I was born and brought up in Dubai, a
city with a diverse population. Even though Arabic is the official language of
Dubai, it was necessary for me to know other languages in order to effectively
communicate with various population groups. Having lived there for eighteen years I understand the importance of communication. I realized that good
communication does not necessarily require one to be fluent in that language;
rather to have the knack to convey the message using the basic knowledge of the
language.
I feel effective
communication extends this definition to receiving accurate information, as
intended by the sender. Effective communication does not only suggest that one needs to be a good speaker; having the ability to listen to others and interpret their communication accurately plays an equally important role. For one to convey his message, grammar, accuracy, and speed must
be kept in mind.
I
came across a humorous example of misinterpretation and ineffective
communication, in an article I read online.
A
lady from Britain travelling to India inquired about WCs in her room(water-closet/restroom).
The person in charge misinterpreted her query, assuming WC stood for Westside
Church. This is the reply she received: ‘Yes Ma’am, there are many WCs in
India. In fact there’s one near my house. I go to there often. My friends and I
decide a time and go to the WC together. So you don’t have to worry about it.
We have many WCs here.’ (on a side note, the woman never visited India).
This
is a clear example for the complications that can arise if messages are not
encoded-decoded well. Sometimes communication barriers or misinterpretations
can arise due to the accent, gestures, presumptions, or tone.
Effective communication is very essential
today, be it interviews or presentations or relationships. Through the wide
range of communication exercises this module offers, I wish to develop these
skill further.
edited: 2nd Sept, 2012.
Hi Shweta =]
ReplyDeleteGood job on your first post!
I liked that you pointed out how good communication skills doesn't just stop at speaking well, but includes being an active listener and practicing good non verbal behavior. This was highlighted during the last class we had when the class members critiqued each of our presentation styles.
I also liked the real life example of the miscommunication; it added a touch of humour to the post!
I hope to learn more about you and your culture in class!
-Gwen
Hey Shweta,
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great post. It was really interesting to know that you think one can be good at communicating even without being fluent in that language. I found your idea interesting when you said one can just convey the message, with just the basic knowledge of a language. Because conventionally we tend to think that vocabulary is an integral part of communication. So there is definitely some food for thought here.
Also, the way you gave a funny example to make your point made your post more appealing. It drives the point home and clearly shows how miscommunication might affect us in our daily lives.
Looking forward to the next post.
-Hasan
Hey Hasan and Gwen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your positive feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
-Shweta
Thanks for your effort in this post, Shweta (and I apologize that it has taken me so long to get to yours!). By reading your first paragraph, I understand that you have a sense of why effective communication is essential. It's also clear that you know what good communication involves. What I don't know from this post is where your specific needs might lie---until the very last paragraph.
ReplyDeleteYou start the short essay by recounting the fact that you grew up in Dubai (which surprises me because I assumed you grew up in India). Actually, I feel like I need more explanation, more concrete detail, to satisfy my curiosity about how that experience has impacted you.
In the same way, I want to learn more about you and your directly stated needs rather than here about a woman who doesn't seem to have a vested interest in India or in its culture (as the joke describes).
Do you see what I'm suggesting?
There are also a few language issues:
1) in that language; rather have the knack ... >>> in that language, rather to have the knack...
2) In the global, dynamic world we live in today, communication is of prime importance. Communication is what makes this world viable. It involves exchange of ideas, thoughts between people through speaking, writing, or body language. >>>
In the global, dynamic world we live in today, communication is of prime importance because it makes this world viable, involving the exchange of ideas through speaking, writing, body language and other forms of communication. (Do you see why this might be more appropriate?)
3) Effective communication does not necessarily mean that one needs to be a good speaker, listening and interpreting also play an equally important role. >>>
Effective communication does not only imply/suggest/mean that one needs to be a good speaker; having the ability to listen to others and interpret their communication accurately plays an equally important role. (Do you see, Shweta, how this sentence embraces your ideas but goes a step further?)
4) to India, inquired ... >>> Why put a comma here? Is it because this is the way you speak, with a break after India? (maybe not)
While I appreciate your hard work with this post, I do look forward to hearing more about your substantial multicultural experience, Shweta, as our term progresses. Feel free to share with us in class!
Hi Shweta,
ReplyDeleteGood job on the first post! It is really interesting to know more about you through this post. As I understand from it, you did use English to communicate in India right? Then if I travel to Dubai, I can easily find people speaking English :D
I totally agreed that communication plays a key role in our life, especially in the globalized world. The example you gave was a nice one, it demonstrated well how miscommunication due to intercultural differences may lead to negative consequences. However, I think it would be more interesting and relevant to your blog post if you give an example from your real life situation :D
Thanks and look forward for your next post! (:
Hi Brad,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the helpful feedback.
I remember mentioning in the first class that I've lived in Dubai for a major part of my life. I visit India every year during term break.
I understand that I should have given a personal take on the topic, rather than a general point of view since it's a blog. Also, the language issues that you pointed out can make the post more concise and clear. Will make the respective changes.
I will definitely keep in mind all these suggestions while writing my next blog post.
Thanks :)
Hey Jung,
ReplyDeleteIn India, I mostly speak in the local language (HIndi). What I tried to imply from my post was that even though English is a global language, everyone does not have a good command over it. This makes it very difficult to communicate at times. In fact in Dubai, due to the diverse cultures and accents it becomes difficult to interact with people at times.
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for your suggestions, will keep them in mind for my next post. :)
I did not know you’re from Dubai!? I guess that’s because I missed the first half un hour in class, when everybody present each other. That’s very interesting. I would like to know more about you and the place you grow up in.
ReplyDeleteI also liked your post and how you got a touch of humor in it, with the example. Keep doing that. It makes me want to read your blog daily! You’ve got really good thoughts about life and communication and made a good discussion about it. Good work Shweta!
Hey Johanna,
DeleteYes, Dubai is the place I've spent most of my life in. Would love to share my experiences!
Thanks for the positive feedback. :)