Understanding Cultural Cues: Communicating Across Cultures

Book excerpt: The Importance of Cultural Cues in Communication In our increasingly globalized world, understanding cultural cues has never been more critical. But what exactly are cultural cues, and why do they matter so much? Imagine you're at a business meeting in Japan, and you hand over your business card with one hand, barely making eye contact. To you, this might seem perfectly respectful and efficient, but to your Japanese counterparts, it could be perceived as dismissive and unprofessional. This small misstep underscores the importance of understanding and respecting cultural nuances.