3.3.9—Communication

Communication is the exchange and interpretation of information through verbal, non-verbal and mediated signals. Culture shapes what counts as polite, direct, emotional or trustworthy and how ambiguity is resolved.

Meaning depends on sender, receiver, channel, shared code and context. Translation, power and cultural expectations can create noise, so effective communication often requires checking interpretation rather than assuming a universal signal.

A direct refusal may be respectful in one setting but rude in another. Asking a clarifying question and observing the relationship context can distinguish disagreement from a culturally different politeness strategy.

Communication is not successful merely because a message was sent. Check whether the receiver understood the intended meaning and whether the measure captures the relevant cultural code.