- Identify and interpret TWO methods of verbal communication pertinent to your selected country.
Verbal communication is second in importance to non-verbal communication in the high context society of Cambodia. While spoken words are important to achieving a relationship with a person, learning something new or exchanging information, it is crucial to understand body language, clothing and other aspects that make up effective communication in Cambodia. Nonetheless, effective communication in Cambodia must be performed through adhering to verbal cues of communication.
Using a soft pitched and non-tonal voice is expected in Cambodian society, as this is seen as a polite and proper way to interact with someone. While keeping a non-tonal voice, becoming loud and angry cannot become an issue or be made aware to the public, as self-control, including from personal anger, is highly valued and thus respected. Those who do raise their voice in front of Khmer people will be disrespected and thus all methods of communication will be difficult to form again, as once a judgement is put in place in Cambodia, Khmer people are unlikely to let it go.
Direct questions are not to be asked, as this is rude and will generate a disclosed response that will not benefit a further relationship or conversation with a Khmer person. While in the Western world it is important for us to know detailed pieces of information about people, even simple things such as a persons age and where they grew up, in Cambodia this is considered inappropriate, especially before you have a steady relationship with someone. Khmer people are known to be quite conservative, especially about their personal history as their family, lives and culture are so sacred and damaged after the Pol Pot Regime, that asking questions about their history are met with hostility and sometimes, sadness. It is much more appropriate when communicating with locals in Cambodia to ask simple questions such as 'What would you like to drink?' rather than 'Do you have children?' Always be wary of what you say, as Khmer people will be wary around Westerners as they will try very hard to present themselves as respectable to you. They will expect you to respect them in the same way they respect you.
As respect is key in Khmer society, understanding the verbal communication tools of pitch and tone of voice, as well as appropriate questioning, is vital in creating and transferring an appropriate and useful message to another person in Cambodia.
Verbal communication is second in importance to non-verbal communication in the high context society of Cambodia. While spoken words are important to achieving a relationship with a person, learning something new or exchanging information, it is crucial to understand body language, clothing and other aspects that make up effective communication in Cambodia. Nonetheless, effective communication in Cambodia must be performed through adhering to verbal cues of communication.
Using a soft pitched and non-tonal voice is expected in Cambodian society, as this is seen as a polite and proper way to interact with someone. While keeping a non-tonal voice, becoming loud and angry cannot become an issue or be made aware to the public, as self-control, including from personal anger, is highly valued and thus respected. Those who do raise their voice in front of Khmer people will be disrespected and thus all methods of communication will be difficult to form again, as once a judgement is put in place in Cambodia, Khmer people are unlikely to let it go.
Direct questions are not to be asked, as this is rude and will generate a disclosed response that will not benefit a further relationship or conversation with a Khmer person. While in the Western world it is important for us to know detailed pieces of information about people, even simple things such as a persons age and where they grew up, in Cambodia this is considered inappropriate, especially before you have a steady relationship with someone. Khmer people are known to be quite conservative, especially about their personal history as their family, lives and culture are so sacred and damaged after the Pol Pot Regime, that asking questions about their history are met with hostility and sometimes, sadness. It is much more appropriate when communicating with locals in Cambodia to ask simple questions such as 'What would you like to drink?' rather than 'Do you have children?' Always be wary of what you say, as Khmer people will be wary around Westerners as they will try very hard to present themselves as respectable to you. They will expect you to respect them in the same way they respect you.
As respect is key in Khmer society, understanding the verbal communication tools of pitch and tone of voice, as well as appropriate questioning, is vital in creating and transferring an appropriate and useful message to another person in Cambodia.