Question 1

Communication includes verbal and nonverbal cues. According to the cartoon below, this is an example of what the Triangle of Meaning explains regarding the concept of:
A) Frame of Familiarity
B) Frame of Reference
C) Saving Face
D) Misidentification

Accepted Answer

The cartoon illustrates how the word "fine" can have different meanings depending on the individual's frame of reference or personal experiences. The Triangle of Meaning explains how words (symbols) relate to the concepts they represent (referents) and the people who use them (referents).

Question 2

___________ time puts people into more rigid time-frames.
A) monochrome
B) monosaturated
C) polychronic
D) monochronic

Accepted Answer

Monochronic time refers to a linear and sequential view of time, where time is divided into small units and people tend to schedule their activities one at a time. It puts people into more rigid time-frames, as they are expected to follow a strict schedule and to be punctual. This contrasts with polychronic time, where several things are done at once and interruptions are common.

Question 3

The concept of ____________ describes people's attitude towards the ambiguity and unpredictability of life.
A) Context
B) Uncertainty avoidance
C) Identity
D) Power distance

Accepted Answer

The concept of uncertainty avoidance describes how comfortable people are with ambiguity and unpredictability in life. It refers to the extent to which individuals in a society feel threatened by uncertain or unknown situations, and how much they try to avoid or control them.

Question 4

In business dealings, the Chinese tend to be more formal. They have a preference for strict form in negotiations - by following certain protocol. This usually means the opening discussion will be very formal. The host side will first describe themselves - who they are and what they do - with many statistics. Then they will expect the guests to do the same. Why?
A) This formality helps the Chinese to blend with the physical environment in harmony.
B) This negotiation tactic helps to throw the competitor off-balance so that the Chinese can then break protocol and be tough with the deal.
C) This formality helps the Chinese to blend with the social environment through developing harmony.
D) One must preserve face by being formal - then one can relax.

Accepted Answer

This formality is part of the broader Chinese cultural emphasis on harmony, particularly in social environments. By following a strict protocol and allowing each side to formally introduce themselves, it fosters a respectful and harmonious atmosphere conducive to negotiations.

Question 5

___________ time puts people into more rigid time-frames.
A) Monochrome
B) Monochronic
C) Polychromic
D)Monosaturated

Accepted Answer

The term "monochronic" refers to the idea that time is viewed as more rigid and structured, with a focus on completing tasks within specific time frames. This contrasts with the concept of "polychronic" time, which is more fluid and allows for multiple activities to occur simultaneously. The other answer choices (monochrome, monosaturated) are not related to the concept of time.

Question 6

In Kenya, speeches are organized differently (more fluid) than mainstream U.S. speech styles (more linear). Therefore, when speaking, a Kenyan speaker will probably not get to the point as quickly as someone from the U.S. When you think about the focus on time -the Kenyan style of time would be more:
A) Monochronic
B) Polychronic
C) Chronological
D) Chromatic

Accepted Answer

The Kenyan style of speech, which is more fluid and less linear, indicates a focus on multiple tasks or activities at once. This fits with the polychronic time style, which emphasizes the completion of multiple tasks in a flexible and adaptable manner, rather than strict adherence to time schedules.

Question 7

Cultures can have different styles of communication. For example, the "bicycle wheel" or "web" speech pattern in Africa would indicate that communication flows from the center to 'connect' all of the spokes to the tire or "catch" all of the strands of the web so that they bind together. This analogy could be representative of the ______________ dimension.
A) Constraint
B) Femininity
C) Collectivist
D) Particularistic

Accepted Answer

The "bicycle wheel" or "web" communication pattern is indicative of a collectivist culture, where communication is seen as a way to connect and bring people together. The other dimensions listed (constraint, femininity, particularistic) do not directly relate to this communication style.

Question 8

We have learned that all communication (both verbal and non-verbal) is symbolic, deciphered by both communicators as they try to be on the same frame of reference. This means that:
A)Meaning is in language.
B) Meaning is in words.
C) Meaning is in gestures.
D) Meaning is in people.

Accepted Answer

Meaning is not solely in language or words, as non-verbal communication such as gestures and facial expressions also convey meaning. However, ultimately the meaning of communication is interpreted by the individuals involved, meaning that meaning is in people, not just the words or symbols being used.

Question 9

Language doesn't only consist of the words you use with the literal meaning (___________) As we discussed in the Triangle of Meaning, language is symbolic and carries with it interpretive meaning (___________) - even images carry meaning.
A) significant…insignificant
B) accurate…more accurate
C) denotative….connotative
D) connotative…denotative

Accepted Answer

The words "denotative" and "connotative" are commonly used to describe the literal and interpretive meanings of language, respectively. Therefore, "denotative" corresponds with the literal meaning of words and "connotative" corresponds with the interpretive meaning of words.

Question 10

Regarding the Triangle of Meaning, when we act as interpreters, we hope to select symbols that others will understand in precisely (or approximately) the same way we do. Remember, communication is only successful when both the sender/receiver
A) Create meaningful symbolism
B) Are effective
C) Think they share the same meaning
D) Share the same meaning

Accepted Answer

Communication can only be successful when both the sender and receiver share the same meaning of the symbols being used. Creating meaningful symbolism and being effective are important, but if the shared meaning is not there, communication will not be successful. Thinking you share the same meaning is also not sufficient, as it may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Question 11

Since Edward T. Hall arranges cultures on a continuum going from low-context to high-context communication, he seems to suggest that a low-context culture cannot be high context. However, his descriptions of cultures argue against this proposition. For example, he describes the high-context way that the Japanese communicate with one another but the low-context way they communicate with Westerners. Also, the karaoke bar is a Japanese innovation which is popular with other Asian nations (e.g., S. Korea and Malaysia) presumably because it allows for the expression of low-context behavior and serves as an emotional outlet for such rules-focused and high context cultures. Even when businesspeople from a high-context culture entertain their counterparts from a low-context culture in a karaoke bar, they tend to move away from high-context behavior toward low-context behavior.
Which response is the most pragmatic (reasonable) response?
A) We can't really accept Hall's basic formulation about low-context and high-context cultures because he appears to contradict himself.
B) Hall's framework is just a starting point for us to begin the discussion about communication contexts.
C) Hall's continuum is too rigid and fixed and the more discerning person would rationalize that a cultural group cannot be both.
D) While it is possible to describe the dominant profile of a culture as either low context or high context, we must realize that cultures can be both low context and high context but in different situations and contexts.

Accepted Answer

While Hall's framework of low-context and high-context cultures can be a useful starting point to understand cultural differences in communication, it is important to recognize that cultures can display both low-context and high-context tendencies in different situations and contexts. Therefore, Option D is the best choice as it acknowledges the complexity of cultural communication and encourages a more nuanced understanding of cultural differences.

Question 12

If we look at the metaphor, "Time is money," this means that people pay close attention to time and don't 'waste' time. This would best refer to the concept of:
A) Polychronic
B) Monastic
C) Monochronic
D) Polysaturated

Accepted Answer

The metaphor "Time is money" implies that time has value and should be used efficiently. This aligns with the concept of monochronic cultures, where time is seen as linear, and punctuality and scheduling are highly valued.

Question 13

According to the discussion on language in the text, all language (both verbal and nonverbal) is actually a code, which means it is ________________. In other words, there is no inherent meaning in words (or characters) except when people create meaning for them.
A) symbolic
B) flexible
C) predictable
D) negotiable

Accepted Answer

The text states that all language is a code, which makes it symbolic. This means that words and other language forms do not have inherent meaning, but instead, people assign meaning to them. The other answer choices (flexible, predictable, negotiable) do not accurately describe language as a code or symbolic system.

Question 14

When dealing with someone from a collectivistic and traditional culture, one should focus on
A) Spending a lot of time talking about the details of the contract
B) Not spending too much time talking about details of the contract
C) Looking for stability in a long-term relationship that can continue to grow over time
D) The opportunity for short-term gains because "sealing the deal" is crucial to the Japanese

Accepted Answer

Collectivistic and traditional cultures place a strong emphasis on building relationships and maintaining long-term stability. Therefore, it is important to focus on building trust and fostering a relationship that can continue to grow over time. Spending time on the details of the contract may be important, but it should not be the primary focus. Short-term gains may not be as important to these cultures as long-term stability.

Question 15

Many global companies have made egregious errors regarding miscommunication during sales and marketing of their products. This can happen with
A) Translation of grammar/words
B) Translation of meaning
C) Packaging (images and pictures)
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Miscommunication can occur through all of the listed options. Poorly translated grammar or words can lead to confusion or offense, and incorrect translation of meaning can completely change the intended message. Packaging with inappropriate images or pictures can also lead to offense or misinterpretation. It's important for global companies to ensure that their sales and marketing materials are thoroughly reviewed and checked for any potential miscommunication before being released to the public.

Question 16

In Japanese culture, the art of silence, or "extra-verbal" communication, is called haragei or "belly art," which is the equivalent of what "heart" connotes for Americans. For the Japanese, it is the belly (or the heart in our perspective) that houses a person's essence. The art of haragei is in the intuitive understanding and tolerance gained through experience - something U.S. Americans might call wisdom. In Japan, a business person would use silence and controlled listening. This is an example of
A) Pre-context communication
B) Low-context communication
C) High-context communication
D) Uncertainty-avoidance communication

Accepted Answer

The use of silence and controlled listening in Japanese business culture is an example of high-context communication, where nonverbal cues and contextual knowledge carry significant meaning. The concept of haragei, where communication is conveyed through subtle nonverbal gestures and intuition gained through experience, further emphasizes the importance of high-context communication in Japanese culture.

Question 17

Jack, a rather boisterous but well-liked British chap, had a roommate from Thailand, named Pitchit. They seemed to get on fairly well and Jack remarked to one of his U.S. American friends how easy Pitchit was to live with compared with some of his previous roommates. However, several months later, Pitchit suddenly announced that he was moving out next week. Jack was quite upset and puzzled, and asked Pitchit why. At first Pitchit was reticent about saying anything, but after persistent questioning he told Jack that he could not tolerate his habits - Jack was always playing loud music, had friends visiting at all hours, and was untidy. Jack reacted by pressing him as to why he had not told him before... he had not realized that he was disturbing Pitchit in any way. Pitchit said nothing.
According to this critical incident what is the most likely reason Pitchit didn't tell Jack previously of his dissatisfactions?
A) He was scared about angering Jack since Jack had been there first.
B) Using a direct style to confront Jack directly was not his style of communicating.
C) He felt overwhelmed by Jack's boisterous behavior and was uneasy.
D) Jack's cooperative style of communicating made him feel ashameD.

Accepted Answer

Pitchit's reticence to confront Jack directly suggests that he may not have been comfortable with direct communication, or using a confrontational style of communication. He may have preferred to avoid conflict and confrontation.

Question 18

Cultures and societies with ____________ appreciate flexibility and have a greater tolerance for differences. Not every aspect of behavior needs to be legislated.
A) Low uncertainty avoidance
B) High masculinity
C) Low collectiveness
D) High uncertainty avoidance

Accepted Answer

Low uncertainty avoidance cultures value flexibility and are more accepting of diversity in behavior and thought. They do not feel the need to regulate every aspect of behavior through legislation. High uncertainty avoidance cultures, on the other hand, have a low tolerance for ambiguity and prefer clear rules and regulations to minimize uncertainty.

Question 19

A high power distance country's overall organizational culture would probably include
A) Flatter organizations, with supervisors and employees considered as almost equals
B) Having centralized companies, strong hierarchies, and large gaps in compensation, authority, and respect
C) Emphasis on building skills and becoming masters of something
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A high power distance country typically has a culture that values hierarchy, authority, and respect for those in positions of power. This would result in centralized companies with strong hierarchies and large gaps in compensation, authority, and respect between management and employees. Flatter organizations and emphasis on building skills are more common in low power distance cultures.

Question 20

Communication includes verbal and nonverbal symbolic cues. The triangle of meaning explains the concept of
A) Communication trends
B) Frame of reference
C) Saving face
D) Understanding future orientation

Accepted Answer

The triangle of meaning explains the relationship between three interconnected components of communication: the referent (the object or idea being communicated), the symbol (the word or nonverbal cue used to represent the referent), and the referent's meaning (the subjective interpretation that is attached to the referent and symbol by each individual). This concept helps to explain how our frame of reference, or our individual subjective experiences, can influence our interpretation of communication cues.

Quiz 5: Culture and Context in Communication

Communication includes verbal and nonverbal cues. According to the cartoon below, this is an example of what the Triangle of Meaning explains regarding the concept of:

___________ time puts people into more rigid time-frames.

The concept of ____________ describes people's attitude towards the ambiguity and unpredictability of life.

___________ time puts people into more rigid time-frames.

We have learned that all communication (both verbal and non-verbal) is symbolic, deciphered by both communicators as they try to be on the same frame of reference. This means that:

Language doesn't only consist of the words you use with the literal meaning (_) As we discussed in the Triangle of Meaning, language is symbolic and carries with it interpretive meaning (_) - even images carry meaning.

Regarding the Triangle of Meaning, when we act as interpreters, we hope to select symbols that others will understand in precisely (or approximately) the same way we do. Remember, communication is only successful when both the sender/receiver

If we look at the metaphor, "Time is money," this means that people pay close attention to time and don't 'waste' time. This would best refer to the concept of:

According to the discussion on language in the text, all language (both verbal and nonverbal) is actually a code, which means it is ________________. In other words, there is no inherent meaning in words (or characters) except when people create meaning for them.

When dealing with someone from a collectivistic and traditional culture, one should focus on

Many global companies have made egregious errors regarding miscommunication during sales and marketing of their products. This can happen with

Cultures and societies with ____________ appreciate flexibility and have a greater tolerance for differences. Not every aspect of behavior needs to be legislated.

A high power distance country's overall organizational culture would probably include

Communication includes verbal and nonverbal symbolic cues. The triangle of meaning explains the concept of