integration and cultural observation
North American Culture
Is this a high-contact or low-contact culture? This is a low-contact culture. Will there be a language barrier issue? If so, what are the pros and cons of using an interpreter? There will not be a language barrier issues. Will there be a physical barrier issue? The only foreseeable physical barrier issue includes but is not limited to deafness, blindness, and dyslexia. What are the differences in nonverbal communication that this culture will exhibit? Differences in nonverbal communication that this culture will exhibit may include facial expressions, hand and arm gestures and posture. Facial expressions in this culture may indicate fear, anger or happiness. However, it may be appropriate for a male of this culture to indicate anger but not fear. The opposite is true for females. They may indicate fear but not anger.1 This may be impacted by the heritage of the interviewee. Example: If the interviewee is an Italian-American you may see an increase of gesturing with the hands, tone may be moderate to loud and the cadence of speech has the possibility of being quicker than that you are accustomed to. Expect an arms length of distance between you and someone of this culture.2 Deception in this culture may be identified after establishing a baseline observation. This may include a brief handshake initially while exchanging pleasantries. After taking note of the characteristics of the handshake (firmness, feel of palm, strength of grip, and odd occurrences such as a pulling or tugging indicating desire to be controlling), sit the interviewee in an area free of distractions. This will allow the interviewer to ask questions and take mental record of how the interviewee reacts. How the interviewee gestures, their tone and inflection, pitch, length of dialogue or lack thereof should all be examined as indicators of deception. It is important to be aware and inquisitive of any medications that are being used or indicators of being under the influence of a controlling substance as this may affect the interviewee’s response or mask certain autonomic nervous system reactions. If you note any of the following items, be sure to note when it began and when it ended –if at all in regards to your questioning: · The person does not appear to be calm or sincere; instead they can be rude, aggressive, or appear to be in a rush.
· They have a sudden change of attitude.
· There is a change in vocal patterns, quality, or intonation of their speech. Also, a lack of expected change can indicate dishonesty.
· Physical changes such as sweating or change in body position. A dishonest person does not want to face you (may even move their chair), will slump, may cross their arms, etc.
· A dishonest person may fidget. Therefore it is important to not allow them to eat, drink, or smoke during the interview. In addition, anything that could distract the person (such as items that can be manipulated—pens, paperclips, etc.) should be removed from the interview room.
· A change in breathing patterns can also indicate deception.
· A dishonest person will either have not enough or too much eye contact.
· A dry mouth, insincere smile, or itchy nose can also indicate dishonesty.
Eye movements can be studied to help determine the presence of deception. In general, looking to the right indicates a person is creating an answer, looking to the left indicates they are recalling the answer.4 South American Culture Is this a high-contact or low-contact culture? This is a typically a high-contact culture. Will there be a language barrier issue? If so, what are the pros and cons of using an interpreter? There is a possibility of a language barrier issue if the interviewer does not speak Spanish or if the Spanish that is being spoken is not readily understandable as there are various dialects of this language. An interpreter may be used if the interviewer does not have a working knowledge of this language or requests one because of the dialect. The pros of utilizing the skills of an interpreter include: 1. Creating an environment where communication and progress is not hindered by lack of understanding.
2. It allows the interviewer to be relieved of the duty of both translating and interviewing especially if the questioning is intense.
3. It allows the interviewee to be afforded courtesy and respect by recognizing where there is a chance to provide excellent service and allow a professional come to their aid and offer their knowledge of both languages.
The cons of utilizing an interpreter include: 1. Being at the mercy of another individual to remain open-minded and unbiased while performing their professional duties of translating.
2. The interview will not be timely.
3. It is imperative that the interpreter is knowledgeable of customs of the culture that they are translating for as to not offend the interviewee with their ignorance.
Will there be a physical barrier issue? The only foreseeable physical barrier issue includes but is not limited to deafness, blindness and dyslexia. What are the differences in nonverbal communication that this culture will exhibit? Differences in nonverbal communication that this culture (Example: Customs of an Argentine) will exhibit are a closeness while speaking, briefly touching during conversation. Shaking hands is common initially; however the pleasantries exchanged may a brief kiss regardless of gender. Hand and arm gestures are commonly used. Expect a distance of less than an arms length between yourself and someone of this culture.3 Beware of facial expressions indicating emotion as this is an emotionally intense culture. It is acceptable to show expressions.3 Deception in this culture may be identified after establishing a baseline observation. This may include a handshake initially while exchanging pleasantries. After taking note of the characteristics of the handshake (firmness, feel of palm, strength of grip, and odd occurrences such as a pulling or tugging indicating desire to be controlling), sit the interviewee in an area free of distractions. This will allow the interviewer to ask questions and take mental record of how the interviewee reacts. How the interviewee gestures, their tone and inflection, pitch, length of dialogue or lack thereof should all be examined as indicators of deception. It is important to be aware and inquisitive of any medications that are being used or indicators of being under the influence of a controlling substance as this may affect the interviewee’s response or mask certain autonomic nervous system reactions. If you note any of the following items, be sure to note when it began and when it ended –if at all in regards to your questioning: · The person does not appear to be calm or sincere; instead they can be rude, aggressive, or appear to be in a rush.
· They have a sudden change of attitude.
· There is a change in vocal patterns, quality, or intonation of their speech.
· Also, a lack of expected change can indicate dishonesty.
· Physical changes such as sweating or change in body position. A dishonest person does not want to face you (may even move their chair), will slump, may cross their arms, etc.
· A dishonest person may fidget. Therefore it is important to not allow them to eat, drink, or smoke during the interview. In addition, anything that could distract the person (such as items that can be manipulated—pens, paperclips, etc.) should be removed from the interview room.
· A change in breathing patterns can also indicate deception.
· A dishonest person will either have not enough or too much eye contact.
· A dry mouth, insincere smile, or itchy nose can also indicate dishonesty.
· Eye movements can be studied to help determine the presence of deception. In general, looking to the right indicates a person is creating an answer, looking to the left indicates they are recalling the answer.4
Footnotes: 1. http://www.beyondintractability.org/m/cross-cultural_communication.jsp2. http://web.ask.com3. http://executiveplanet.com4. Tactical Communications by Dr. Julie Brown
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