Communication Styles

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

Yes. Especially if I am not close to the person or familiar with the person's culture. I tend to be quieter and choose my words carefully. I am more conscious of my gestures, expressions, and posture. 

For instance, whenever I visit someone's house, from another culture, I try to observe, smile and nod a lot. 

The first time I went to Canada (first time abroad), I was 19-20 years old. However, I observed that people take off their shoes before entering someone's house. This was my first cultural observation. In general, I try to stick to some basic strategies, such as asking before assuming, observing a lot and mimicking, especially when in someone's house for the first time. 

Whenever I travel to other places, I communicate differently in a sense that I observe how people interact and respond to one another regarding mainly physical contact, eye contact and personal space. For instance, in Thailand and some other Asian countries, handing an object with both hands conveys respect. On the other hand, at my current location "D", people can be quite rude and abrupt; also many things get lost in translation, resulting in impatience and anger. Physical contact and eye contact can be interpreted as sexual move, etc.

 For example, here in "D," most expats here avoid using the phone to solve routine issues, as it is a source of frustration and confusion. This way of communicating and interacting has affected me, and it takes me a while to snap out of the "D" mode. Communicating differently here is a way of life... your phases and statements are stripped off niceties because they get lost in translation, your jokes and savvy remarks are diluted... and suddenly you are resorting to short direct commands in order to communicate. It might seem an exaggeration, but it definitely affects most expats on the long run.