Module 3 Introduction
MODULE 3 Content:
The what: In this module, you will be introduced to three leading areas of human communication that might be interesting to observe in various countries, across a variety of cultures.
Contracting: what kind of social rules dominate in particular countries and how does it affect communication, especially when one is a foreigner. What to avoid, what to remember.
Stroking – giving and receiving signs of recognition especially using the non-verbal channel of communication. To what extent are the non-verbals similar or different across cultures
Time structuring – how is time managed in various cultures; how people spend their pastime and how work time is organized; how is that communicated?
The why: The aim of this module is to make foreign students, travelers, or business partners aware of social rules that are culture-bound in East European countries and how these rules may affect communication.
The how: analysis of textual material, video materials, questions to ponder on, practical tips to evaluate, references at the end of the material.
The theoretical background for this module is rooted in a psychological theory of human communication - Transactional Analysis by Eric Berne. Although the theory itself has been promoted to fit human communication regardless of one’s culture, in this module, it is going to be illustrated through the prism of cultures represented by East European countries.
You are welcome to compare your own cultural or social rules that govern human communication in your own country. Notice similarities; become aware of differences.
One more thing: our cultural norms and ways of acting need to be understood also through the prism of personality factors that are independent of one’s culture.