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Abstract

Cultural awareness plays an integral role in enhancing communications and general relationships between different persons. This paper explored the cultural differences between the Hispanic population and the Americans. Findings of the interview indicated that there are inherent differences between the modes of communication of the Hispanics and Americans.

Introduction

Communication is a complex feature that constitute of varies aspects related to language, gestures, eye contact and so forth. Lack of cultural awareness greatly undermines communication and understanding between different factions of the society. This can negatively affect harmonic living and compromise the holistic quality of life of the population. According to the interview, the communication differences between the Americans and Latinos are wide and varied.

To begin with, American mode of communications requires that persons use a direct language and say whatever they mean regardless of its implications. In contrast, the Hispanic culture stipulates that communication in such cases needs to be indirect and depending on the various contexts. Thus Hispanics would for instance not relay any upsetting news in a direct manner

With respect to eye contact, American culture prefers direct eye contact on the premise that it implies not only respect but also attention and honesty. However, the Hispanic culture considers direct eye contact to be offensive and disrespectful. Averting of one’s eyes is a sign of respecting the authority or an elderly individual.

Inherent differences are also apparent in greetings. American culture stipulates that a solid handshake is ideal. In contrast, the Hispanic culture considers this a sign of superficial relationships. As such, it recommends a hug, gentler handshake or kissing one on the cheek. In this regard, it is certain that the later values close relationships. Also inherent is trust upon which close relationships are established.

With respect to formal address, the American culture uses the informal ‘you’ in virtually all types of relationships. The Hispanic culture on the other hand stipulates that he informal ‘you’ as well as a familiar ‘you’ be employed in certain relationships. Thus addressing particular persons with an informal ‘you’ in certain instances is considered to be offensive and therefore unacceptable.

There are also differences in how the two cultures perceive tie and therefore employ it in communication. The Americans conceive time to be finite as well as limited. As a result, they stipulate that conversations need to be employed in such a way that they do not affect an individual’s schedule and deadline. In contrast, the Hispanics consider time to be expansive and relative. Thus they believe that human needs are more vital and deadlines can be altered.

The two cultures also perceive personal space differently. American culture considers the arms length to be polite and therefore preferable. This is unlike the Hispanic culture that is often comfortable with closeness that is more of an arms length. Likewise, this implies that the later values closeness as compared to the former that finds it intrusive of one’s privacy.

Conclusion

Certainly, there are cultural differences between the Americans and Hispanics with regards to communication. Understanding these dynamics is important as it eases tension and enhances harmonic living. This interview established that differences exist along the lines of perception of time, formal address, greetings, personal space and use of language.