UNIT 7

COMMUNICATION

Lead-in

Task 1. Discuss the following questions in small groups (2-3 students)

1. What steps can individuals take to identify and overcome common

barriers to communication to ensure that their messages are clearly
understood?
2. In an era when social media and messaging apps dominate, how can
individuals strike a balance between digital communication and in-person
conversations to build stronger and more meaningful relationships with
others?
3. How can individuals become more aware of their body language, facial
expressions, and tone of voice in order to communicate more effectively
and avoid misinterpretations in both personal and professional
interactions?
4. How can individuals communicate more effectively to resolve conflicts,
and what techniques can they use to improve their communication skills?
5. What strategies can you use to overcome nervousness or fear of speaking
up in class, ensuring that your voice is heard and that you engage in
constructive dialogues with professors and classmates?

Translation

Task 2. Skim Text 1 and determine if the statements provided are accurate
or not.

Text 1. Cultural Barriers to Communication

Cultural barriers to communication arise from differences in language,

non-verbal cues, customs, and values, impeding mutual understanding and
effective interaction between individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Overcoming these barriers requires cultural sensitivity, awareness, and the
willingness to adapt communication styles.
From the nuanced expressions of non-verbal cues to the deeply ingrained
values that shape our perspectives, cultural barriers in communication are
multifaceted. They range from language differences and geographical distances
to the subtler realms of ethnocentrism and stereotyping. Each plays a role in
shaping the landscape of our interactions, often leading to misunderstandings
that could have been easily avoided.
 Cultural barriers in communication arise from the diverse ways
individuals from different cultural backgrounds interpret messages. This
diversity, while enriching, can often act as barriers that hinder effective
communication.
Cultural norms and values play a critical role in shaping communication
styles. These norms dictate not only verbal but also non-verbal communication.
Types of Cultural Barriers in Communication
Language barriers stand as one of the most prominent cultural obstacles
in cross-cultural communication. When individuals from different cultural
backgrounds come together, it is inevitable to face challenges due to different
native languages. This is more than a simple matter of translation; it is about
how language shapes our thinking and communication styles. Language barriers
include difficulties in expressing ideas and concerns clearly, leading to
misinterpretations and misunderstandings.
Another layer of complexity is added by accents and varying levels of
language proficiency. Accents can affect the clarity of communication, making
it hard for non-native speakers to follow along or be understood.
Language barriers can also arise among individuals who speak the same
language but use it differently due to cultural norms and values. For example,
the use of idioms, sarcasm, or cultural references that are not universally
understood can lead to confusion.
In addressing language barriers, it is crucial to develop cultural awareness
and an understanding of how culture affects communication approaches. By
acknowledging and addressing these barriers, we can foster an environment that
promotes mutual understanding and effective collaboration.
 Non-Verbal Communication
Body Language is a universal mode of communication, yet its
interpretation varies widely among different cultural backgrounds. For example,
while a smile might be universally recognized as a sign of happiness or
friendliness, other expressions and postures can have different meanings across
cultures. This aspect of non-verbal communication can act as barriers in cross-
cultural communication, as what is considered respectful and engaging in one
culture might be perceived as rude or disinterested in another.
Gestures and Cues, another vital component of non-verbal
communication, can vary dramatically between cultures. A gesture as simple as
the thumbs-up sign, which is generally positive in Western cultures, can be
offensive in other parts of the world. Understanding these barriers stemming
from gestures and cues is fundamental for anyone involved in communication.
Personal Space and Touch (proximity). The concept of personal space and
the norms surrounding physical touch are perhaps the most starkly varying
aspects of non-verbal communication across cultures. What constitutes
comfortable personal space or acceptable touch varies greatly. In some cultures,
close physical proximity and touch during a conversation signal trust and
warmth, while in others, they might be seen as invasive or inappropriate.
Maintaining cultural awareness and adjusting one’s behavior regarding
personal space and touch accordingly can significantly reduce misinterpretations
and discomfort. It is a key strategy in overcoming cultural barriers to
communication, enabling more respectful communication and enriching cross-
cultural communication experiences overall.
 Communication Styles
Direct vs Indirect Communication. One of the stark contrasts in
communication styles stems from the preference for direct versus indirect
communication. In some cultures, individuals from different cultural
backgrounds are taught to express their thoughts and intentions clearly and
straightforwardly. This direct communication approach leaves little room for
interpretation, aiming for clarity above all. On the flip side, indirect
communication is preferred in other cultures, where messages are conveyed
through suggestions, implications, or even nonverbal cues. This style often relies
heavily on the ability to read between the lines, making cultural awareness and
sensitivity essential for deciphering the intended message.
Formal vs Informal Communication. Another aspect significantly
influencing cross-cultural interactions is the preference for formal versus
informal communication. The degree of formality chosen in communication can
often reflect cultural norms and values, impacting everything from the choice of
language to the tone and mannerism used. In cultures that value formality, such
as in Japan and India, using titles, maintaining a professional demeanor, and
adhering to strict protocols in communication and interaction are seen as signs
of respect. Conversely, cultures that lean towards informality, like Australia and
the United States, often encourage a more relaxed approach, where first-name
basis interactions and casual conversations are the norms.
High Context vs Low Context Communication. The distinction
between high context and low context communication plays a pivotal role in how
messages are conveyed and interpreted across cultures. High-context
communication relies on implicit messages, shared experiences, and non-verbal
cues, expecting the receiver to piece together the underlying meaning based on
the context and their relationship with the sender. This style is predominant in
cultures where relationships and community are emphasized. In contrast, low-
context communication prioritizes explicitness, with the message being clearly
outlined verbally, leaving little to interpretation. This style is common in
cultures that value individualism and directness.
Stereotypes and prejudices significantly act as barriers to effective
dialogue between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Addressing
these issues is not only about enhancing our cultural sensitivity but also about
promoting respectful communication. Cultural stereotypes, often proliferated
through media, implant rigid and simplistic notions about groups of people in
our minds. Cultural stereotypes can hinder effective communication by
overshadowing the true, multifaceted identities of individuals.
Ethnocentrism – the belief in the superiority of one’s own culture over
others – has revealed itself to be among the most divisive cultural barriers. This
mindset leads to a lack of willingness to understand and appreciate cultural
differences, thereby hindering effective communication.
 Cultivating an understanding of these barriers and actively working to
dismantle them is not just beneficial – it is imperative for anyone looking to
thrive in today’s globalized world. Whether in the workplace or in personal
interactions, the effort to bridge these divides through cross-cultural
communication is a journey worth embarking on.
Based on the article placed on the platform
“Barriers to Communication”
https://barrierstocommunication.com/cultural-barriers-to-communication

1. Cultural barriers to communication arise from differences in language,

non-verbal cues, customs, and values.
2. Idioms and sarcasm are universally understood in all cultures.
3. Ethnocentrism can create divisiveness and hinder effective
communication between cultures.
4. Body language is interpreted the same way across all cultures.
5. Indirect communication requires the listener to read between the lines.
6. Language barriers only arise when individuals speak different languages.
7. Overcoming cultural barriers requires cultural sensitivity, awareness, and
adaptability.
8. High-context communication relies on explicit, clearly stated messages.
9. Cultural barriers are irrelevant in cross-cultural communication in the
modern world.
10.In some cultures, close physical proximity during conversations is
considered a sign of trust.
11.Accents can affect the clarity of communication, especially for non-native
speakers.

12.Direct communication is valued in all cultures for its clarity.

13.Misunderstandings due to cultural differences can be avoided through
cultural awareness.
14.Stereotypes can limit our ability to communicate effectively with
individuals from different cultures.
15.A thumbs-up gesture has the same meaning in every culture.

Task 3. Answer the following questions based on Text 1.

1. Why is culture considered one of the possible barriers for effective

communication?
2. What are some common cultural barriers to communication that arise
from differences in language, non-verbal cues, customs, and values?
3. How can cultural sensitivity and awareness help in overcoming
communication barriers between individuals from diverse backgrounds?
 4. Why is it important to understand the varying meanings of gestures and
cues in different cultures?
5. What role do accents and varying levels of language proficiency play in
creating challenges for clear communication?
6. How do cultural norms and values influence both verbal and non-verbal
communication styles?
7. How can the use of idioms, sarcasm, or cultural references lead to
misunderstandings, even among individuals who speak the same
language?
8. What role do ethnocentrism and stereotyping play in creating cultural
barriers in communication?
9. What are the key differences between high-context and low-context
communication, and how do these distinctions impact cross-cultural
communication?
10.How do different cultural norms around personal space and touch impact
communication and relationships?
11.Why is the choice of communication style, whether formal or informal,
significant in maintaining respect and understanding in cross-cultural
interactions?
12.How do direct and indirect communication styles differ across cultures,
and why is cultural awareness important in understanding these
differences?
13.How do cultural differences in the interpretation of body language act as
barriers in cross-cultural communication?
14.In what ways can misunderstandings caused by cultural differences be
avoided in communication?
15.How can cultural differences create communication barriers?

Task 4. Translate Text 1 from English into Ukrainian while creating a

glossary to ensure consistency and accuracy in specialized terminology
usage. The glossary should include key terms, definitions, and context-
specific translations to facilitate accurate translation and understanding
within the target language.

Use of Language

Task 5. Translate the provided collocations with communication into

Ukrainian.

Verbal communication, non-verbal communication, cross-cultural

communication, communication styles, direct communication, indirect
communication, formal communication, informal communication, low-context
communication, high-context communication, respectful communication,
effective communication, communication approach, communication mode,
communication protocol.
Task 6. Create your own sentences with the collocations from Task 5. Be
ready to interpret your peers’ sentences.

Task 7. Complete the sentences with the collocations from the box, and
translate them into Ukrainian.

