Question

What are the similarities and differences between how people communicate in American culture versus communication in Fiji? Discuss how you will avoid the major challenges you may encounter when communicating with people from that culture.

Answer 1

Ques What are the similarities and differences between how people communicate in American culture versus communication in Fiji? Discuss how you will avoid the major challenges you may encounter when communicating with people from that culture.

Similarities

1. Both people from Fiji and America don't prefer physical contact while interaction. Touching the opposite gender, especially a stranger can be inappropriate in both cultures.

2. Apart from that in rural communities, people often say a word of greeting to every person they pass. The same is seen in American culture by greeting strangers with a smile.

3. Gifts giving is present in both the culture. This is a good gesture in both cultures to bring something when you visit someone's home.

4. Eye contact in both cultures should be maintained directly. It demonstrates warmth, openness.

5. English is spoken in both countries, the proportion may differ but it is an official language in Fiji

Difference

Well differences between the two cultures are many

1. Fiji has three official languages, English, iTaukei, and Hindi while America usually speaks English, Spanish and lesser extent of French

2. Swearing is not common in Fiji but it's not so in America

3. Fijians speak at a softer volume, with a calm tone. Rarely anyone would raise the voice when they are emotional but Americans may speak at higher volumes at times but it's not generally appreciated.

4. One's feet should not be pointed at the chief or authority which is peculiar to Fiji and not done in America.

5. Patting anyone on the head is not appropriate in Fiji even when that person is a friend or a kid. In America, although it is not appreciated but can be done amongst friends.

6. In Fiji, people may not shake hands with people who are of different status(in age, gender, social status) but it's common in American culture.

7. During the first interaction, many details about personal life and status can be asked by Fijians while Americans try to maintain a distance and not delve much in other's privacy.

How to Avoid major challenges

A person should be well aware of the culture she is visiting. It would help to understand people's behavior and any unexpected gesture that may come along.

Like if an American is visiting Fiji she should know that it may take time before her order comes to the table. Shouting or showing emotions out loud may not be acceptable. Other than that if a person is trying to know more, it does not mean he is demeaning. It is just culture. The person may also have to follow certain protocol while visiting the chief of village or other authorities

While on the other hand if a Fijian travels to America, he should know that Americans prefer their space and may not like someone asking too many questions about their life. They may get irritated and voice their opinion assertively at times. People would be in hurry and expect you to be as well.

But people from both countries can carry gifts when visiting someone from a different culture.

These suggestions along with many more pointed above should be taken in consideration before planning a trip to another country or culture

Hope this helps. Do reach out for further queries

All the best!!