Human Perceptions
Environmental boundaries are the space that we claim and to which we become emotionally attached along with other members of our communities. Territory and identity are interconnected concepts because of the amount of time, effort, emotion, and self-worth that is invested in what we claim as our primary territories. Our home territory or environment immediately surrounding us strongly influences our everyday lives. Further, the people we interact with and the environment define our behavior where the communication occurs.
For example, middle class neighborhoods in Canada or the U.S. are very different from those of Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, and those varied environments strongly influence the behaviors of their inhabitants. Middle class homes in the U.S. are physically separated from neighbors with a fence, gate, yard, or some combination thereof. Within the home, environmental boundaries are exercised through separate bedrooms and bathrooms, and many locks.
In Mexico, however, we see a very different approach to the neighborhood structure. Homes are built and arranged around a central plaza, perhaps with a community center and church. Family members share bedrooms and bathrooms, and there are not many interior locks. Thus, U.S. homes tend to reflect individualistic values while Mexican homes tend to reflect collectivistic values.
Psychological boundaries can be defined as the expectation of space around you in an empty elevator or movie theater. How do you feel when someone sits right next to you on a park bench, when there are many other park benches free? These are examples of psychological space. Crowded conditions in cities such as Hong Kong, Mumbai and Bangkok make it nearly impossible for people to experience privacy ,as we know it in the U.S. Privacy itself can be deemed offensive in some cultures who value a more communal collectivistic way of living. Some languages have nonexistent, or at minimum, very different terms for the expression of privacy, indicating the minimal or different importance this concept plays in the lives of the people sharing this language.
Together, these three types of spatial boundaries are invisible, yet we feel uncomfortable and violated when our boundaries are not respected. Cross culturally this can lead to some discomfort and confusion, it is hard to respect a boundary that you cannot see and are not aware that it is there.
Tips for intercultural flexibility
There are a few things that we can do to increase our intercultural flexibility and move away from intercultural incompetence. These suggestions follow. First, as you observe and identify nonverbal cues, try to be flexible. Remember that your interpretations may not match the intentions of those using the nonverbal cue.Second, go deeper into the meaning of the nonverbal cue. Many intended meanings do not match superficial explanations.
Third, focus on how someone says something rather than what someone says. Cues in voice, or paralanguage, can lend great insight toward how a person feels toward what they are talking about.
Fourth, be adaptive and sensitive to the appropriate nonverbal display rules in a particular situation and cultural community.
Finally, learn to decrease your judgmental tendencies and be more tentative in interpreting the nonverbal cues of others, which may be unfamiliar to you. Following these few tips can help you become more open minded, flexible, and interculturally communication competent.
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