Cultural barriers, cultural differences, cultural stereotypes, cultural awareness,

cultural obstacles, cultural sensitivity, cultural backgrounds, cultural norms
and values

1. Despite the increasing focus on diversity and inclusion, ……. continue to

affect the way people perceive and interact with each other, creating
barriers to effective collaboration.
2. Overcoming ……. in negotiations often requires a deep understanding of
both verbal and non-verbal communication to avoid misinterpretations
and build trust.
3. ……. in communication helps individuals navigate differences in non-
verbal cues, tone, and context, ensuring that messages are understood as
intended.
4. ……. pose significant challenges in creating effective communication and
fostering understanding between international teams.
5. ……. in communication styles can often lead to misunderstandings,
especially when people from high-context cultures interact with those
from low-context cultures.
6. Effective communication across cultures requires a deep understanding of
....... , as they influence how people interpret messages, express
themselves, and respond in conversations.
7. By practicing ……. , communicators can avoid offending others and build
stronger, more trusting relationships in both personal and professional
settings.
8. Understanding the diverse ……. of students in a classroom can help
teachers create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Task 8. Translate the following sentences into English, focusing on the word
combination in bold. While translating, refer to Text 1 for suggested lexical
units.

1. У команді, що складається з людей різного походження, важливо

враховувати культурні відмінності, щоб забезпечити ефективну
співпрацю.
2. Вивчення культурних орієнтирів інших народів дозволяє
покращити міжкультурну комунікацію та сприяє встановленню
взаємоповаги в глобальному середовищі.
3. Шанобливе спілкування є основою успішних міжкультурних
відносин, оскільки допомагає уникати конфліктів і зберігати
гармонію.
4. У міжкультурній комунікації ефективна взаємодія вимагає
врахування різних мовних та культурних особливостей для
забезпечення порозуміння між людьми.
5. У глобалізованому світі комунікація між людьми різних культур
стає все важливішою для успішної співпраці та обміну ідеями.
6. Розуміння та прийняття культурних норм та цінностей сприяє
побудові гармонійних взаємин та ефективному спілкуванню між
представниками різних культур.
7. Незнання протоколу спілкування може призвести до культурних
помилок, наприклад, до надмірної формальності або, навпаки,
надмірної неформальності.
8. Врахування мовних бар’єрів є важливим аспектом при організації
міжнародних зустрічей, оскільки навіть незначні труднощі в
перекладі можуть призвести до непорозумінь.
9. Культурні стереотипи та упередження можуть значно спотворити
процес комунікації, адже вони створюють неправдиві уявлення про
людей з різних культур.
10.Вербальна та невербальна комунікація взаємодіють між собою,
створюючи цілісне сприйняття повідомлення в процесі спілкування.
11.Стиль спілкування свідчить про загальний підхід люди до побудови
стосунків з її оточенням.
12.Висококонтекстна комунікація притаманна культурам, для яких
важливим є не тільки те, що сказано, але й те, як це сказано,
зважаючи на культурні та соціальні норми, тобто велике значення
відіграє невербальне спілкування.
13.У культурах з низькоконтекстною комунікацією пріоритет
віддається чітким і прямим виразам, тобто люди більше
покладаються на слова, ніж на контекст, що може призводити до
непорозумінь під час міжкультурної взаємодії.
14.У різних культурах фізична близькість під час спілкування може
мати різне значення: в деяких культурах це знак дружелюбності, в
інших – вторгнення в особистий простір.
15.Люди часто відчувають дискомфорт, коли хтось порушує їх
особистий простір – нахиляється близько до обличчя, схиляється
через плече, торкається або обіймає.
Task 9. Match the words 1-10 with their meanings a-j.

1. culture
2. communication
3. ethnocentrism
4. stereotype
5. proximity
6. diversity
7. mannerism
8. accent
9. gesture
10.prejudice

a) the state of being near in space or time;

b) something that a person does repeatedly with their face, hands, or voice,
and that they may not realize they are doing;
c) an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed wit
hout enough thought or knowledge;
d) the way in which people in a particular area, country,
or social group pronounce words;

e) the process by which messages or information is sent from

one place or person to another, or the message itself;
the exchange of information and the expression of feeling that
can result in understanding;
the process of sharing information, especially when
this increases understanding between people or groups;
f) a set idea that people have about what someone or something is
like, especially an idea that is wrong;
g) the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of
a particular group of people at a particular time;
the attitudes, behaviour, opinions, etc. of
particular group of people within society;
h) the fact of there being people of many different groups in society, within
an organization, etc.; the fact of many different types of things
or people being included in something; a range of different things
or people;
i) a movement of the hands, arms, or head, etc. to express an idea or feeling;
j) the belief that the people, customs,
and traditions of your own race or country are better than those of
other races or countries.
Cambridge Dictionary
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
Task 10. Translate the following micro-text into English, using the words
from the previous task (Task 9).

Культурні бар’єри в комунікації часто виникають через відмінності в

культурі. Залежно від типу культури, ми по-різному сприймаємо,
інтерпретуємо й оцінюємо повідомлення, норми та поведінку людей.
Віра в перевагу своєї культури – етноцентризм – призводить до
формування упереджень і створення стереотипів щодо представників
інших культур. Упередженість і стереотипи можуть стати величезним
бар’єром у спілкуванні, зокрема в сприйнятті акцентів, жестів і манер
інших людей, що, в свою чергу, може викликати непорозуміння.
Наприклад, жест, який в одній культурі вважається ввічливим, може бути
сприйнятий як грубий в іншій.
Різниця в поглядах і вподобаннях людей з різних культур щодо
близькості та особистого простору також може стати бар’єром для
спілкування. Межа особистого простору в кожній культурі своя, і вона
залежить від культурних традицій. Незнання традицій може призвести до
ненавмисного порушення норм дотримання особистого простору та
викликати непорозуміння.
Прийняття різноманітності та увага до культурних відмінностей
допоможуть подолати ці бар’єри та сприяти ефективній комунікації.

Task 11. Find the subject in each sentence of the translated text (Task 10).
Determine the type of the subject (Simple subject, Compound subject or
Noun phrase subject).

Simple subject is the main noun or pronoun in a Communication is

sentence that tells who or what essential for building
strong relationships.
the sentence is about. It is the
core of the subject part of the Communication
sentence, excluding any barriers often lead to
modifiers, adjectives, or other misunderstandings.
words that may describe or give
more detail about the subject.
Compound subject consists of two or more simple Language differences
subjects joined together by a and cultural
misunderstandings
conjunction (such as „and,” „or,”
often create
„nor”) that share the same verb. communication
The compound subject barriers.
represents more than one person,
thing, or idea that is performing Prejudice and
the action or being described in stereotyping can
 the sentence. severely impact
noun+noun effective
communication.
noun+pronoun+noun
pronoun+pronoun
Noun phrase subject is a subject in a sentence that The lack of clear
consists of a noun (or pronoun) language and
understanding often
and its modifiers, which may
causes communication
include adjectives, articles, barriers.
determiners, or other words that
describe or specify the noun. A person’s cultural
background and
communication style
can lead to
misunderstandings.

Task 12. Skim Text 1 again and copy out three sentences with subjects of
different types: one with a simple subject, another with a compound
subject, and the third with a noun phrase subject.

Task 13. Create three sentences with different types of subjects: one with a
simple subject, one with a compound subject, and one with a noun phrase
subject, all related to the topic under consideration. Be ready to interpret
your peers’ sentences.

Task 14. Match the idioms about communication 1-13 with their meanings
a-m. Find their Ukrainian equivalents or use other translation techniques to
render their meanings.

1. from the horse’s mouth

2. spill the beans
3. to beat a dead horse
4. to beat around the bush
5. to get to the point (variation: to come to the point)
6. to keep someone in the loop
7. to touch base
8. to be like talking to a brick wall
9. to bite one’s tongue
10.to clear the air
11.to hear through the grapevine
12.to bring someone up to speed
13.to get one’s wires crossed

a) no matter how much you try to communicate or make your point, the
other person is not paying attention or is unwilling to engage;
 b) to receive information directly from the most reliable or original source,
often the person who has firsthand knowledge of a situation;
c) to get in contact with someone or renew communication with someone;
d) to learn about something informally through rumors or unofficial sources,
rather than from an official or direct channel;
e) to reveal a secret or disclose information, often unintentionally or
prematurely;
f) to stop talking about general matters and focus on the main issue or the
most important part of a conversation;
g) to resolve any misunderstandings, tension, or confusion in a situation,
often by having an open and honest conversation;
h) to continue to talk about something that has already been discussed or
decided on;
i) to provide someone with the latest information or updates on a situation,
so they are fully informed and aware of what’s happening;
j) to keep someone informed and updated about a situation or ongoing
developments;
k) to avoid addressing the main topic or issue directly, often by talking in a
vague or evasive way;
l) to stop oneself from saying something, especially when it’s difficult or
tempting to speak out;
m) to misunderstand something or become confused, often due to a
miscommunication or mix-up.

Task 15. Choose a few idioms from the previous task (Task 14) and use
them to create a short story. Share your stories with others. Be ready to
interprete your peer’s stories.

Task 16. Put the following sentences in order and translate them.

1. a willingness Ethnocentrism to of appreciate leads differences lack to

cultural.
2. influence verbal and Cultural non-verbal norms both styles significantly
communication.
3. based their stereotypes negatively workplace dynamics as often lead to
can biased Cultural about an individual’s they abilities on background
influence assumptions.
4. diverse is valuable leaders in awareness conflicts companies to manage
for teams and avoid multinational Cultural.
5. looking into Understanding and is essential for businesses values to
expand new norms international cultural markets.
6. the stay communication others revolutionized across way we have
connected with Modern the globe devices.
 7. sign In bowing culture non-verbal of and is greeting a Japanese respect
common.
8. understanding communication only speaking also actively clearly
involves listening to not ensure Effective mutual but.
9. with when sensitivity working teams to is ensure respectful and diverse
effective Cultural essential communication.
10.messages Indirect interpret context on requires individuals based
communication to.

Sight Translation

Task 17. Skim Text 2 and complete the multiple-choice questions.

