By Moon Cherry K
Communication Beyond Spoken Words
In today’s interconnected world, people from different cultures communicate more frequently than ever before. Whether we are studying abroad, travelling, working in international teams, or joining online events, effective communication is essential. However, communication is not only about the words we speak. Facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, silence, and everyday etiquette also convey powerful messages.
The challenge is that these non-verbal signals do not have universal meanings. A gesture that expresses friendliness in one culture may be considered rude in another. Silence may indicate agreement in one country but discomfort in another. Without cultural awareness, misunderstandings can easily occur. Understanding body language and cultural taboos is therefore an important part of becoming a global citizen.
The Power of Touch, Sight, and Silence
The way we move, look, and hold our silence speaks volumes before we even open our mouths, but these non-verbal cues change dramatically across borders. While a warm hug or a friendly pat on the shoulder signals closeness in Western countries, physical boundaries are much tighter in Asia, where touching someone’s head is considered a major sign of disrespect. Eye contact follows a similar cultural divide: Westerners view looking someone in the eye as a mark of confidence and honesty, whereas many Asian cultures lower their gaze as a sign of humility and respect. Even silence has two faces – seen as awkward or uncertain in places like the US and UK, but valued as a sign of wisdom, deep thought, and respect in China and Japan. Ultimately, mastering these silent signals is just as important as learning the local language.
Direct or Indirect? Different Ways of Expressing Ourselves
Different communication styles can also create challenges when people interact across cultures. Many Western societies tend to value direct communication. People often express their opinions openly and state exactly what they mean.
Meanwhile, many Southeast Asian cultures emphasize harmony, politeness, and preserving relationships. People may avoid direct criticism in order to protect others’ feelings and maintain social balance. A direct speaker may unintentionally appear rude, while an indirect speaker may be misunderstood as vague. Cultural awareness helps us interpret these differences with empathy rather than judgement.
A Lesson from an International Speaking Contest
I personally witnessed this reality during an international online speaking competition organized by our Children’s International English Club. Students from various countries participated, and twelve judges from different cultural backgrounds evaluated their performances. During the final round, an Indonesian girl and a Russian boy received almost identical scores for language ability and content.
However, many judges preferred the Indonesian contestant because she used expressive gestures, maintained eye contact, and demonstrated strong stage presence.
Since it was a public speaking competition, these judges considered performance skills an important part of effective communication. The Russian contestant also spoke fluently and confidently, but used fewer gestures. His teacher explained that excessive movement might be interpreted in their cultural context as nervousness rather than confidence. That experience taught me that expectations vary according to culture and situation. Effective communication often means adapting to different audiences.
Travel Smart: Small Customs, Big Meanings
Travellers can benefit greatly from learning local etiquette before visiting another country.
Canada: Bringing a small gift shows appreciation and good manners.
China: Pointing chopsticks at others is considered impolite and disrespectful.
Japan: Talking loudly on public transport is considered rude because people value quietness and respect for others.
South Korea: Writing a person’s name in red is traditionally associated with death and bad luck.
Thailand: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so touching it is disrespectful.
France: Hosts often carefully choose the food and drinks, so bringing wine may seem inappropriate.
Russia: Even numbers of flowers are linked to funerals, while odd numbers are given for celebrations.
Malaysia: Using the thumb instead of the index finger is considered more polite.
Singapore: Chewing gum is heavily restricted, and littering is fined to maintain cleanliness and public order.
Many Western Countries: Littering is considered irresponsible because people value clean and well-maintained public spaces.
These small details can leave a positive impression and show respect for local traditions.
Myanmar’s Cultural Values
Myanmar also has its own unique customs and values. We respect our elders, greet them politely, and use gentle language in daily interactions. Removing shoes before entering homes, monasteries, temples, and pagodas reflects both cleanliness and respect. Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are generally less common than in some Western societies. We also show respect to monks, teachers, and senior members of the community, who are highly valued in Myanmar culture. Pointing at people with the feet or touching another person’s head is generally considered impolite. In addition, hospitality is an important part of Myanmar society, and guests are often welcomed warmly and offered food or refreshments. These traditions are part of our cultural identity and shape how we interact with others.
Building Bridges Through Cultural Understanding
In a world where international interactions are increasingly common, cultural awareness is no longer optional. Learning another language is important, but understanding another culture is equally valuable.
By recognizing differences in body language, communication styles, and social etiquette, we can avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships. Instead of assuming that our way is the only correct way, we can approach others with curiosity, openness, and respect. After all, effective communication is not simply about speaking. It is about understanding.
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar