Question 1

Differences in body language are a major source of misunderstanding in intercultural communication.

Accepted Answer

Body language can vary greatly between cultures and can lead to misinterpretation or miscommunication. Different cultures may have different meanings for certain gestures, postures, or facial expressions. Therefore, understanding and being aware of these differences is important for effective intercultural communication.

Question 2

Effective intercultural communication improves the contributions of employees in a diverse workforce.

Accepted Answer

Effective intercultural communication helps to bridge cultural differences and promote mutual understanding, which in turn leads to better cooperation, collaboration and productivity among diverse employees.

Question 3

A company's cultural diversity affects how its business messages are conceived,composed,delivered,received,and interpreted.

Accepted Answer

Cultural diversity can impact how messages are perceived and therefore how they should be composed and delivered. Additionally, cultural differences may influence how messages are interpreted and received by various audiences. Therefore, considering cultural diversity is important for effective communication in a company.

Question 4

Chinese and Japanese negotiators primarily focus on building relationships before entering into serious negotiations.

Accepted Answer

In Chinese and Japanese culture, building relationships and establishing trust is considered a crucial step before entering into serious negotiations. This process is known as guanxi in China and amae in Japan. Therefore, it is true that Chinese and Japanese negotiators primarily focus on building relationships before entering into serious negotiations.

Question 5

Regardless of the country you're doing business in,a person suspected of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Accepted Answer

The principle of "innocent until proven guilty" is a fundamental part of the legal system in many countries, particularly those influenced by the common law tradition, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. However, not all countries adhere to this principle in the same way, and legal systems vary worldwide. Some countries have legal systems where the burden of proof may not be as strongly on the prosecution, or where pre-trial detention practices differ significantly, affecting the presumption of innocence.

Question 6

Cultural context is the pattern of physical cues,environmental stimuli,and implicit understanding that conveys meaning between members of the same culture.

Accepted Answer

Cultural context refers to the shared background, knowledge, and experiences that enable people within a culture to interpret and understand a particular situation or communication in a certain way. It includes physical cues such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language, as well as environmental stimuli like clothing, architecture, and food. Implicit understanding refers to the unspoken rules, values, and assumptions that guide social interactions and behaviors within a culture. Together, these elements help to convey meaning and create a sense of shared identity among members of the same culture.

Question 7

Some cultures are much more complex than other cultures.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true as cultures can vary in their level of complexity based on factors such as history, customs, traditions, language, and social structures. Some cultures may have intricate societal hierarchies, complex religious beliefs, and intricate rituals, while others may have simpler structures and traditions.

Question 8

Because Canada and Germany have such high-context cultures,they rely heavily on verbal communication and less on implied meaning.

Accepted Answer

Canada and Germany are actually considered low-context cultures, where communication is more direct and explicit. They value clarity and precision in communication, relying on explicit verbal messages rather than subtle cues and implied meanings.

Question 9

Advanced technologies allow manufacturers to produce their goods in foreign locations that offer unfavourable corporate tax rates and high-cost labour.

Accepted Answer

Advanced technologies often enable manufacturers to seek locations with favorable corporate tax rates and lower-cost labor to reduce production costs and increase profitability.

Question 10

In China,it is considered polite to pour tea for yourself and then offer the rest of the table some.

Accepted Answer

In China, it is considered polite to pour tea for others before pouring for yourself. This gesture shows respect and consideration for others at the table.

Question 11

People's cultural background influences the way they prioritize what is important in life,helps define their attitude toward what is appropriate in any given situation,and establishes rules for their behaviour.

Accepted Answer

People's cultural background plays a significant role in shaping their values, beliefs, and behaviors. It influences their perspective on what is important in life, determines their attitudes towards certain situations or behaviors, and provides them with rules and norms for social interactions. Culture shapes individuals' worldview, and it is an essential factor in understanding their behavior and decision-making.

Question 12

You belong to several cultures,but only ONE affects the way you communicate.

Accepted Answer

While belonging to multiple cultures can influence a person's perspective and behavior, communication style is primarily shaped by one's dominant or primary culture.

Question 13

High-context cultures view adherence to laws as being more flexible.

Accepted Answer

In high-context cultures, relationships and the context of the situation are considered more important than strict adherence to laws and rules. This can lead to a more flexible approach to following laws, as the specifics of the situation may be taken into account.

Question 14

From culture to culture,what people consider legal and ethical varies widely.

Accepted Answer

Different cultures have different values and beliefs, which can affect what is considered legal and ethical. For example, some cultures may view certain types of behavior as acceptable or even desirable, while others may consider the same behavior to be reprehensible or illegal. Furthermore, laws and ethical standards can also vary depending on the political and social systems in place within a given culture. As a result, what is considered legal and ethical can be highly subjective and context-dependent.

Question 15

Formal rules of social etiquette are explicit and well defined,but informal rules are learned through observation and imitation.

Accepted Answer

Formal rules of social etiquette are typically explicitly stated and taught, while informal rules are often learned through observation and imitation of behavior within a particular social group or culture.

Question 16

Culture is inborn.

Accepted Answer

Culture is not inborn, but rather it is learned and passed down from one generation to the next through various means such as family, community, education, media, and religion. Culture is influenced by various factors such as geography, history, values, beliefs, and practices, and it can vary widely among different societies and regions.

Question 17

Cultural pluralism is a negative view of a culture's dualism.

Accepted Answer

Cultural pluralism is actually a positive view which recognizes and celebrates cultural diversity and encourages mutual respect and understanding between different cultures. It does not view cultures as diametrically opposed or in a state of dualism.

Question 18

In 2011,Canada welcomed about 250 000 immigrants with about 90 000 being skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

Accepted Answer

This is true as per the official immigration statistics for Canada in 2011.

Question 19

Japan is an example of a country with a homogeneous population.

Accepted Answer

Japan is often cited as an example of a country with a homogeneous population due to its overwhelmingly ethnic Japanese population, with very few people from other racial or ethnic groups. However, it should be noted that there are also some minority groups in Japan, including Korean and Chinese residents, as well as indigenous Ainu people.

Question 20

Intercultural communication is the process of sending and receiving messages within a specific culture.

Accepted Answer

Intercultural communication involves sending and receiving messages between different cultures or cultural groups.

Quiz 3: Communicating Interculturally