Text 2. Communication Skills for Your Life and Career Success

Employers consistently included communication skills as one of the most

commonly requested skills in job postings. Improving and showcasing your
communication skills can help you advance in your career and stay competitive
in today’s job market. Learning about these skills can also help you focus on
specific areas of your communication.
What are communication skills?
Communication skills are abilities you use when giving and receiving
different kinds of information. While these skills may be a regular part of your
day-to-day work life, communicating in a clear, effective and efficient way is an
extremely critical and useful skill. Learning from great communicators around
you and actively practicing ways to improve your communications over time
can certainly support your efforts to achieve various personal and professional
goals. Communication skills involve listening, speaking, observing and
empathizing. It’s also helpful to understand the differences in how to
communicate through face-to-face interactions, phone conversations and digital
communications, like email and social media.
Types of communication
There are four main types of communication you might use on a daily
basis, including:
 Verbal – communicating by way of a spoken language;
 Non-verbal – communicating through body language, facial expressions
and tone;
 Written – communicating with written language, symbols and numbers;
 Visual – communication by way of photography, art, drawings, sketches,
charts and graphs.
Top 10 communication skills
Here are the top communication skills employers and recruiters want to
see in your resume and cover letter, interviews and career development:
 1. Active listening
Active listening, sometimes called appreciative listening or mindful
listening, means paying close attention to who you’re communicating with by
engaging with them, asking questions and rephrasing. Practicing active listening
can build respect with your colleagues and increase understanding in the
workplace. As you actively listen, focus on the speaker and avoid distractions
like cell phones and laptops. Improve your active listening skills by paying
attention to other people’s facial expressions, body language and tone of voice.
Instead of preparing what you plan to say next, focus on what the other person is
saying and how they’re speaking. If you want to clarify something, ask follow-
up questions or rephrase what they’ve said to confirm that you understood them
correctly.
2. Using the right communication method
Using the right way to communicate is an important skill. There are
benefits and disadvantages to communicating through emails, letters, phone
calls, in-person meetings or instant messages. Communicating is better when
you consider your audience, what information you want to share and the best
way to share it. For example, if you’re communicating with a potential
employer, it may be better to send a formal email or call them on the phone. In
the workplace, you may find it easier to communicate complex information in
person or via a video conference than by email. Building remote workplace
friendships is easier when you can communicate through instant messages.
3. Friendliness
Friendly traits like honesty and kindness can help foster trust and
understanding when communicating at work. Try to communicate with a
positive attitude, keep an open mind and ask questions to help you understand
where they’re coming from. Small gestures such as asking someone how they’re
doing, smiling as they speak or offering praise for work well done can help you
foster productive relationships with colleagues and managers. You can practice
friendliness by remembering small, thoughtful details about your colleagues or
past conversations. For example, if a colleague tells you their child’s birthday is
soon and you connect with them again later, you might ask them how the
birthday party went.
4. Confidence
In the workplace, people are more likely to respond to ideas that are
presented with confidence. There are many ways to appear confident, including
by making eye contact when you’re addressing someone, sitting up straight with
your shoulders open and preparing ahead of time so your thoughts are clear and
you’re able to answer any questions. Confident communication is useful not just
on the job but also during the job interview process. Additionally, to display
confidence, avoid adding filler words.
5. Sharing feedback
 The key to effective feedback is sharing specific examples of the issue and
the consequences of the issue, and asking questions to formulate solutions to the
issues. Strong communicators can accept constructive feedback and provide
constructive input to others. Feedback can answer questions, provide solutions
or help strengthen the project or topic at hand. Providing and accepting feedback
is an essential workplace skill, as it can help both you and the people around you
make meaningful improvements to their work and their professional
development. A great way to learn how to give feedback is to take notes from
others on the feedback they offer you. When you come across a well-explained
piece of feedback, take some time to observe and analyze why it was good, why
it resonated with you and how you might apply those skills in the future.
6. Volume and tone
When you’re speaking, be clear and audible. Adjusting your speaking
voice so others can hear you in a variety of settings is a skill, and it’s critical to
communicating effectively. Speaking too loudly may be disrespectful or
awkward in certain settings. If you’re unsure, read the room to see how others
are communicating. Another aspect of verbal communication is vocals and
tonality. This involves how your tone moves up and down, your pitch, which
words you place emphasis and the pauses you place between phrases. Such
details can be effective in communicating emotions and offer your audience
insights into how others interpret your message.
7. Empathy
Having empathy means that you can not only understand but also share in
the emotions of others. This communication skill is important in both team and
one-on-one settings. In both cases, you attempt to effectively read and translate
other people’s emotions and select an appropriate response. For example, if
someone is expressing anger or frustration, empathy can help you acknowledge
and diffuse their emotion. At the same time, being able to understand when
someone is feeling positive and enthusiastic can help you get support for your
ideas and projects.
8. Respect
A key aspect of respect is learning when to initiate communication and
respond. In a team or group setting, allowing others to speak without
interruption is seen as a necessary communication skill tied to respectfulness.
Respectfully communicating also means using your time with someone else
wisely – staying on topic, asking clear questions and responding fully to any
questions they’ve asked you.
9. Non-verbal cues
Some amount of communication happens through non-verbal cues such as
body language, facial expressions and eye contact. When you’re listening to
someone, you may choose to pay attention to what they’re saying and their non-
verbal language. It’s essential not to judge others based on their body language,
as not all people display the same physical gestures due to cultural or ability
differences.
10. Responsiveness
Whether you’re returning a phone call or sending a reply to an email,
employers often view fast communicators as more effective than those who are
slow to respond. One method is to consider how long your response takes. Is this
a request or question you can answer in the next five minutes? If so, it may be a
good idea to address it as soon as you see it. If it’s a more complex request or
question, you can still acknowledge that you’ve received the message and let the
other person know you’re going to respond in full later.
Based on the article written by
Genevieve Northup
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/communication-
skills

1. Which of the following is a key benefit of improving communication

skills?
A. It guarantees job promotions
B. It helps advance your career and stay competitive in the job market
C. It makes you better at solving technical problems
2. Which communication method is typically considered best for formal,
professional exchanges?
A. Instant messaging
B. Email or phone calls
D. In-person meetings
3. How does empathy contribute to communication?
A. By showing you care about people’s feelings and responding
appropriately
B. By encouraging people to agree with everything you say
C. By focusing only on logical, factual communication
4. Which of these is not a communication skill?
A. Speaking
B. Empathizing
C. Ignoring distractions
5. How can you display confidence in a conversation?
A. Avoid making eye contact and speaking quietly
B. Make eye contact, sit up straight, and avoid filler words
C. Dominate the conversation to show authority
6. Why is responsiveness important in communication?
A. It shows that you can answer any question at any time
B. It demonstrates you are always available for conversations
C. It highlights that you respect others’ time and can address requests
quickly
 7. What is the primary focus of active listening?
A. Responding quickly to the speaker
B. Rephrasing what the speaker says to clarify understanding
C. Planning your response while the speaker is talking
8. Why is providing feedback an important communication skill?
A. It allows you to criticize others without consequences
B. It helps improve your own performance and supports others’
development
C. It allows you to avoid dealing with difficult situations
9. What is a non-verbal communication cue?
A. Sending a quick text message
B. Using body language, facial expressions, or eye contact
C. Writing detailed reports
10. What is an example of adjusting your volume and tone in
communication?
A. Speaking in a monotone voice regardless of the situation
B. Using a voice loud enough for others to hear but avoiding shouting
C. Speaking quietly and quickly to avoid unnecessary attention
11. What does ‘friendliness’ in communication involve?
A. Maintaining a serious, no-nonsense attitude at all times
B. Using humor to avoid difficult conversations
C. Communicating with kindness, honesty, and a positive attitude
12. Which of the following demonstrates respectful communication?
A. Interrupting others to make your point quickly
B. Speaking when others are speaking to assert your ideas
C. Allowing others to speak without interruption and staying on topic

Task 18. Write a short essay in which you choose one or more skills from
Text 2 and explain how you plan to practice or apply them in both your
personal and professional life. Read your essay to the others. Be ready to
interprete your peer’s essays.

Task 19. Read and do consecutive translation of Text 2. Be ready to discuss

what is due.

Task 20. What do you make of these quotations? Choose one and be ready
with 2 min speech to share your opinion. Be ready to interpret groupmate’s
answer.
“The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to
understand. We listen to reply.” Roy T. Bennett
 “Deep listening is miraculous for both the listener and speaker. When someone
receives us with open-hearted, non-judgmental, intensely interested listening, our
spirits expand.” Sue Patton Soele

Interpretation

Task 21. Do consecutive interpretation of the text about online

communication. Add new words and word combinations to the glossary. Do
the tasks to the texts.

https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening/c1-listening/living-
online

Task 22. Do consecutive interpretations for the videos about communication

skills (4 Tips to Improve Your Communication Skills) and nonverbal
communication (Mastering Nonverbal Communication). Add new words and
word combinations to the glossary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9aE8URBccg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8LZPN-jVso

*Task 23. Practice the consecutive interpretations of the TED talks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGeHS4jO0X0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yw6dFQBklA

Task 24. Work in small groups and discuss the ways of making
communication effective.

Translation

Task 25. Skim Text 3. Are these statements True or False?

