Introduction
The perception of one culture is a reflection of reality through the prism of different concepts which were formed based on individual and collective experiences. Accordingly, communication styles can be seen as an important aspect of cultural heritage, which distinguishes different nations and cultures. It should be noted that some aspects can be unchanged and will always be associated with a particular society, while others are gradually replaced, leaving the old perceptions as stereotypes. In the context of cross-cultural perspective, this paper analyzes Spain in terms of their communication styles and the perceptions of the Spanish society toward work and play.
Style of communication
Contrasting defined communication styles, Spain and accordingly much of Latin America, prefer an attached style of communication with a strong, relational engagement, while also being direct, linear, and abstract in their approach. (“Communication Styles,” 2009) Explaining these characteristic, the attached styles implies that in Spain issues are discussed with feelings and emotions, showing the passion of the speaker, and while the communications can be established in a direct linear way, the emphasis is rather on the general rather than on specifics.
Such characteristics can be seen through the various forms of communication. For example, their passion in their communications can be seen through the differences between Americans and Spaniards in conversations, where the latter are typically loud while talking. (Wattley Ames, 1999, p. 76). The abstractness in communications in Spain can be apparent through their long-windedness, where it takes a lot of time and a lot of words to state their ideas, covering all possible bases and following up on every idea. (Wattley Ames, 1999, p. 77).
Additionally, despite their emotional attachment, Spaniards are less likely to engage in a confrontation, where they generally consider “confrontation impolite.” (Wattley Ames, 1999, p. 78) Finally, a specific aspect of communication in Spain can be related to their forms of greetings, in which they can be considered punctilious in that matter, where Spaniards feel obligated to at least murmur a greeting “whenever entering a space where there are other people.” (Wattley Ames, 1999, p. 76).
Work and play
Regarding work and play, two common words can be associated with Spain, i.e. siesta and fiesta. Nevertheless, the latter can be considered more of a stereotype, in which it is believed that in Spain, people always have a midday pause to rest, and party at night. This is no longer true, or at least is not as true as it seems. Nevertheless, they have a different attitude toward work, comparing for example the American and Spanish attitudes, it can be said that the Spaniards work to live, while Americans live to work. (Wattley Ames, 1999, p. 84) In that regard, this attitude can be reflected through such aspects as not mentioning work when they are not working, not skipping lunchtime, and working extra hours only in the case of a crisis. Generally, the main idea is in a relaxed attitude toward work, separating it from personal life.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that Spain’s specifics, either in communications or work attitude, are more of a reflection of their culture, which in turn was affected by many factors such as history and geographic location. However, some aspects can be seen changed through globalization, in which certain areas are taking a certain global outlook, e.g. business relations. Nevertheless, it can be said that certain aspects will not be changed and will remain specific to Spain and the Spaniards.
References
- Communication Styles. (2009). University of the Pacific.
- Wattley Ames, H. (1999). Spain is different (2nd ed.). Yarmouth, Me.: Intercultural Press.