1. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/fch/sites/default/files/documents/fcd06-07_multicultural_miscommunication_teacher_guide.pdf
http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/education/multi_new/activities/awarenessquiz_key.html
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/quiz/gestures.php

2. YOU ARE CONDUCTING A 4-H CLUB MEETING FOR A
GROUP OF CHILDREN THAT INCLUDES SEVERAL NATIVE
AMERICANS. YOU TELL EVERYONE TO LISTEN BUT ONE
MEMBER WILL NOT LOOK UP AT YOU. YOU DON‟T THINK
HE IS PAYING ATTENTION. IS HE? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Native Americans and some Asian and Latin American groups
show their
respect for an older person or someone in a position of authority
by not
making direct eye contact with them.

3. DRIVING IN TEXAS, YOU PASS A GROUP OF
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO RAISE THEIR ARMS AND
AIM “HORNS,” THEIR FIST WITH POINTER
FINGER AND PINKIE FINGER, RAISED AT YOU.
WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO TELL YOU?
They are Texas Longhorns fans.

4. WHEN PRESENTING TO A JAPANESE
AUDIENCE, EXPECT SEVERAL INTERRUPTIONS
BECAUSE THEY WILL WANT TO DISCUSS ALL
THE DETAILS.
TRUE
FALSE
False. Unlike American presentations, which may serve to
stimulate
discussions, their primary role in Japan is to communicate
information.
Japanese audiences rarely interrupt a speaker, and Japanese
presenters
usually prefer not to be interrupted, so it’s best to leave questions
to the end
of the presentation.

5. WHEN AN ARAB BRINGS THE TIPS OF ALL
FINGERS AND THUMB TOGETHER AND BOBS
THE HAND UP AND DOWN, THIS MEANS…
A. CALM DOWN
B. HURRY UP
C. GET LOST
D. NONE OF THE ABOVE
A

6. NEGOTIATIONS IN CHINA ARE BEST
CONDUCTED ON A ONE-ON-ONE BASIS, SINCE
PEOPLE GENERALLY PREFER GETTING TO
KNOW YOU WELL.
TRUE
FALSE
False. The Chinese prefer to conduct negotiations in teams where
each
person has a clearly defined role. It is advisable to assemble a
negotiations
team on your side, too. Your Chinese negotiations partners will
strive to get
to know each member of your team.

7. THE TWO RICHEST PEOPLE IN THE U.S. OWN
MORE PERSONAL ASSETS THAN:
A. THE 10 POOREST COUNTRIES COMBINED
B. THE 25 POOREST COUNTRIES COMBINED
C. THE 40 POOREST COUNTRIES COMBINED
D. THE 60 POOREST COUNTRIES COMBINED
D

8. IN ITALY, WHEN ONE MAN GESTURES TO
ANOTHER WITH A “HORNS” SIGN, A FIST WITH
POINTER AND PINKIE FINGERS RAISED, WHY
DOES IT MAKE THE SECOND MAN ANGRY?
He is being told his spouse is cheating on him. This is also true in
Romania.

9. YOU ARE INVITED TO DINNER AT A CO-
WORKER‟S HOME. YOU CUT A DOZEN CALLA
LILIES FROM YOUR GARDEN TO TAKE ALONG AS
A GIFT. HOW WILL YOUR HOSTESS RESPOND IF
SHE IS BRITISH, AND WHY?
Calla lilies are reserved for funerals in England. Your hostess may
feel you
do not wish her well by bringing funeral flowers to her. The same is
true for
Norwegians.

10. IN BELARUS, WHEN SOMEONE POKES THEIR
THUMB BETWEEN THEIR FOREFINGER AND
MIDDLE FINGER IT MEANS…
A. YOU HAVE BEEN BEATEN (IN NEGOTIATIONS)
B. YOU WILL GET NOTHING
C. GO AWAY
B

11. DURING A BREAK FOR A MEETING BETWEEN YOU AND
A GROUP OF SAUDIS, YOU WALK INTO THE MEN‟S
ROOM TO FIND A FEW OF THEM WASHING THEIR FEET
IN THE SINK. YOU THINK:
A. THEY MUST HAVE HAD SMELLY FEET
B. THEY ARE SIMPLY FRESHENING THEMSELVES UP
C. THEY ARE PREPARING TO READ THEIR PRAYERS
C

12. WHILE GUIDING VISITING FOREIGN EXCHANGE
STUDENTS THROUGH THE AIRPORT ON YOUR
ARRIVAL IN JAPAN YOU TRY OUT THE JAPANESE
YOU HAVE PRACTICED, ASKING AN ATTENDANT
WHERE THE BATHROOMS ARE. HE DOESN‟T
LOOK AT YOUR FACE, BUT PUTS OUT HIS
HAND, PALM OPEN. SHOULD YOU PUT A TIP IN
HIS HAND?
No. He is pointing the way, not asking for a tip. Pointing with a
single finger
Is considered disrespectful in Japan. He does not make eye
contact
because Japanese do not consider direct eye contact to be
respectful.

