, family
structures, festivals, and language.
Let's take ceremonies as an example. If someone from a different culture encounters ceremonies such as
births, marriages, or funerals without any prior knowledge or understanding, they might not recognize the
significance or purpose behind them. The same thing happens with festivals. Different cultures celebrate
various festivals. People from other places may not fully recognize or understand the significance.
Family structures can also play a role in how people perceive and recognize each other. In some cultures,
extended families may live together or have strong intergenerational bonds. However, if someone from a
culture with a different family structure encounters this, they might not fully grasp the dynamics or the
importance placed on family ties. This can create a disconnect in understanding and recognizing the
individual's cultural identity.
Language barriers can prevent a genuine understanding of someone's cultural nuances, expressions, and
values, making it harder for others to fully recognize who they are.
 Setting 4: Big C culture you cannot identify with
When learning about a new culture, the “big C” cultural elements would be discovered first; they are the
most overt forms of culture - the surface part of cultural iceberg. These are the Shakespeare’s, the
Gaudi’s, the Michelangelo’s, the Vazov’s – the famous figures, literature, architecture, music, dance,
history – things that will never go. This consists of things people within a culture make and use, and serve
as artifacts. If you understand this setting, you get to know everyone; or at least you will be able to easily
distinguish two cultures, eastern and western, because the difference is so obvious.

10. What does silence indicate in conversation?

Silence is one aspect of non-verbal communication. It can also express our ideas and convey information,
even something difficult to express with language. An African proverb states, “Silence is also speech”.
Silence is a common social content; at the same time, it communicates some specific social and cultural
implications. In daily communication, people from different countries or from different cultures have
different attitudes and understandings of silence.
In Chinese Culture, silence is used in most situation with positive attitude. In Chinese people’s
communication, pause and silence can express plenty of meanings, such as agreement, praise,
disagreement, protest, decision, respect, etc. Otherwise, in American culture, their attitude towards silence
is negative. In most situations, Americans tend to consider silence in communication as indifference,
anger, shame, disgust, embarrassment, disagreement, etc. They cannot bear those who always keep silent.

11. Culture doesn’t explain all behavior. Explain this.

We can clearly see the influence of culture on behavior through human customs, standards, practices,
habits, etc. However, the ability to recognize and change the influences around us gives us agency over
our behavior. So don't confuse culture and individual personality. For example, the patriarchal character
of some husbands in Vietnam is not a Vietnamese tradition or culture, but a negative thing that needs to
be eliminated by society.
In addition, our behavior is influenced by other factors, which almost of them are the deep part of the
cultural iceberg:
• Physical factors - age, health, illness, pain, influence of a substance or medication.
• Personal and emotional factors - personality, beliefs, expectations, emotions, mental health.
• Life experiences - family, culture, friends, life events.
• What the person needs and wants.

12. What are basic elements of where we come from?

- The juxtaposition of unexpectedness: By putting two separate concepts or objects next to each other,
you create a contrast that shows the difference or similarity between them. This can help strengthen an
argument, create an emotional response, or otherwise add meaning in capturing other's Biographical,
Historical, Situational. Juxtaposition isn’t always intentional. For example, a new transfer student, even if
you don't mean to compare, you can still see her white skin, blue eyes, blonde hair. You immediately
recognize this is an international exchange student, a foreigner.
- Complex many-layered, many-faceted society: Society is a large cultural complexity, multifaceted and
shifting. Cultural identities are derived by several different factors such as one’s religion, ancestry, skin
color, language, class, education, profession, skill, family and political attitudes. These factors contribute
to the 4 settings of cultural resources which is the evidence of complexity, layers and facets.
- Complex representation – unexpected people, artefacts and instances: These are the distinct identities of
people or groups in culture. Categories that make up who we are is like a cultural iceberg. Through
relational we know what's happening, through interactional we know what are the meanings and
relationships.

13. How many classroom seating arrangements are there? What are they? Which is preferable for
language learning?
*There are five classroom seating arrangements.
- Traditional
The traditional lecture setup typically consists of rows of fixed seating. Students face the instructor and
the blackboard. This classroom seating arrangement is common in colleges and universities. The highest
communication interactions between professors and students typically occurs with students in the first
row or along the middle of the classroom. Students in back rows are more likely to be less engaged.
- Roundtable: It is setting like round- table conferences. Students and instructors all face one another in
this setup, which can support whole-class as well as partner dialogue.
- Horseshoe or Semicircle: The horseshoe or semicircle form requires the student’s desks be aligned in
the shape of a U or a half circle facing the front of the room. A horseshoe setup can be particularly
effective when the instructor wishes to project and discuss course-related material in the front of the class.
- Double Horseshoe: Here, there’s an inner as well as an outer horseshoe. It is limited by the backs of
students within the inner circle facing students in the outer circle. However, students can turn around and
form groups easily.
- Pods (Groups, Pairs): With regards to stations, instructors can place several tables together to form
student groups (e.g. 3 - 4 students), or pairs. This arrangement communicates a learning community
where students are expected to work with one another.
* Horseshoe or semicircle arrangement can offer distinct advantages for the purpose of class discussion,
an essential part of language learning. It also has the benefit of focusing the class's attention in one spot,
while also allowing the teacher to easily see and call on each individual student. It can create a space or
“stage” for activities and presentations. Overall, it's encouraged to map the classroom seating arrangement
to the goals of instruction flexibly.

14. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of globalization?

Advantages Disadvantages
- Transfer of technology - The grown of inequality
- Standardization of living - Increase unemployment rate
- Development of infrastructure - Trade imbalance
- Promotion in Economic Growth - Environmental loots
- Extension of market - May be terrorism
- Currency fluctuation

15. Explain a certain proverb.

When in Rome (do as the Romans do) (Nhập gia tùy tục) - (Chinese proverbs)
This recognised phrase isn’t just used within Rome, but worldwide. It has become such a cliché that
people no longer need the second part of the phrase to understand someone’s meaning. Merely saying
“when in Rome…” is enough to get the message across. The above proverb means that when we go
somewhere, it can be a family, a region, or a country, we need to follow the cultural customs of the
people there to behave and live. There are different countries, each country has its own culture and
customs. That's why one thing in this country is true but can be wrong for another country's culture.
Therefore, when we go to a new place, we need to respect its culture and customs, not to compare or
discriminate. It can also translate to those who are in an unfamiliar situation, should follow and adapt to
the actions of those who are comfortable and aware of the status quo. This can include changing your
style, clothing, habits, food, and day-to-day life to fit into an entirely new world. Giving you a new
perspective of the world, you live in from a completely different interpretation.

16. Distinguish a melting pot from a mosaic. Give specific examples.

- Both melting pot and mosaic refer to different views on multiculturalism. The melting pot assumes
newcomers are added to the ‘pot’ of society, sharing their best qualities to improve the whole. A “melting
pot” is a nation where immigrant communities get assimilated into their society. On the other hand, the
mosaic allows individual components to share a space, but each part can maintain its own distinctiveness
from the rest. The mosaic with each component distinct is where groups of societies retain their own
identities. Most societies are a combination of the two.
- Example of melting pot: The biggest indicator is that these previously foreign cultural elements are
no longer seen as foreign, but part of the local culture. No one in the US feels that pizza is a foreign food
anymore, no one in Brazil truly feels that Samba is a West African dance, Polkas are played around
Northern Mexico without the bat of an eye.
- Example of mosaic: The United States includes many different ethnic groups along with diversity of
languages, cultures, traditions, and religions. American schools and universities have also developed
bilingual, multilingual programs and policies to meet the needs of maintain identities.

17. Distinguish formal communication from informal communication.

 In formal communication, the information must follow a chain of command. Conversely, the informal
communication can move freely in any direction.
 In formal communication, full secrecy is maintained, but in the case of informal communication
maintenance of secrecy is a very tough task.
 Formal communication is written, whereas Informal communication is oral.
 Formal communication is time-consuming as opposed to Informal communication, which is rapid and
quick.
 Formal communication is more reliable than Informal communication.
 Formal communication is designed by the organization. Informal communication starts itself due to
the urge of ‘human to talk’.
 In formal communication, the documentary evidence is always available. On the other hand, in the
case of informal communication, the supporting documents are not available.

18. How many kinds of conversational distance are there? Explain them.
There are 4 kinds of conversational distance:
- Intimate distance (45 cm): At intimate distance, all the senses are activated and the presence of
the other person or persons is unmistakable. It is the distance for family members, close friends, children,
lovers, husband/wife, human-pets. Touch is frequent; hug, kiss are possible at intimate distance.
- Personal distance (45 cm - 1.2 m) is the minimum comfortable distance between non-touching
individuals. Communication used in close interpersonal relationships like friends, co-worker typically
occurs at this distance. Personal distance is important for several reasons. In essence, this zone constitutes
a small protective space that might be a reliable clue to our self-confidence as well as to our felt privacy
needs. At this distance, one can grasp the other by extending the arms or the two must move a little to
make contact (e.g., to shake hands).
- Social distance (1.2 - 3.7 m) is the distance between strangers or new acquaintances. Social
distance is considered non-involving and non-threatening by most individuals. It's the minimum distance
at which one could go about one’s business without seeming rude to others.
- Public distance (3.7 m or more) is for speeches, lectures, ect. To communicate at this distance,
they will find that the interaction is of a very formal nature. Usually, the voice loses much of its potential
to transmit meanings accurately, and facial expressions and movements must be rather expansive in order
to be recognized, much of the nonverbal part of communication shifts to gestures and body stance.