ESL Basics

As you probably know, language and culture are often two sides of the same coin. Language influences culture and culture influences language. One cultural difference that the ESL/EFL teacher should pay close attention to is the difference between direct and indirect communication. Because the culture we are raised in often shapes how we relate to others, we can assume that communication will differ based on the corner of the globe that an individual is from. Direct communicators place a high value on time and efficiency, so short, seemingly terse answers are considered polite. On the other hand, indirect communicators value friendship and politeness, so they often frame what they mean in a greater context. Direct communicators are the kind of people who answer "yes" when they mean "yes" and "no" when they mean "no". Indirect communicators generally avoid yes-no questions, and would rather appease the speaker than give a direct answer.

This is why it may be misleading if you ask an intensely-indirect communicator for directions. In some cases, the indirect individual may give directions even if they don't know the location of the destination. They would rather pretend to know the way instead of hurt the other's feelings. Direct communicators should be aware of this tendency for some cultures and personalities, and therefore try not to ask questions that have a right or wrong answer. Direct communicators can offend indirect communicators as well by skipping over niceties and jumping to the main point. Indirect communicators could find a direct communicator to be quite rude if they walk into a department store and simply state, "I need a frying pan." Indirect communicators should try and recognize this cultural and personal identity and try not to be offended by the brevity of conversations.

Having been raised near Chicago, I come from a long line of direct communicators. So, when I moved to Kentucky in 1999, I found myself surrounded by some of the most friendly individuals I had ever met. What I have found over the years is that much of this perceived friendliness is simply the art of indirect communication. Most of the people I meet phrase things in such a way that gives me the option to make a decision. They may have a strong opinion on the matter, but they would rather build a friendship with me than "push" their opinion on me.