Browsing by Subject "International Relations"

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    The Lens Inverts the Image: How Cultural Differences beyond Language Affect Dialog between the US and Iran
    (2012-05-30) DeKay, Cynthia
    Communication through non-semantic and non-verbal means varies across cultures as much as vocabulary and grammar. Cultural misunderstanding has fueled conflict between the US and Iran in the recent past – conflict that was exacerbated by a political ideology that placed no importance on culture as a factor in international relations. At present, political relations between the US and Iran are hostile and there is talk of war. During such a critical period, effective communication between the two nations is essential. While both countries have excellent translators, language is only the beginning of cross-cultural communication. In this study I explore some of the most problematic differences in non-verbal and non-semantic communication between the US and Iran and propose action needed to overcome them.