Communication Styles in Saudi Arabia, Essay Example

Communication is culturally determined. This means that the culture of a country will dictate the communication style adopted in that country. Saudi Arabia is a country governed by the Islamic culture. It is often said that Saudi Arabia is the cradle land of Islam. Islam or no Islam, the communication style that is adopted in Saudi Arabia falls under what scholars call high context. This means that its’ communication style is quite different from that of the US. This is because the US communication style falls under what scholars call low context communication style.

One of the communication styles that are used in Saudi Arabia is hyperbole. This means that there is a lot of flattery in communication. One is expected to keep praising his partners all the time. Embellishments are valued in communication. This communication style contrasts the American style that values simplicity. This communication style might bring some misunderstanding to the western mind.

Asking overly simple questions is another communication style in Saudi Arabia. This communication style is quite unnerving for westerners. This culture of asking questions seems quite absurd. This is because the question will also be about marital status, personal wealth, religious convictions, moral convictions and convictions of the there after.

Another communication style in Saudi Arabia is that a lot of information is mostly given in non verbal manner. This providing of information through non verbal means is central to communication in Saudi Arabia. The non verbal signs used to convey information include the following. They include gestures, facial expressions, pauses and other nonverbal gestures that are peculiar to this culture, and country. This is in contrast to communication styles in the United States. This is because in the US, There is extensive verbal communication in order to avoid any form of misunderstanding.

Another communication style unique to Saudi Arabia is the fact that most people have reluctance in passing bad news. This means that most people will keep conveying positive feedback even when the situation is negative. This communication style does not sit well with most business people from the west. This is because they think that it is bad for business.

Speaking volubly is another communication style that is unique to Saudi Arabia. People speak forcefully and aggressively in most social and business settings. This is because in the Saudi culture, speaking volubly is taken to be a sign of sincerity. It connotes honestry.This means that business meetings are filled with loud voices. One can mistakenly think that the meeting is rowdy, or that there is fighting.

Saudi Arabia communication deliberately employs strong emotion. Communication in Saudi Arabia is emotive. This is in contrast to western communication that is flat and avoids s emotionalism in communication. Another communication style in Saudi Arabia is that communication in that country takes the indirect route. Communication is not straight forward. It is circumspect. It leaves to the listener the task of understanding the conversation.

All in all, the communication style of Saudi Arabia is quite different from that of the western culture. This fact should always remembered by people communicating with Saudi Arabians. This way, relations will be maintained. All doing communication with Saudi Arabia should remember that their communication style is different from our communication style.