Culture influence comunication styles. Although this point may seem obvious, cultural styles can and do create misunderstandings in conversations among people from different cultures.
For example, consider the following conversation between an Italian and an American. The Italian made a strong political statement with which he knew this his American friend would disagree. The Italian wanted to involve The American in a lively discussion. The American rather than openly disagreeing, said, “ Well, everyone is entitled to an opinion. I accept that your opinion is different than mine.” The Italian responded . “ That’s all you have to say about it?” In general, the American did not enjoy verbal conflicts over politics or anything else. The Italian actually became angry when the American refused to get involved in the discussion. He later explained to the American, “ A conversation isn’t fun unless it become heated.”
What does this example say about culture and its influence on communication ? Surely, there are many Americans who do get involved in verbal conflicts over politics , just as there are some Italians who would not become involved. However , the above conversation represents types of communication pattern that are related to cultural differences.