False Friends in Translation

Translation is a delicate art that requires a deep understanding of two
languages, as well as sensitivity to cultural nuances. However, even the most
experienced translators can fall into the trap of “false friends”, terms that closely
resemble each other in one language to another, but have very different
meanings.
What is a false friend in translation?
False friends are words that look similar in two different languages, but
have different meanings. They can lead to misunderstandings and translation
errors if the translator is not careful. Sometimes, these false friends can seem
obvious, but other times, they are more subtle, making them even more
dangerous.
The term “false friends of the translator” (“Faux amis du traducteur”) was
first introduced by French linguists Maxim Koessler and Jules Derecquigny in
1928. Later it was shortened simply to “false friends.”
Types of false friends.
There are different types of false friends the translator need to be aware
of:
 across different languages
 within a single language
 non-verbal communication
False friends across languages. They highlight the confusion that can
arise when you try to use a word in a different language that sounds a lot like the
original but means something else entirely. For example, English-Ukrainian: son
– син, сон – dream, sleep.
False friends within a language. False friends can be found also within
one language. For example, for an American person, “pants” means “trousers”,
whereas for a British person the same term means “undergarment.”
Non-verbal false friends. False friends can affect non-verbal
communication as well. While a thumbs up is widely recognized as a sign of
approval or agreement, it’s taken as highly offensive thumbs down in some parts
of the middle east. In the Black Sea region, a single nod of one’s head up means
“no” while turning it from the left to the right means “yes”.
Where do they come from?
False friends come about for a few reasons:
1. Shared etymology. Sometimes it’s the case where two languages shared
common origins, but a word shifted meanings or acquired additional meanings
over time. This can lead to the emergence of false friends. Take the word
“friend” as an example. The original Germanic term was used to describe
someone you care for, leaving that open to include both family ties as well as
relationships formed along the way.
2. Homonyms are words that have the same spelling or pronunciation but
different meanings and origins.
3. Pseudo-Anglicisms are words in other languages that are formed with
some English elements and may appear to be English but in fact are not. For
example, table football or foosball is known in France as “baby-foot”.
False friends vs. internationalisms.
In any discussion on false friends, you should also be aware of
internationalisms. Internationalisms are other words or phrases that sound very
similar or even identical in several languages. Unlike false friends, though, they
have the same meaning. Internationalisms are particularly apparent within
languages of the same group, particularly the Romance and Germanic
languages.
 How to avoid false friends?
 Analyse the register of the language: False friends can sometimes hide in
the register. It is crucial to understand the tone, style, and formality of the
original text in order to choose appropriate equivalents in the target
language.
 Examine idiomatic expressions: Idiomatic expressions can pose
translation challenges because their meaning cannot always be deduced
literally. Getting familiar with idiomatic expressions in both languages is
essential to avoid translation errors.
 Emphasize cultural coherence: Understanding cultural differences is just
as important as linguistic proficiency. A word that can be perfectly
suitable in one cultural context may be inappropriate in another.
Translators must therefore take into account cultural nuances to ensure
accurate communication.
 Conduct in-depth research: Before starting a translation, it is essential to
conduct thorough research on the context of the text. Understanding the
exact meaning of words in their cultural and linguistic context helps to
avoid errors.
 Consult reliable bilingual dictionaries: Using reputable bilingual
dictionaries is an effective way to identify and avoid false friends. These
resources provide precise definitions and examples of usage.
 Ask for advice from native speakers: Collaborating with native speakers of
the target language can offer valuable insights. Their intuitive
understanding of the language can help identify nuances that may escape
even the most detailed dictionaries.
Translation is an art that goes beyond the mere substitution of words from
one language to another. Avoiding false friends requires a deep understanding of
the languages involved, as well as sensitivity to cultural differences. By being
rigorous and using reliable resources, translators can overcome these linguistic
obstacles to deliver accurate and faithful translations.
Based on the articles
What are False Friends in Translation?
https://abroadlink.com/blog/what-are-false-friends-in-a-translation
False Friends of the Translator: What You Need To Know
https://summalinguae.com/translation/false-friends-of-the-translator/

1. False friends are words that look similar in two languages and have the
same meaning.
2. The term “pseudo-anglicisms” refers to words in other languages that
appear to be English but are not.
3. Internationalisms are words or phrases that are similar in several
languages but have different meanings.
 4. The term “false friends of the translator” was first introduced by French
linguists Maxim Koessler and Jules Derecquigny in 1928.
5. False friends can cause misunderstandings and translation errors.
6. False friends only occur when translating between languages with
different roots.
7. Homonyms have the same meaning and origin but different spelling or
pronunciation.
8. False friends only exist between two languages and never within a single
language.
9. Cultural differences should be taken into account to avoid false friends in
translation.
10.False friends can only affect written translation, not spoken language.

Task 26. Answer the following questions to Text 3.

1. What is the definition of a “false friend” in translation?

2. How can false friends lead to misunderstandings in translation?
3. Why are some false friends more dangerous than others?
4. Who introduced the term “false friends of the translator,” and when?
5. What are the three types of false friends mentioned in the text?
6. What are the three main reasons why false friends occur, according to the
text?
7. How does shared etymology contribute to the creation of false friends?
8. What is the difference between homonyms and false friends?
9. What is a pseudo-anglicism, and how does it relate to false friends?
Provide an example.
10.How do internationalisms differ from false friends?
11.What are some strategies mentioned in the text to avoid false friends when
translating?
12.Why is understanding cultural context important when translating,
especially in terms of false friends?

Task 27. Complete the table below with the necessary information based on
the concept of English-Ukrainian false friends. The first column is provided
with English words and the second with the corresponding false friends in
Ukrainian.

English word False friend Translation Correct

equivalent
data дата дані date
magazine магазин журнал store
accurate акуратний
baton батон
insult інсульт
examine екзамен
intelligent інтелігентний
actual актуальний
sympathy симпатія
artist артист
chef шеф
electric електрик
adept адепт
behemoth бегемот
cursive курсив
marsh марш
mist міст
talon талон
doze доза
cabinet кабінет
receipt рецепт

Task 28. Read Text 3 again and translate it into Ukrainian.

Study skills

Task 29. Discuss the following questions in small groups (2-3 students).

1. Do you think that self-awareness is a skill that can be developed

intentionally, or is it more of an innate trait that varies from person to
person? What strategies can one use to improve their level of self-
awareness?
2. How do you differentiate between self-awareness and self-criticism? Can
these two concepts overlap, and if so, how can we ensure that we are
practicing constructive self-awareness rather than harmful self-criticism?
3. Can self-awareness sometimes lead to negative outcomes, such as
overthinking or self-doubt? How can we strike a balance between self-
reflection and maintaining a positive mindset?
4. To what extent do you believe that true self-awareness can be achieved,
and do you think it requires constant effort or a specific moment of
realization?
5. How do external factors, such as social media or societal expectations,
influence our ability to be self-aware? Can they distort our self-
perception?
Task 30. Skim Text 4 and answer the following questions according to the
text.

Text 4. Self-Awareness

The Concept of Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is a fundamental concept that involves having a clear
understanding of oneself, including one’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors,
strengths, weaknesses, and values. It goes beyond basic self-knowledge and
involves a deep level of introspection and reflection.
At its core, self-awareness is about being conscious of our own existence
and having the ability to observe and reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and
actions. It is the ability to recognize and understand our own patterns,
preferences, and tendencies.
Self-awareness encompasses various dimensions, including:
1. Emotional self-awareness: This refers to the ability to recognize and
understand our own emotions, including their triggers, intensity, and
impact on our behavior and well-being.
2. Cognitive self-awareness: This involves being aware of our own thoughts,
beliefs, and cognitive processes. It includes understanding our cognitive
biases, assumptions, and mental models.
3. Physical self-awareness: This aspect focuses on being attuned to our
bodily sensations, needs, and limitations. It involves recognizing physical
cues and understanding how our body responds to different situations.
4. Social self-awareness: This dimension involves being aware of how we
interact with others, understanding our social roles, and recognizing our
impact on those around us. It includes recognizing and managing our
interpersonal dynamics and communication styles.
Developing a deep understanding of oneself through self-awareness is a
continuous process. It requires ongoing reflection, introspection, and a
willingness to explore and confront various aspects of our identity.
Self-awareness is not about attaining perfection or achieving a fixed state
of being. It is about embracing our strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging
our areas for growth, and striving for personal authenticity and growth.
By understanding the concept of self-awareness and its various
dimensions, we lay the foundation for exploring its importance and benefits in
our lives.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is not just a buzzword; it is a crucial skill that can have a
profound impact on our lives. By cultivating self-awareness, we gain valuable
insights into ourselves, our interactions with others, and our overall well-being.
Role of Self-Awareness in Personal Development
 Self-awareness is a fundamental pillar of personal development. It allows
us to gain a deeper understanding of our values, goals, and aspirations. When we
are self-aware, we can align our actions and choices with our authentic selves,
leading to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Self-awareness also helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses. By
being aware of our strengths, we can leverage them to our advantage and excel
in areas that align with our natural abilities. On the other hand, recognizing our
weaknesses allows us to identify areas for improvement and take proactive steps
to develop new skills or seek support.
Furthermore, self-awareness plays a vital role in managing our emotions
and reactions. When we are aware of our triggers and emotional patterns, we can
respond in a more mindful and controlled manner. This leads to better emotional
well-being and improved resilience in the face of challenges.
Impact of Self-Awareness on Interpersonal Relationships
Self-awareness is not only beneficial for personal growth but also for
nurturing healthy and fulfilling interpersonal relationships. When we have a
deep understanding of ourselves, we are better equipped to understand and
empathize with others.
By recognizing our own biases, assumptions, and communication styles,
we can navigate conflicts more effectively and foster better relationships. Self-
awareness allows us to communicate our needs and boundaries clearly, while
also being receptive to the perspectives and feelings of others.
Moreover, self-awareness helps us develop stronger emotional
intelligence, which is crucial for building and maintaining meaningful
connections. When we understand our own emotions and can regulate them, we
are better able to empathize with others and build trust and rapport.
Influence of Self-Awareness on Career Growth
Self-awareness is a powerful tool for professional success. By
understanding our strengths, passions, and areas of interest, we can make
informed career choices that align with our values and goals. This leads to
greater job satisfaction and motivation.
Self-awareness also helps us identify areas for growth and development in
our professional lives. By recognizing our weaknesses and seeking opportunities
for improvement, we can continuously enhance our skills and expertise.
Additionally, self-awareness enables us to navigate workplace dynamics,
communicate effectively, and build strong professional relationships.
Furthermore, self-awareness plays a crucial role in leadership. Leaders
who are self-aware are better able to understand the impact of their actions on
their team members and make informed decisions. They can also inspire and
motivate others by leading with authenticity and emotional intelligence.
In conclusion, self-awareness is of paramount importance in personal
development, interpersonal relationships, and career growth. By cultivating self-
awareness, we can lead more authentic and fulfilling lives, build healthier
connections with others, and achieve professional success.
Practical Strategies to Improve Self-Awareness
Improving self-awareness is a journey that requires intentional effort and
practice. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies that can help us
enhance our self-awareness:
Strategy 1. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for developing self-awareness. By
intentionally focusing our attention on the present moment without judgment,
we can observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations with greater clarity.
Regular mindfulness practice, such as meditation or mindful breathing exercises,
can help us become more attuned to our internal experiences.
Reflection is another valuable practice that promotes self-awareness.
Taking time to reflect on our experiences, actions, and emotions allows us to
gain insights into our patterns, motivations, and behaviors. Journaling, engaging
in introspective conversations, or simply setting aside quiet moments for self-
reflection can facilitate this process.
Strategy 2. Seeking Feedback from Others
Feedback from others provides valuable external perspectives that can
enhance our self-awareness. Actively seeking feedback from trusted individuals,
such as mentors, friends, or colleagues, can provide insights into our blind spots
and help us uncover aspects of ourselves that we may not have recognized. It is
important to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn
and grow.
Strategy 3. Keeping a Personal Journal
Maintaining a personal journal is a powerful self-awareness tool. Writing
down our thoughts, emotions, and experiences allows us to process and reflect
on them more deeply. By regularly documenting our thoughts and observations,
we can identify patterns, track our progress, and gain a better understanding of
ourselves over time.
Strategy 4. Self-Assessment Tests
Utilizing self-assessment tests can be a helpful way to gain insights into
our personality traits, strengths, and areas for development. There are various
assessments available, such as personality assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator), emotional intelligence assessments, and strengths assessments (e.g.,
VIA Character Strengths). These tests can provide a starting point for self-
reflection and self-discovery.
Strategy 5. Engage in Creative and Expressive Activities
Engaging in creative and expressive activities, such as art, music, writing,
or dance, can facilitate self-awareness. These activities allow us to tap into our
emotions, express ourselves authentically, and gain insights into our inner world.
Exploring different forms of creative expression can provide new perspectives
and deepen our understanding of ourselves.
 Implementing these strategies consistently and over time can significantly
enhance our self-awareness. However, it’s important to remember that self-
awareness is a lifelong journey, and it requires ongoing practice and reflection.
By incorporating these strategies into our daily lives, we can cultivate a deeper
understanding of ourselves and make conscious choices that align with our
values and goals.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, self-awareness will
become a natural part of your routine and mindset. Remember to be patient and
compassionate with yourself as you navigate this journey. Celebrate your
progress and stay committed to the ongoing practice of self-awareness. By doing
so, you will cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself, make conscious
choices aligned with your values, and live a more mindful, fulfilling, and
authentic life.
Based on the article
Self-Awareness Strategies
https://www.kutskoconsulting.com/blog/self-awareness-strategies

