READING 2
Read the text. Choose the correct answer.
WHEN POLITENESS MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS
Imagine an international project meeting.
Maria, from one country, has prepared a detailed proposal.
When she finishes presenting, Kenji responds:
“That may be difficult.”
Maria assumes he means:
“The idea may be challenging, but perhaps we can make it work.”
In reality, Kenji intended the statement to communicate:
“I strongly disagree and do not think we should proceed.”
Neither person is dishonest.
Neither person lacks professional competence.
The misunderstanding comes from different communication conventions.
Some cultures tend to favour relatively direct communication.
People are expected to say clearly what they mean.
A disagreement may sound like:
“I don't agree with this proposal because…”
Other cultures may prefer more indirect communication.
Strong disagreement may be expressed through softer language:
“Perhaps we should consider another option.”
To someone unfamiliar with the convention, this may sound like a minor suggestion rather than significant opposition.
Problems can arise in both directions.
A direct communicator may interpret indirect language as vague, evasive or indecisive.
An indirect communicator may interpret direct language as aggressive, insensitive or disrespectful.
Neither conclusion is automatically correct.
The same applies to feedback.
In some professional environments, managers give criticism very directly.
The expectation is that employees will separate criticism of performance from criticism of the person.
In other contexts, negative feedback may be introduced gradually and combined with positive comments to preserve harmony and avoid embarrassment.
International professionals therefore need to become skilled not only in producing language but in interpreting communicative intent.
They need to ask:
What does this sentence mean in this cultural context?
not simply:
What do these words literally mean?
However, cultural awareness must not become an excuse for stereotyping.
Not every individual from a “direct” culture communicates directly.
Not every individual from an “indirect” culture avoids confrontation.
Professional role, personality, age and organizational culture also influence communication.
The safest approach is therefore a combination of awareness and verification.
When meaning is unclear:
clarify rather than assume.
Grading method: Highest grade