Being a good communicator has different meanings in different cultures.  In order to communicate effectively across cultures, you need to understand the cultural thought patterns behind the language of communication. These thought patterns influence the way native speakers of a  language will express themselves. It will also influence how they expect to  hear information presented.

When the speaker and the listener have different cultural thought patterns,  there is an increased likelihood for miscommunication and cross cultural conflict. However, by mimicking the communication style of your listener, you are affirming their values in this area.

Below is a  diagram of different cultural thought patterns for different language groups. It should not be taken as an absolute but as a guide for developing cultural competence in cross cultural communication, as both a speaker and a listener.

Kaplan, 1966

English – (includes Germanic languages such as German, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish) Communication is direct, linear and doesn’t digress or go off topic.

Semitic – (for example, Arabic or Hebrew) Thoughts are express in a series of parallel ideas, both positive and negative.  Coordination is valued over subordination.

Oriental – (Languages of Asia) Communication is indirect. A topic is not addressed head on, but is viewed from various perspectives, working around and around the point.

Romance – (Latin-based languages such as French, Italian, Romanian and Spanish)  Communication often digresses. It is fine to introduce extraneous material, which adds to the richness of the communication.

Russian – Like Romance languages, Russian communication is often digressive. The digression may include a series of parallel ideas.