Different Customs Create Barrier in International Communication

            Making Conversation

            In making conversation, we have to know where the people come from because we have different customs. We do not know which one is polite and which one is impolite. We have to think about the topic and start with the general topic.

            In a conversation or "Small talk" they usually talk about such topics, like sports, weather, jobs, or past experiences. Most people do not talk about religion, politics, or personal feelings with strangers. Sex and bodily functions are not discussed. People do not usually talk about the personal lives of their conversation partners. This emotional distance does not mean people dislike you, but personal lives are discussed only with close friends and family.

           

These are the Western culture including America, Canada, England, Holland, and other Western countries. Of course, it would be different in our country. We talk about politics, personal feelings, and also we talk about our personal lives. It is so enjoyable for us. But, it is not for the Western countries. In Indonesia, It means people dislike you if they do not want to talk with you. But in Western countries it does not mean so.

            There are few "ritualistic" exchanges in English, that "How are you?" and "How's it going?" are greetings, not questions about our life. "See you later," or "See you soon," are ways of saying good-bye, not appointments.

            People in the United States are curious. They will ask a lot of questions. Some of their questions may appear ridiculous, uninformed and elementary, but try to be patient in answering them. We may be the first person from our country whom they have met, and they will have very little understanding of our life. Most people are sincerely interested in learning. This custom is different with our country. People in Indonesia are not curious about something. We do not ask a lot of questions. When we have gotten the answer, that is all. Then we end the conversation. This does not happen in the United States.

            Many people believe in the "scientific method" of understanding the world, so they look for facts and evidence when you tell them something new. This may seem odd to students whose cultures emphasize feelings or emotions, but people are not rude if they say, "Show me" or "Prove it". In Indonesia, if we show something new to one of our friends then he/she says “Show me” or “Prove it”, we will feel that he/she is rude and does not trust what we tell them. People in Indonesia will feel hurt if they say something but nobody believe it and they have to show the evidence.

            Loud conversations usually mean people are angry. Most conversations are moderate in volume with few gestures. Do not speak too loudly or too quietly, and keep your hands under control. Maybe if Western people meet Indonesian especially from Batak, he/she will think that the Indonesian is angry because he/she speaks too loudly. But the Indonesian does not mean so. It is Batak’s culture. They always speaks so loudly. They never speak quietly. There must be something wrong if people from Batak speak quietly.