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How can cultural differences and dissimilar value systems lead to communication problems or misunderstandings?

Cultural identity, and the related value system, of any group is based on fundamental principles, which guide worldviews. Worldviews, or ways of interpreting the surrounding world, play a huge role in communication. Fundamental assumptions drive interpersonal interactions, so when these assumptions are different, communication can go haywire.


For example, consider the differences between individualistic cultures (of western countries like the US) and collectivistic cultures (of eastern countries like Japan). In individualistic cultures, people make decisions based on their own self worth and personal goals. The idea in cultures that are self-focused is that, while society is important, it is more important to succeed as an individual. On the other hand, collectivistic cultures tend to value the success of a group over individual success.


What's important to understand is that the responses are very different in their basic assumptions. While a person from an individualistic culture may value and praise a young person charting her own path, a person from a collectivistic culture may be disappointed or offended by this person's decisions.


In conversation, differences like these can become apparent when two or more people feel very differently about an issue. Often, culture is driven by morality, which is very often tied to religion. Consider the difference in value systems between religions.


Whereas Buddhism values peaceful resolution of conflict, Christianity has sometimes been driven by a violent "eye-for-an-eye" mentality. If you ask a person whose culture has been influence by Buddhism how to solve an international dispute, the answer might be very different than that of a person whose culture is influenced by Christianity. In fact, people from different cultures may be appalled by the suggestions of the opposite group. To a Buddhist, a Christian's desire to enter a war to "protect" their country may seem like a poor decision filled with hate. On the other hand, a Christian may see a Buddhist's desire to peacefully resolve a war as a weak response to conflict.


Because cultural identity is so dependent on morality, the fundamental assumptions of people with different backgrounds are likely to disrupt communication on even the most basic of issues.

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