1. What is the difference between self-awareness and basic self-knowledge?

2. What are the key dimensions of self-awareness mentioned in the text, and
how do they contribute to a deeper understanding of oneself?
3. Why self-awareness is considered a continuous process, and what role
does introspection play in its development?
4. What is the relationship between self-awareness and personal growth?
5. What are some specific ways self-awareness helps individuals align their
actions with their authentic selves?
6. How does self-awareness help individuals navigate conflicts and improve
communication in relationships? Provide examples from the text.
7. How can developing self-awareness help in identifying both strengths and
weaknesses?
8. What are some practical strategies mentioned in the text to improve self-
awareness, and how do they contribute to personal growth?
9. How does mindfulness and reflection enhance self-awareness according to
the text?
10.Why is seeking feedback from others an important strategy for improving
self-awareness?
11.What role do creative and expressive activities play in deepening one’s
self-awareness?
12.How do self-assessment tests help an individual identify areas for
personal development?

Task 31. Work in small groups (2-3 students) and discuss the four
dimensions of self-awareness mentioned in the text (emotional, cognitive,
physical, and social). Choose one dimension and brainstorm examples from
your personal life where this type of self-awareness played a crucial role.
Share your thoughts with the others. Be ready to interprete your peer’s
answers.

Task 32. Read and do consecutive translation of Text 4.

Translation and Interpretation Practice

Self-study Activities

Optional tasks for individual/pair/group work.

There are tasks designed for individual, pair, and group work, each with a
specific focus and purpose.
Reflect on your strengths and areas you want to develop. Do you prefer
working independently, or do you enjoy collaborating with others? Review the
task list and select the option that aligns best with your goals.
If you’re uncertain, feel free to ask for guidance. For pair or group tasks,
find a partner or team whose skills complement your own.

Task 1. Literal vs. Contextual Translation (individual/pair): Choose a

challenging paragraph and translate it literally first. Then translate it with
context, capturing the meaning instead of word-for-word. Compare the two
versions and analyze the differences.
Task 2. Cultural Nuances Task (individual): Identify idiomatic expressions,
cultural references, or slang in the English text, and research equivalent
expressions in Ukrainian. Write a reflection on why certain phrases might not
translate directly and how best to convey the meaning.
Task 3. Back-Translation Exercise (individual/pair): Translate a short
paragraph into Ukrainian and then translate it back into English without looking
at the original. Compare with the original text and note any deviations or
insights on phrasing.
Task 4. Translation Comparison and Critique (pair): Each person translates
the same text independently in pairs. Then, swap translations and provide
constructive feedback on each other’s work, discussing different translation
strategies.
Task 5. Editing and Proofreading (pair/group): One person translates a
passage and the other reviews it, focusing on accuracy, fluency, and appropriate
word choice. Together, they discuss changes and the reasoning behind each.
Task 6. Contextual and Functional Translation Challenges (pair): Break into
pairs, and each pair translates a different section of a longer text (e.g., a manual,
article, or story). When done, compile all sections together, reviewing for
coherence and uniformity of style across sections.
Task 7. Back-Translation Challenge (group): Each group translates a passage
into Ukrainian, and then another group translates it back into English. Compare
the retranslated English to the original text, analyzing any differences and
reflecting on how wording can change across translations.
Task 8. Audience-Specific Adaptation Exercise (individual/pair/group):
Translate a text differently for two target audiences (e.g., children vs. adults) and
present both translations to the group, explaining why different words, phrases,
or styles were chosen for each.

Text 1. Four Different Ways to Communicate Effectively in the Workplace

There are many methods for clear communication, and using them in the
combination that’s most effective for your workplace can help ensure minimal
communication problems going forward. Effective communication is a must for
anyone in a management role.
Ways to communicate effectively in the workplace
Effective communication can make you and your colleagues more
productive. It can also help people become more skilled at their jobs, get
promotions and progress in their careers.
1. Verbal communication
When you communicate with people verbally, you can build strong
relationships with others. You can ask if employees need help, make sure they
understand instructions, get useful feedback about your leadership and more.
Here are some effective ways to communicate verbally:
 One-on-one meetings: One-on-one communication may be effective for
team members who prefer focused, individual discussions over group
settings.
 Conversations with a group: Open group meetings can include your entire
team in an open forum. Direct communication in this kind of meeting will
let your team see your passion for all of your projects. It also gives people
a chance to interact with you and provide feedback about your ideas.
 Presentations and speeches: Presentations and speeches can help you
teach team members new skills, inform people about the company’s future
plans, and more.
2. Non-verbal communication
Through non-verbal communication, you can send wordless messages
with your tone of voice, choice of gestures, facial expressions and other
methods.
Here are some useful ways you can communicate nonverbally:
 Gestures: Common gestures include waving, pointing, shrugging and
using your fingers to indicate numbers. For example, you can nod to show
you understand and agree with what another person says.
  Facial expressions: The look on a person’s face is the first thing you see
when you meet them. Many facial expressions, such as happiness and
sadness, are widely understood across cultures, though cultural nuances
can influence their interpretation.
 Paralanguage: Paralanguage, or paralinguistics, is your tone of voice,
volume and pitch. Tone can make the same statement sound enthusiastic,
hesitant, angry, sad or sarcastic. Paying attention to your paralanguage can
help your employees perceive you as relaxed, confident and authoritative.
3. Written communication
Written communication is essential for press releases, brochures, memos,
contracts, handbooks and more. Leaders and managers must write clearly and
precisely to convey their thoughts and ideas to everyone.You should plan,
organize, write, edit and revise your words as needed and draft everything with
the intended readers in mind. Use concise titles and subheadings where
appropriate, and write simple words in clear, short sentences and
paragraphs. Make sure that everything is easy to understand, and back up your
opinions with as many facts as possible. Always summarize the main points of
your writing at the end and let the reader know what will happen next.
Here are some common written communication methods:
 Email: You can communicate with one person or with your entire business
through email. The subject line should let people know what your
message is about, and you should use clear, concise and professional
language.
 Letters: A letter takes longer to reach its destination than an email, but
many people are more likely to notice it. People are unlikely to lose print
mail in a spam folder like they might with email, so they make excellent
communication methods for advertisements.
 Newsletters and memos: A weekly or monthly newsletter or memo can
inform all your employees about changes in your business. You can
quickly and easily inform people about new regulations and technologies
or introduce new managers.
 Social media: You can create social media networks to help your
employees communicate with each other or let customers know about new
products and sales. Social media can help you cultivate a fun yet
productive company culture.
 Instant messaging: Instant messaging lets you reach people outside of
work without interrupting their activities with a phone call. You can send
an instant message to one person or a list of recipients. Most smartphones
will alert their owners when there’s an instant message.
4. Visual communication
Visual communication can make verbal communication easier to
understand. Many team members retain information better when it’s presented to
them visually or verbally. Presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint,
can let you create varied, interesting presentations with ease. You can transfer
many types of digital presentations to team computers, allowing all of your
employees to refer back to the data when needed. For example, a useful diagram
or a video may help people assemble a piece of furniture better than several
pages of written instructions, but make sure to consider your audience and
ensure that visual aids are accessible, such as providing alternative text for
images, transcripts for videos or screen-reader compatibility.
Here are some common types of visual communication:
 Graphics, images and videos: With the right graphics, images and videos,
you can show your employees how to complete tasks instead of just
telling them. That way, you can avoid misunderstandings and make your
instructions more entertaining.
 Data representations: Many different types of charts are used in data
representations.
Based on the article written by
Indeed Editorial Team
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/different-ways-to-
communicate