13. WHILE IN SOUTH KOREA, YOU PRESENT A GIFT TO A
NEW CLIENT TO THANK HIM FOR HIS HOSPITALITY
AND TO CEMENT YOUR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP.
HE/SHE REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE GIFT. YOU SHOULD:
A. APOLOGIZE FOR OFFENDING HIM/HER
B. INSIST HE/SHE TAKES IT UNTIL IT IS ACCEPTED
C. OFFER IT TO SOMEONE ELSE FROM HIS/HER
COMPANY
B

14. SPANISH NEGOTIATORS RARELY
COMPROMISE, SO A TIT-FOR-TAT STRATEGY OF
OFFERING SOME CONCESSIONS AND
EXPECTING RECIPROCITY WILL NOT WORK
WELL.
TRUE
FALSE
False. Like most people in Mediterranean Europe, Spaniards
negotiate
intensely but with a win-win attitude. Like in the U.S., they are
prepared to
give up something in order to gain something else.

15. THERE ARE 3 OF YOU INTERVIEWING AN AFGHANI MAN
FOR A POSITION IN YOUR COMPANY. OF THE
INTERVIEWERS, 2 OF YOU ARE WOMEN. THE
INTERVIEWEE ONLY GIVES EYE CONTACT TO THE MAN
AND NEVER TO THE WOMEN. THIS IS BECAUSE:
A. HE IS NERVOUS AROUND WOMEN
B. HE IS SHOWING RESPECT
C. HE SEES WOMEN AS 2ND-CLASS CITIZENS
B

16. FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON PUNCTUATED
HIS WORDS IN A SPEECH TO AN AUDIENCE IN
CENTRAL AMERICA BY PUNCHING HIS FIST IN
THE AIR. SHOWING BETWEEN HIS FINGERS
WAS THE TIP OF HIS THUMB. HIS SPEECH
MEANT TO BE SUPPORTIVE AND
ENCOURAGING, STIRRED GREAT ANGER IN HIS
AUDIENCE. WHY
The gesture is very insulting in Central America, most often used
by one
man to another to question their masculinity.

17. GIVE TWO MEANINGS OR USES OF RAISING
YOUR POINTER AND MIDDLE FINGERS.
• From the 1970’s: Peace, or opposition to war.
• World War II, Winston Churchill became famous for his
“Victory” gesture.
• Richard Nixon departing his presidency: his signature gesture
to stir the crowd that started with his victory in the presidential
election.
• Basketball referee: indicating a goal worth two points.
• Rabbit ears: A joke for youth today, a gesture of
disrespect, most often seen in photos.

18. TO INDICATE SOMEONE IS STINGY, THE DUTCH
WOULD…
A. SLAP THEIR ELBOW
B. GUIDE THE FOREFINGER DOWN THE NOSE
C. MAKE A FIST
B

19. IN BRAZIL, PURPLE IS THE COLOR OF:
A. DEATH.
B. WEDDINGS.
C. BABY DAUGHTERS
A. Death. Purple flowers are reserved for funerals

20. THE „OK‟ GESTURE MEANS WHAT IN JAPAN?
A. SLOW DOWN
B. MONEY
B

21. ACCORDING TO A BUSINESS WEEK STUDY OF 3,664
BUSINESS SCHOOL GRADUATES, HOW MUCH MORE, ON
AVG., DOES A MAN W AN MBA FROM ONE OF THE TOP
20 BUSINESS SCHOOLS IN THE U.S. MAKE DURING THE
1ST YR. AFTER GRADUATION THAN A WOMAN IN THE
SAME SITUATION?
A. ABOUT $1,500 MORE
B. ABOUT #3,000 MORE
C. ABOUT $6,500 MORE
D. ABOUT $10,000 MORE
C

22. A POTENTIAL MEXICAN CLIENT ARRIVES 45 MINUTES
LATE FOR A BUSINESS MEETING. HE/SHE:
A. HAS ARRIVED LATE ON PURPOSE TO SHOW THAT
THEY ARE THE PARTY IN THE DRIVING SEAT
B. HAS SIMPLY ARRIVED LATE AS PUNCTUALITY IS
TAKEN LIGHTLY IN MEXICO
C. HAS ARRIVED LATE TO LET YOU ENJOY YOUR
SURROUNDINGS BEFORE DISCUSSING BUSINESS
B

23. AS THE FRENCH ARE PROUD OF THEIR
LIFESTYLES, DON‟T BE SURPRISED IF SOMEONE
QUICKLY INVITED YOU TO HIS OR HER HOME.
THEY LOVE „SHOWING OFF‟ A LITTLE.
TRUE
FALSE
False. While the French indeed show a substantial amount of pride
in their
way of life, people will rarely invited anyone but their closest
friends to the
privacy of their homes. Consider it a strong show of respect and
sympathy if
you receive such an invitation.

