Communication Difficulties in English Speaking - Essay Example

Communication Difficulties in English Speaking by Two Different Groups of People Introduction English is widely accepted as the international language for most of the communication and correspondence formalities between different countries even if the official languages are different in these countries. It is not possible for a non native speaker of English to communicate effectively with native English speakers. Even in native English speaking countries such as United States, England and Australia, the accent and the vocabularies are slightly different. In countries like India and China English is accepted as a second language and has included in the curriculum because of the importance of English as an international language. But even then peoples from non native English speaking countries were experiencing problems in communicating with those who have English as their mother tongue. “With the number of foreign investors flocking to India and the growth of outsourcing, English has come to play a key role in professional relationships between foreign and Indian companies. Familiarity with the differences between American and British English has definitely grown as much business communication is carried out according to the language style with which a client is comfortable.” (Khokhar) This paper briefly analyzes the problems faced in communicating through English by two different groups of people from one native English speaking country, Australia and one non native English speaking country, India. How English speaking in India and Australia are different? In a communication process, the addresser and the addressee use a frame of reference: their knowledge of the subject under discussion, their experience in professional or individual terms, their norms, i.e. the norms of the society in which they live, their assumptions, i.e. what is taken as a fact or believed to be true. Australians and the Indians have entirely different cultures and attitudes. India is one of the biggest and heavily populated country having diversified languages and cultures where as Australia is comparatively a small country having almost a unique culture and religion. The outlooks of these societies may be different because of their cultural differences and hence in communications also these differences can play a part. “Though it is closer to British English since it originates from that style, with the influx of globalization American English has definitely had an impact on the youth as well as in the professional sphere. However, it can neither be classified as American or British English as it intermingled with other Indian languages and emerged with it's own distinct flavor. This has made several scholars realize that it cannot be equated with either.” (Khokhar) Indians are following mostly the British English since they were more aware of that because of the earlier British rule in India. But British and Australian English have big differences. Some words used to express the same feeling or meaning may be different in British and Australian English. For example, the British use “absolutely” where as Australians use “reckons” to assert certain things. The Australians use “Aussie” to represent the people of their country whereas British people use “Australians”. The word banana will be pronounced as nana in Australian English. (British English - Australian English) Why English speaking in India and Australia are different? English speaking methods are always determined by the Context or the environment in which the communication process takes place. There are high-context cultures and low-context cultures. The north Europeans believed to have high context cultures while the Arabs considered having low context cultures. In high context cultures, people are not believed much in relationship building. ‘Australians are more tasks oriented while the Indians are more relationship focussed.” According to Geert Hofstede, a Dutchman who studied, cultural differences on organizations, Australians rate individuality particularly high second only to US in this category. Indians are not like speak out about their problems because most of them are afraid of their boss while the Australians are keen in bringing even the slightest problems into the notice of the boss. ANZ bank has reported that they took more than few workshops to smooth over cultural differences with their Indian counterparts.’ (Case study) This contextual difference between these two cultures; India and Australia often reflect in their communication also. Another important reason for the difference between English speaking in India and Australia remains in the perception of people in their social and personal space. The ‘silent’ messages being given through: Physical distance between people when interacting, the senses: touch, smell, sight and sound, the organization of public spaces (offices, restaurants). The gestures have an important role in non verbal communications. The Indians may often exchange their regards by bowing their head with both hands held together where as the Australians may use handshakes to convey their regards. Moreover the facial expressions of Australians and Indians facing the same situation may not be the same. All these personal traits often reflect in communications as well. The attitude towards gender, age, personality, the degree of sympathy towards individuals, the situation in which the individuals are confronted, all are different in these two entirely different cultures. Moreover the perception about the means of communication also may be different while facing the same situation by an Australian and an Indian. For example, in order to execute a project, the Australians may ask for a detailed proposal even at the beginning stage where as the Indians may think that an outline is required. Indians may ask for detailed written agreements for even small things, where as a verbal communication may be enough for the Australians. Thus the perception of same things may be different and hence the communication also will be different. Another problem may arise between Indians and Australians may be in the e-mail communication. The e-mails send by the Indians may have problems of comprehension (inaccurate language and poorly structured text). The Australian are more particular about the vocabulary and the grammar whereas the Indians focus mainly on the content rather than the grammar or spelling. These cultural issues in communication can lead to misunderstanding and dislike between the two parties engaged in communication. Sometimes the mail recipient considers the mail style too formal, or too informal. In any case, the relationship can be strained because of that. Indians are not actually motivated to communicate through English language like the Australians because of their difference in native languages. Indians were forced to use English because of its international acceptance even though they were not comfortable enough to use it. Different styles of conversation may still cause problems, For example, interrupting others, making assertive statements, avoiding silence, taking turns, making negotiable, less conclusive contributions, using silence for reflection etc are often take place between the communication of a native English speaker and non native English speaker. Solutions for communication through English between Indian and Australian people “The best way to learn English is to live among, and converse with, native speakers.” (English speaking country) The Indians who needs frequent conversation with the Australians, better to send to Australia for few months in order to learn more about the communication styles of the Australians. Diversity needs to be taken into account when communicating between two different cultures. Conclusions Even if a common language is used in business, problems in communication may arise because of different cultural backgrounds. Indians and the Australians have entirely different cultures which often reflect in their communications. Moreover the influence of other native languages in India, may mix up with the English used by the Indians. The best way to solve the communication problems between the Indians and the Australians is to make opportunities to have direct verbal conversation with the Indians and the Australians frequently. Works Cited 1. Khokhar Reem, English in India?, Retrieved on May 10, 2009 from http://www.chillibreeze.com/EnglishinIndia.asp 2. English Speaking Country,  Retrieved on May 10, 2009 from http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/WhyAustralia/English 3. British English - Australian English, Retrieved on May 10, 2009 from http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/words/british_australian_english.htm Read More