Text 2. Body Language and Non-verbal Communication: Communicating

without Words

Your facial expressions, gestures, posture, and tone of voice are powerful
communication tools. Here’s how to read and use body language to build better
relationships at home and work.
What is body language?
Body language is the use of physical behavior, expressions, and
mannerisms to communicate nonverbally, often done instinctively rather than
consciously. Whether you’re aware of it or not, when you interact with others,
you’re continuously giving and receiving wordless signals. All of your non-
verbal behaviors – the gestures you make, your posture, your tone of voice, how
much eye contact you make – send strong messages.
In fact, it’s not the words that you use, but your non-verbal cues or body
language that speak the loudest. They can put people at ease, build trust, and
draw others towards you, or they can offend, confuse, and undermine what
you’re trying to convey. These messages don’t stop when you stop speaking
either. Even when you’re silent, you’re still communicating nonverbally.
In some instances, what comes out of your mouth and what you
communicate through your body language may be two totally different things. If
you say one thing, but your body language says something else, your listener
will likely feel that you’re being dishonest. If you say “yes” while shaking your
head “no”, for example. When faced with such mixed signals, the listener has to
choose whether to believe your verbal or non-verbal message. Since body
language is a natural, unconscious language that broadcasts your true feelings
and intentions, they’ll likely choose the non-verbal message.
However, by improving how you understand and use body language and
non-verbal communication, you can express what you really mean, connect
better with others, and build stronger, more rewarding relationships – both in
your personal and professional relationships.
The importance of body language
Your non-verbal communication cues – the way you listen, look, move,
and react – tell the person you’re communicating with whether or not you care,
if you’re being truthful, and how well you’re listening. When your non-verbal
signals match up with the words you’re saying, they increase trust, clarity, and
rapport. When they don’t, they can generate tension, mistrust, and confusion.
If you want to become a better communicator, it’s important to
become more sensitive not only to the body language and non-verbal cues of
others, but also to your own.
Body language can play five roles:
 Repetition: It repeats and often strengthens the message you’re making
verbally.
 Contradiction: It can contradict the message you’re trying to convey, thus
indicating to your listener that you may not be telling the truth.
 Substitution: It can substitute for a verbal message. For example, your
facial expression often conveys a far more vivid message than words ever
can.
 Complementing: It may add to or complement your verbal message. As a
boss, if you pat an employee on the back in addition to giving praise, it
can increase the impact of your message.
 Accenting: It may accent or underline a verbal message. Pounding the
table, for example, can underline the importance of your message.
Types of body language and non-verbal communication
The many different types of nonverbal communication or body language
include:
Facial expressions. The human face is extremely expressive, able to
convey countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of
nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial
expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the
same across cultures.
Body movement and posture. Consider how your perceptions of people are
affected by the way they sit, walk, stand, or hold their head. The way you move
and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type
of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and the
subtle movements you make.
Gestures. Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may
wave, point, beckon, or use your hands when arguing or speaking animatedly,
often expressing yourself with gestures without thinking. However, the meaning
of some gestures can be very different across cultures. While the “OK” sign
made with the hand, for example, usually conveys a positive message in
English-speaking countries, it’s considered offensive in countries such as
Germany and Brazil. So, it’s important to be careful of how you use gestures to
avoid misinterpretation.
Eye contact. Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye
contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way
you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest,
affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the
flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s interest and response.
Touch. We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the very
different messages given by a weak handshake, a warm bear hug, a patronizing
pat on the head, or a controlling grip on the arm, for example.
Space. Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because
the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a
need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the
situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to
communicate many different non-verbal messages, including signals of intimacy
and affection, aggression or dominance.
Voice. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. When you speak,
other people “read” your voice in addition to listening to your words. Things
they pay attention to include your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your
tone and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding, such as “ahh” and
“uh-huh.” Think about how your tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, anger,
affection, or confidence.
Can non-verbal communication be faked?
There are many books and websites that offer advice on how to use body
language to your advantage. For example, they may instruct you on how to sit a
certain way, steeple your fingers, or shake hands in order to appear confident or
assert dominance. But the truth is that such tricks aren’t likely to work (unless
you truly feel confident and in charge). That’s because you can’t control all of
the signals you’re constantly sending about what you’re really thinking and
feeling. And the harder you try, the more unnatural your signals are likely to
come across.
However, that doesn’t mean that you have no control over your non-
verbal cues. For example, if you disagree with or dislike what someone’s saying,
you may use negative body language to rebuff the person’s message, such as
crossing your arms, avoiding eye contact, or tapping your feet. You don’t have to
agree, or even like what’s being said, but to communicate effectively and not put
the other person on the defensive, you can make a conscious effort to avoid
sending negative signals – by maintaining an open stance and truly attempting to
understand what they’re saying, and why.
 How body language can go wrong
What you communicate through your body language and non-verbal
signals affects how others see you, how well they like and respect you, and
whether or not they trust you. Unfortunately, many people send confusing or
negative non-verbal signals without even knowing it. When this happens, both
connection and trust in relationships are damaged.
If you want to communicate effectively, avoid misunderstandings, and
enjoy solid, trusting relationships both socially and professionally, it’s important
to understand how to use and interpret body language and improve your non-
verbal communication skills.
Tip 1: Learn to manage stress in the moment
Stress compromises your ability to communicate. When you’re stressed
out, you’re more likely to misread other people, send confusing or off-putting
non-verbal signals, and lapse into unhealthy knee-jerk patterns of behavior. And
remember: emotions are contagious. If you are upset, it is very likely to make
others upset, thus making a bad situation worse.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, take a time out. Take a moment
to calm down before you jump back into the conversation. Once you’ve
regained your emotional equilibrium, you’ll feel better equipped to deal with the
situation in a positive way.
The fastest and surest way to calm yourself and manage stress in the
moment is to employ your senses – what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch –
or through a soothing movement. By viewing a photo of your child or pet,
smelling a favorite scent, listening to a certain piece of music, or squeezing a
stress ball, for example, you can quickly relax and refocus. Since everyone
responds differently, you may need to experiment to find the sensory
experience that works best for you.
Tip 2: Develop your emotional awareness
In order to send accurate non-verbal cues, you need to be aware of your
emotions and how they influence you. You also need to be able to recognize the
emotions of others and the true feelings behind the cues they are sending. This is
where emotional awareness comes in.
Being emotionally aware enables you to:
 Accurately read other people, including the emotions they’re feeling and
the unspoken messages they’re sending.
 Create trust in relationships by sending nonverbal signals that match up
with your words.
 Respond in ways that show others that you understand and care.
Many of us are disconnected from our emotions – especially strong
emotions such as anger, sadness, fear – because we’ve been taught to try to shut
off our feelings. But while you can deny or numb your feelings, you can’t
eliminate them. They’re still there and they’re still affecting your behavior. By
developing your emotional awareness and connecting with even the unpleasant
emotions, though, you’ll gain greater control over how you think and act.
Tip 3: Better read body language
Once you’ve developed your abilities to manage stress and recognize
emotions, you’ll start to become better at reading the non-verbal signals sent by
others. It’s also important to:
 Pay attention to inconsistencies. Non-verbal communication should
reinforce what is being said. Is the person saying one thing, but their body
language conveying something else? For example, are they telling you
“yes” while shaking their head “no”?
 Look at non-verbal communication signals as a group. Don’t read too
much into a single gesture or non-verbal cue. Consider all of the non-
verbal signals you are receiving, from eye contact to tone of voice and
body language. Taken together, are their non-verbal cues consistent – or
inconsistent – with what their words are saying?
 Trust your instincts. Don’t dismiss your gut feelings. If you get the sense
that someone isn’t being honest or that something isn’t adding up, you
may be picking up on a mismatch between verbal and non-verbal cues.
Evaluating body language and non-verbal signals
Eye contact – Is the person making eye contact? If so, is it overly intense
or just right?
Facial expression – What is their face showing? Is it masklike and
unexpressive, or emotionally present and filled with interest?
Tone of voice – Does the person’s voice project warmth, confidence, and
interest, or is it strained and blocked?
Posture and gesture – Is their body relaxed or stiff and immobile? Are
their shoulders tense and raised, or relaxed?
Touch – Is there any physical contact? Is it appropriate to the situation?
Does it make you feel uncomfortable?
Intensity – Does the person seem flat, cool, and disinterested, or over-the-
top and melodramatic?
Timing and place – Is there an easy flow of information back and forth?
Do nonverbal responses come too quickly or too slowly?
Sounds – Do you hear sounds that indicate interest, caring or concern
from the person?
Based on the article written by
Jeanne Segal, Melinda Smith, Lawrence Robinson and Greg Boose
https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/communication/nonverbal-
communication

Text 3. Communicative Competence

 Communicative competence is the ability to communicate effectively or
to choose the appropriate communicative behavior in a given situation. It
concerns what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. It further includes the
ability to receive and understand messages. Competence is often contrasted
with performance since competence can be present even if it is not exercised,
while performance consists in the realization of this competence. However,
some theorists reject a stark contrast and hold that performance is the observable
part and is used to infer competence in relation to future performances.
Two central components of communicative competence
are effectiveness and appropriateness. Effectiveness is the degree to which the
speaker achieves their desired outcomes or the degree to which preferred
alternatives are realized. This means that whether a communicative behavior is
effective does not just depend on the actual outcome but also on the speaker’s
intention, i.e. whether this outcome was what they intended to achieve.
Effectiveness is closely related to efficiency, the difference being that
effectiveness is about achieving goals while efficiency is about using few
resources (such as time, effort, and money) in the process.
Appropriateness means that the communicative behavior meets social
standards and expectations; that the speaker is aware of the social and cultural
context in order to adapt and express the message in a way that is considered
acceptable in the given situation. For example, to bid farewell to their teacher, a
student may use the expression “Goodbye, sir” but not the expression “I gotta
split, man”, which they may use when talking to a peer. To be both effective and
appropriate means to achieve one’s preferred outcomes in a way that follows
social standards and expectations. Some definitions of communicative
competence put their main emphasis on either effectiveness or appropriateness
while others combine both features.
Many additional components of communicative competence have been
suggested, such as empathy, control, flexibility, sensitivity, and knowledge. It is
often discussed in terms of the individual skills employed in the process, i.e. the
specific behavioral components that make up communicative
competence. Message production skills include reading and writing. They are
correlated with the reception skills of listening and reading. There are both
verbal and non-verbal communication skills. For example, verbal
communication skills involve the proper understanding of a language, including
its phonology, orthography, syntax, lexicon, and semantics.
Many aspects of human life depend on successful communication, from
ensuring basic necessities of survival to building and maintaining
relationships. Communicative competence is a key factor regarding whether a
person is able to reach their goals in social life, like having a successful career
and finding a suitable spouse. Because of this, it can have a large impact on the
individual’s well-being. The lack of communicative competence can cause
problems both on the individual and the societal level, including professional,
academic, and health problems.
Barriers to effective communication can distort the message. They may
result in failed communication and cause undesirable effects. This can happen if
the message is poorly expressed because it uses terms with which the receiver is
not familiar, or because it is not relevant to the receiver’s needs, or because it
contains too little or too much information. Distraction, selective perception, and
lack of attention to feedback may also be responsible. Noise is another negative
factor. It concerns influences that interfere with the message on its way to the
receiver and distort it. Crackling sounds during a telephone call are one form of
noise. Ambiguous expressions can also inhibit effective communication and
make it necessary to disambiguate between possible interpretations to discern
the sender’s intention. These interpretations depend also on the cultural
background of the participants. Significant cultural differences constitute an
additional obstacle and make it more likely that messages are misinterpreted.
Based on the article
“Communication”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication

Text 4. Common Digital Communication Channels

Who is your audience?

