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sui jin
Joined: 08 Feb 2008
Posts: 184
Location: near the yangtze
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 Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:23 am Post subject: |
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I think 'efficient communication' is already a culturally-loaded concept; we westerners expect information, getting the facts straight, knowing what's what..... Asian people often seem to use communication to build and maintain relationships.
I sometimes get asked to do things , or invited out, and the key information (who , where , what, for how long etc. ) is almost always missing.
For example, I and another foreign teacher were invited to a local scenic spot on a recent holiday by a (Chinese) English teacher; I assumed it would be her and some friends , but it turned out to be a quite a large group of young children who wanted to practice their English songs, recitations etc in front of us ... it was OK but just not what I had expected.
On the shopping thing, I often get very blunt responses: "do you have it in a larger size?" "meiyou" (no)......... not even a "bu hao yisi"(sorry) |
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KayuJati
Joined: 21 Feb 2010
Posts: 313
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| Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2011 12:28 am Post subject: |
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| sui jin wrote: |
I think 'efficient communication' is already a culturally-loaded concept; we westerners expect information, getting the facts straight, knowing what's what..... Asian people often seem to use communication to build and maintain relationships.
I sometimes get asked to do things , or invited out, and the key information (who , where , what, for how long etc. ) is almost always missing. |
Good points. In Malaysia, meetings and events are more about being together, in community (and getting along in harmony) than about what should take place. Many staff meetings accomplish nothing other than that everyone got along well and felt good about themselves and the group.
I have learned that meetings start only after the very important people show up. So, if the event is scheduled for 8 p.m., that means that the VIPs will show up around 8:45 p.m. We little people are expected to arrive somewhere between those two times and BE IN PLACE by the time the VIPs make their entrance. It doesn't matter if it is an event with thousands in attendance, or 10.
Another interesting feature of these meetings is that everyone listens intently for the 15-minute introduction of the VIPs which is MOST important. The MC has to get their names and titles correct AND in the correct order of importance. Everyone listens to make sure he or she gets it right. Afterwards, when the speakers start their talks, people turn and chit chat with their neighbors, loudly, not listening to the speeches. No one (not even the speakers) seem bothered by this. I took this to mean that the protocol of recognising WHO is important is more important than anything else. Form over substance, as we say.
Yes, it leads to "harmony" all around, but you don't see too much innovation occurring since harmony is more important than personal initiative. |
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