Cultures are “templates for living”. Human nature is universal but cultures are able to tell us who we are, what group we belong to and how we live our lives. The group of people whom we mix with is able to tell us our culture, so are toilets, I mean, toilet signs.

 

Imagine these signs hanging at the doors of the toilets in Singapore. Would you enter? Or would you think it is just a joke? The first pair represents a LOW CONTEXT CULTURE because there are words to indicate clearly that the one on the left is for men while the one on the right is for women. The second pair represents a HIGH CONTEXT CULTURE because we are expected to differentiate between the gents and ladies, just by looking at the pictures. When people from all over the world visit these countries and see these signs, CULTURAL BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION will most probably occur if they do not have an open mind. First, there will be the perception or interpretation of reality where people form their own personal opinions of other cultures and assume that everyone in that particular country has that kind of mindset. Second, there will be goal-oriented behaviours where people expect others to conform to their culture. For instance, if you are from a very conservative culture and you see the following signs, you will probably find them very offensive. On the other hand, if you are very open-minded or rather expose to other culture, either through travelling or reading, then you would not think they are offensive or a cultural shock but rather creative and special. Third, there will be images or sense of self and language or message making. If all these all not well-explained, misunderstandings will take place due to misinterpretations. 

Communication is symbolic, but are all these signs appropriate and adequate to bring across a simple message? Perhaps to many, they do, but to a minority, they may not have much effect. Symbols vary from culture to culture, as shown by the various toilets signs. Therefore, a person’s perception and interpretation of the signs are ultimately based on his or her culture.

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)