When you communicate online using publicly available channels like
open social media accounts, blogs, comments and forums, you are writing to a
potentially massive audience. It’s important you consider both the bigger picture
– that you are communicating with hundreds of people you may never meet, and
the smaller picture – your target audience. Consider both these audiences, as you
decide what information you would like to share.
When you are communicating online using a more targeted medium like
email, private social media, online class forums and message boards, or even
Zoom calls, you can be sure of the audience you are communicating with but it
is still important to consider what kinds of communication are appropriate for
that audience.
Consider your conventions
Once you have picked the channel you want to use, be aware that there
may be conventions for that channel. For instance on Twitter it is a convention
to use hashtags and to write succinctly in order to keep to the word limit.
Blogging, however, has different conventions. For example, hashtags are not
used, and a blog post can be longer as it has no word limit. On messaging apps
and social media, it’s appropriate to use abbreviations, slang, and casual
language, but in a more formal medium like email or your class discussion
boards it’s best to use more structured and polite language and proper
punctuation. On Zoom calls, the convention is to have an appropriate
background (real or virtual), keep your camera on, and keep your microphone
muted when you are not speaking. You can use the raise hand function to
indicate that you want to unmute your microphone and contribute to the
conversation, and use the chat function to add your thoughts without disrupting
the speaker.
Good communication practices for digital channels
There are some fundamental principles you can use across most digital
communication channels to be effective in your communication. After
considering your audience and the conventions of the channel you are using,
think about some of the more specific skills shown in this video to help you
communicate clearly and effectively in your University and personal life.
Communication channels
We use a wide range of communication channels in our day-to-day lives.
The following describes some of the more common channels and conventions
used today.
Blogging. A blog post is an entry of content published on a blog. Blogging
traditionally took the form of an online diary or journal, but has evolved to be a
diverse and dynamic medium that is one aspect of long-form online publishing.
Examples of blogging or publishing platforms you can use include:
Squarespace, Blogger, Wix and WordPress.
Comments. A comment section is a forum-like space that usually
accompanies a piece of content. The space is for people who have viewed the
content to provide feedback or discuss it. YouTube videos, Facebook statuses
and WordPress posts are examples of content that have comment sections.
Message boards/forms. Message boards (also known as forums) provide a
place for conversations to be held in the form of posted messages held in topic-
themed threads. Examples of message boards include Reddit (with news
aggregation), 4chan and Slashdot.
Messaging apps. Messaging apps offer the option of real-time chat over
the Internet with the options of direct messaging (DM) and sharing files like
images, music and more. Because messaging apps are in real-time, it’s important
to think before you post and to understand that nothing truly disappears from the
Internet. Examples of direct messaging platforms include Facebook Messenger,
Telegram, Viber and WhatsApp.
Podcasts. A podcast is an audio recording discussing one or more topics,
usually told as a story. Podcasts are shared via platforms such as Apple
Podcasts, Spotify or Soundcloud so that people can listen to them. Tools that can
help you make a podcast include Audacity for audio editing, and Garage Band
for recording.
Social media. Social media refers to a collection of online platforms that
enable users to connect socially. How this connection occurs varies between
platforms, but can include things like short posts (i.e., tweets on Twitter), sharing
images (i.e., posts on Instagram). The posts you make to social media might
attract a wider audience than any of your other online communication. Examples
of social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Video conferencing. Video conferencing platforms allow you to interact
with others via an Internet-enabled video connection. Examples include Zoom,
and Skype.
Voice over IP (VoIP). VoIP consists of a group of technologies for the
delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over IP networks
such as the Internet.
Websites. A website is a collection of related web pages. Web pages
contain a variety of information including text and multimedia elements. Web
pages are created using technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript which are
interpreted by a web browser.
https://www.uow.edu.au/student/support-services/academic-skills/online-
resources/technology-and-software/common-digital-communication-channels/

Text 5. Language Learning: Why Is Intercultural Communication

Important?

Thanks to fast transportation, global media, and the world wide web, we
are now more connected than ever to other people worldwide.
Working with the international community for economic survival means
countries and cultures can no longer operate in a vacuum. Because of this,
intercultural communication is no longer a choice but a must.
In addition, misunderstandings resulting from a lack of familiarity with
another culture are often embarrassing. Blunders like these can make it difficult,
if not impossible, to reach an agreement with another country or close a business
contract with a foreign partner. For travelers, a faux pas can also make
interactions more awkward. In this article, we’ll be discussing the importance of
intercultural communication.
Intercultural Communication Definition
The capacity to communicate with people from diverse cultures is referred
to as intercultural communication. Interacting effectively across cultural lines
requires perseverance and sensitivity to one another’s differences. This
encompasses language skills, customs, ways of thinking, social norms,
and habits.
There are many ways, in which people all around the world are similar,
yet it is our differences that truly define us. To put it simply, communication is
the exchange of ideas and information between individuals by any means, verbal
or otherwise. Sharing knowledge with others requires familiarity with social
norms, body language, and etiquette.
Having the ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries
is critical for the success of any intercultural or multinational endeavor.
Additionally, it helps improve relationships by facilitating two-way
conversations, which in turn foster mutual understanding between people of
diverse backgrounds.
The Importance of Intercultural Communication
When we investigate the cultural influences on communication, we gain a
deeper understanding of both areas. Additionally, it aids in expanding our
knowledge of who we are as individuals and as a society.
Understanding our communication styles, habits, and tendencies and how
they may serve or work against us when interacting with others from other
cultural backgrounds is a valuable personal benefit of studying
intercultural communication.
When seen in a broader context, intercultural communication can shed
light on a wide range of human experiences, from the process of defining the
workings of the brain to the power of languages in bringing people together.
As the world gets more interconnected, the ability to communicate
successfully across cultural boundaries is becoming more and more vital. Since
we are now able to travel to more places, we are exposed to other cultures and
ways of living.
The ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries is
crucial for the successful collaboration and relationship-building of multiethnic
and international communities. It is also essential for avoiding and resolving
conflicts. If you want to learn about other people and their customs and find
common ground around the world, this is how to do it.
Intercultural Communication Competence
There is a variety of skills that are necessary for effective intercultural
communication. Some of them may be taught, while others are inherent and just
require practice. Let’s take a look at some of the most crucial personal
competencies for intercultural communication, as opposed to just linguistic ones
like speaking, listening, and body language.
 Self-awareness: Recognizing how your personal views, behaviors, and
possible prejudices and stereotypes might affect a conversation is a
massive step in improving your ability to have meaningful interactions
with others.
 Empathy: Intercultural communication relies heavily on empathizing with
others and gaining insight into their experiences.
 Respect: Even if you don’t agree with or appreciate every aspect of
another person’s or group’s culture, you may still respect them by
recognizing their right to do so.
 Emotional intelligence: Learning to pick up on the subtleties of
communication is essential when working with people from other
cultures. Whether you get what is being communicated or not depends on
how well you use your senses, how well you know yourself, and how well
you can empathize with others.
  Adaptability: One of the goals of intercultural communication is to teach
people how to modify their way of speaking to replace ambiguity,
conflict, and antagonism with clarity, harmony, and cooperation. That’s
why it’s important to be adaptable in our thinking, reactions, and
interactions with others, as well as in our speech, listening, and body
language.
 Patience: Effective communication across cultural boundaries doesn’t
happen immediately. That’s why you need to have patience. Don’t rush
through the process of becoming well-versed in best practices; instead,
take your time and make them part of your routine. Due to cultural
differences, it may take more or less time than usual to absorb new
information.
 Positivity: Maintaining an optimistic attitude when interacting with
people of other cultures is crucial. Misunderstandings occur all the time,
and in most cases, it’s not because someone was trying to be deliberately
unclear. Those of us who aren’t well-versed in other cultures often fail to
grasp the intended meaning of a message. This is why it’s essential to look
at every intercultural exchange in a constructive light.
Improving Your Intercultural Communication Skills
Here are some steps you can take to begin improving your intercultural
communication skills:
Acquire Cultural Knowledge
Discovering the world through the lens of other people’s beliefs, values,
and ways of expression is a fascinating and eye-opening experience. Educating
yourself on the fundamentals of intercultural communication, such as language
and gestures, is just as important as expanding your knowledge of the world’s
diverse cultures.
Watch International Shows
To truly immerse oneself in the nuances of a different culture, indulging in
international films in their original language proves far more rewarding than
enduring subpar English dubs. It’s akin to embarking on a sensory journey,
where the cadence of speech, the inflections, and the expressions hold the
essence of the culture itself. Delving into Indian, Turkish, or Chinese cinema
unveils a tapestry of traditions, values, and societal dynamics that might
otherwise remain obscured in translation.
Enhancing this experience can be as simple as grabbing a beverage from
the drinks fridge, settling comfortably, and letting the cinematic journey unfold.
Modern streaming platforms offer a treasure trove of international TV shows
and films, granting viewers a window into distant cultures from the comfort of
their homes.
Speak to People
When you have coworkers or neighbors from other countries, you gain
access to a wealth of undiscovered possibilities. In-depth conversations with
people about their backgrounds and the culture shock they may have felt upon
arriving in your country can yield a great deal of valuable knowledge and
perspective. If they are treated with respect and dignity, people all around the
world are happy to have their voices heard.
Take in What You Hear and See
There is a wide variety of ways to enhance your intercultural
communication competence. Among these are learning when to ask open-ended
questions, stick to yes/no answers, and decide when to use humor. The two most
crucial pieces of advice for improving your communication skills are to listen
attentively and to watch what others do.
Whether you’re a tourist taking a trip overseas, a businessperson
negotiating a merger, or a professor teaching a classroom full of international
students, you need to be aware of the importance of effective
intercultural communication.
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to communicate across cultural
boundaries is more important than ever. It facilitates communication across
linguistic and cultural boundaries, leading to more tolerance, acceptance, and,
ultimately, stronger relationships amongst people of diverse backgrounds.
https://www.middlebury.edu/language-schools/blog/language-learning-why-
intercultural-communication-important

Текст 6. Ефективне спілкування. Стилі спілкування людей.

Засоби комунікації. Розуміння своїх емоцій та емоцій інших людей.
Ефективне спілкування
Люди постійно спілкуються. Спілкування нам потрібне, як повітря.
Завдяки комунікації ми отримуємо інформацію, будуємо стосунки,
демонструємо повагу до іншої людини й дізнаємося, як люди реагують
на наші вислови та поведінку. Саме спілкування дає нам можливість
упливати на інших.
Здатність людини правильно взаємодіяти з навколишніми свідчить
про те, що в неї хороші комунікативні навички. Тобто вона зрозуміло
висловлює свої думки й правильно розуміє думки інших. Якщо завдяки
спілкуванню нам удалося досягти бажаного результату, ми вважаємо
спілкування успішним, ефективним.
Треба враховувати, що успішним спілкування буває лише тоді, коли
ви розумієте інших людей і вони вас теж розуміють. Саме таке спілкування
забезпечує бажаний результат. Від ефективності спілкування залежить
успішність у навчанні, професійній діяльності та інших сферах
нашого життя.
Ефективне спілкування – це таке спілкування, під час якого люди
правильно розуміють співрозмовника / співрозмовницю, сприймають їх
як особистість, поважають їхню гідність і свободу.
 Стилі спілкування людей
Ви, мабуть, звертали увагу на те, що різні люди по-різному поводять
себе в тій чи тій ситуації. Дехто спілкується невпевнено, не намагається
захищати власну точку зору, підкорюється співрозмовникові
або співрозмовниці. Інші, навпаки, поводяться агресивно, наполягають
на власних рішеннях, не враховують інтереси й думки інших.
Є також люди, які вміють відстоювати власну точку зору, проте зважають
на думки й інтереси співрозмовниць / співрозмовників. Така впевнена
поведінка забезпечує ефективне спілкування, дозволяє ввічливо,
але рішуче відмовлятися від небезпечних пропозицій.
Люди обирають свій стиль спілкування, використовуючи різні форми
комунікації при взаємодії з іншими. Стиль спілкування свідчить
про загальний підхід людини до побудови стосунків із її оточенням.
Стиль спілкування – це характерна для людини форма комунікації
з іншими людьми, яка виявляється за будь-яких умов взаємодії.
На вибір стилю спілкування впливають особливості життя
й виховання людини. Своєю чергою, обраний стиль спілкування визначає
здатність людини до ефективного вирішення власних життєвих проблем.
Є стилі спілкування, які допоможуть вам будувати позитивні стосунки
з іншими й вирішувати проблеми, а є й такі, що будуть цьому заважати.
Засоби комунікації
Засоби комунікації – це способи кодування повідомлень. Людство
винайшло достатньо багато таких способів. Але в будь-якому разі
відправникові та одержувачу інформації потрібна спільна мова.
Якщо інформація передається за допомогою слів, то це
має назву «вербальне спілкування». Воно може бути усним, у вигляді
мовлення, і письмовим спілкуванням, тобто за допомогою повідомлень
у письмовій формі.
Комунікація, яка здійснюється без слів за допомогою міміки, жестів,
пози, інтонації, має назву «невербальна комунікація». Спілкуючись, люди
зазвичай об’єднують вербальну і невербальну мову. Невербальна
комунікація має підтверджувати те, про що йдеться, а не суперечити
сказаному. Якщо ви говорите одне, а невербальна мова тіла свідчить
про щось інше, то співрозмовник або співрозмовниця сприйматимуть це,
як лицемірство.
Засоби комунікації бувають нейтральними (наприклад, підтакування
«так-так», «угу-угу»), такими, що заважають ефективній
комунікації (наприклад, ігнорування висловлювань співрозмовника /
співрозмовниці), і такими що допомагають ефективній
комунікації (наприклад, використання фраз «Якщо я вас правильно
зрозумів / зрозуміла, ситуація така…»).
Розуміння своїх емоцій та емоцій інших людей
 Важливо правильно виражати власні емоції. Наприклад, ви когось
хвалите, але емоція виглядає так, нібито ви просто заздрите. Тоді
ви можете отримати такі наслідки спілкування, які вам не сподобаються.
Емоційний інтелект допомагає виявляти власні емоції в такий спосіб, який
є прийнятним для тих, із ким ви спілкуєтеся.
Кожен / кожна з нас має навчитися розуміти власні емоції
й керувати ними. Таке керування може бути пов’язане з умінням стримати
емоцію або швидко врегулювати свій стан після того, як емоція
вже виявилася. Розуміння емоцій допомагає вирішити, як поводитись,
а керування ними – забезпечити правильну поведінку.
Користуючись інтернетом, люди теж виявляють емоції. Вони можуть
бути чимось обурені, можуть писати якісь агресивні тексти. Розвинений
емоційний інтелект допомагає бути ввічливим у мережі. Емоційний
інтелект можна вдосконалювати й розвивати протягом життя.
https://ua.izzi.digital/DOS/760508/1104607.html

Текст 7. Вплив культурних контекстів на міжкультурну комунікацію

З часів середньовіччя поширеним є твердження, що слово поза

контекстом не має значення. У висококонтекстних культурах контекст і
відносини важливіше вербальної форми, вони не так потребують багатьох
слів. В культурах з низьким контекстом повідомлення передається майже
повністю словами і тому має бути точним і недвозначним. Високий і
низький контекст методологічно розглядається як топос, що визначає
складність спілкування. Щоб пояснити, як працює ця концепція, Е. Холл
описує процес комунікації наступним чином. Інформацію, передану від
відправника до одержувача – “А” і інформацію, що зберігається в системі
комунікації – “B” слід розглядати в контексті, пов’язаному із створенням
сенсів. Таким чином, внутрішня інформація, яка використовується для
інтерпретації і розуміння речей – це “В”, а фактичне повідомлення – “A”.
Висококонтекстні культури
покладаються на традиції, тісні міжособисті відносини і встановлені
ієрархії,
і тому мають набагато більше інформації “B”, більше спираються на
невербальну систему в спілкуванні. Низькоконтекстні культури
грунтуються
на гнучкому і мобільному сприйнятті культурних традицій, на
короткострокових відносинах, тим самим вимагаючи набагато більше
інформації “A” [4].
Характеристиками високого контексту є: ситуаційність і релятивність
знання; мала вербалізація і формалізація інформації; висока інтерналізація
повідомлень (наприклад, жартівливі форми); сприяння довгостроковим,
стійким відносинам; рішення і дії фокусуються на особистому контакті,
часто
авторитетному і центральному в соціальній ієрархії; досить жорстка
система
включення/виключення в спільноті; вкоріненість індивіда в
соціокультурній
групі (етнічній, сімейній, професійній тощо); відносини в ній стабільні,
розвиваються повільно, засновані на довірі, суттєво впливають на дії
індивіда; активне використання невербальних елементів в комунікації.
Голос,
вираз обличчя, жести, рух очей несуть значне навантаження в розмові.
Повідомлення вибудовується як точка, навколо якої розміщуються непрямі
висловлювання, прикрашання. Спілкування розглядається як форма
мистецтва, спосіб привернути співрозмовника. “Неписані” правила
вважаються само собою зрозумілими, але незнайомцями можуть бути легко
пропущені.
Низькоконтекстні культури орієнтовані на правила, відкритість і
доступність знань, чіткість їх передачі; коротку тривалість зв’язків.
Спілкування частіше має конкретне завдання, рішення і дії зосереджені на
тому, що необхідно зробити, на цілі, процедурі і розподілу обов’язків.
Межі
кола спілкування визначаються завданням, система включення/виключення
гнучка. Соціальна структура децентралізована; відповідальність
розосереджена між індивідами. Щоб уникнути непорозумінь, надається
довідкова інформація і пояснення.
Ці параметри формують простір комунікації і ставлення до
співрозмовника. Людину з низькоконтекстної культури можуть вважати
неосвіченою, грубою або некомпетентною в культурі з високим
контекстом. Ставлячи багато питань, вона залишає враження, що не
розуміє сенсу без них, створює конфронтацію, не знає, як вписатися в
динаміку групи, не маючи можливості одночасно маніпулювати багатьма
завданнями. Так само людина з висококонтекстної культури може
сприйматися як невиразна, скритна, нездатна дотримуватися планів,
некомпетентна, тому що не спроможна працювати самостійно.
Письменник Емі Тан описував відмінності у культурному спілкуванні
наступним чином. Американський бізнесмен пропонує: “Давайте укладемо
угоду”. Китайський менеджер може відповісти: “Ваш син цікавиться
Вашими бізнес-планами?” Кожен іде до своєї власної цілі своїм
лінгвістичним
шляхом. Співпраця людей з висококонтекстної і низькоконтекстної культур
може мати труднощі, які розміщені у наступних проблемних полях:
розбіжності у відношенні напряму комунікації, кількості (кількість
інформації, що експліцитно виражена в повідомленні) і якості. Наприклад,
представники висококонтекстної культури (Китаю, Саудівської Аравії)
поширюють більше інформації на коло “членів групи” – сім’ю, друзів і
співробітників. Члени низькоконтекстної культури (США, Німеччини)
віддають перевагу обмеженому спілкуванню у менших, обраних групах і
діляться тільки необхідною інформацією.
Висококонтекстні культури більш уразливі для комунікаційних збоїв,
коли вони передбачають більш загальне, широке розуміння, ніж є
насправді. З іншого боку, їх схильність до непрямих методів спілкування
відповідає викликам епохи різноманітності. Низькоконтекстні культури
менше здатні терпіти і розуміти різноманітність, а тому, як правило, їх
представники більш ізольовані. Очевидність їх пояснень часто може
викликати здивування, недомисл, образу. Французи можуть відчути, що
німці недооцінюють їх інтелект, пояснюючи зрозумілі, безперечні речі, в
той час як німці можуть відчути, що французькі менеджери не задають
ніякого напряму.
Адаптовано
стаття Марини Колінько
https://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/bitstream-download/123456789/82951/1/
Kolinko_wpr_13_2018.pdf