24. WHICH OF THESE THINGS IS NOT TRUE ABOUT BRAZIL:
A. IT HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION OF JAPANESE
RESIDENTS OUTSIDE OF JAPAN.
B. IT IS HOME TO MORE LEBANESE THAT LEBANON.
C. IT IS HOME TO MORE ITALIANS THAN VENICE, ITALY.
D. IT IS HOME TO MORE INDIANS, FROM THE COUNTRY
OF INDIA, THAN ENGLAND.
D

25. WHEN A POLE FLICKS THEIR FINGER AGAINST
THE NECK IT MEANS…
A. YOU‟RE DEAD
B. JOIN ME FOR A DRINK
C. DON‟T TEST MY PATIENCE
B

26. HAS THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA DESIGNATED AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
FOR THIS COUNTRY? IF SO, WHAT IS IT?
There is no designated language

27. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE WORLD
POPULATION REGULARLY ACCESSES THE
INTERNET?
A. 2%
B. 15%
C. 29%
D. 52%
A

28. IN HONDURAS, A FINGER PLACED BELOW THE
EYE MEANS…
A. I‟M WATCHING YOU
B. I DISAGREE
C. BE CAREFUL
C

29. IN CHINA, IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE TEA, HOW
DO YOU INDICATE THIS TO THE WAITER?
Turn your teacup upside down.

30. YOU ARE MAKING A PROPOSAL TO A GROUP OF
JAPANESE EXECUTIVES WHEN YOU NOTICE A FEW OF
THEM SAT WITH THEIR ARMS FOLDED AND EYES
CLOSED. THEY ARE:
A. LISTENING INTENTLY
B. TIRED AND CATCHING UP ON SOME SLEEP
C. PRETENDING TO BE ASLEEP TO SHOW YOU THAT
THEY THINK YOUR PRESENTATION IS POOR
A

31. IN GERMANY, EVEN IF A BOSS IS WRONG ON
AN ISSUE, PEOPLE WILL HESITATE TO SPEAK
UP, BECAUSE GERMANS TEND TO BE OBEDIENT.
TRUE
FALSE
False. Most Germans strongly value order and structure, but they
are also
fairly individualistic and egalitarian. In Germany, a boss authority
lies in his
or her role, not in the person, so while employees will normally
show
respect, they may still let the boss know where he/she is off.

32. IN JAMAICA, WHEN A STUDENT IN A
CLASSROOM SNAPS THEIR FINGERS, WHAT
ARE THEY TELLING THE TEACHER?
They know the answer.

33. THE U.S. MILITARY BUDGET IS BY FAR THE
HIGHEST OF ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. BY
2003, THE U.S. MILITARY BUDGET WAS
ROUGHLY EQUAL TO THAT OF:
A. THE NEXT 5 COUNTRIES COMBINED
B. THE NEXT 10 COUNTRIES COMBINED
C. THE NEXT 15 COUNTRIES COMBINED
D. THE NEXT 20 COUNTRIES COMBINED
D

35. THE CO$T OF MISCOMMUNICATION
Hidden Costs
 Time lost due to inefficiency and needless repetitions of a task (re-work)
 Missed Opportunity
 Time and energy to repair ineffective comm.
 Deadlines that slip
 Lost or damaged customer relationships due to unmet expectations
 Loss of productivity and employee retention due to emotional distress
and ineffective reactions, such as gossip, complaining and backbiting
 Waste of resources due to treating technical problem as though it were
a communication misunderstanding and vice versa
www. Contact-zone.com

36. EXAMPLE
Imagine just one misunderstanding that is minor, but significant. Assume
for
example, that a team deliverable was vague and led to misunderstanding
about the
Standard required for successful completion. Assume further, that the
average pay
is $80,000 for 50 weeks/year and 40 hours/week. This values an
individual’s time
at $40/hour.
So…

37. EXAMPLE CONT.
If the misunderstanding is small and is caught and resolved quickly, we
might
assume the following:
• 8 people meet for an hour to discuss and resolve the issue. 8 x
$40/hour = $320
• Follow-up with other key individuals takes 30 minutes each for 4
people. 2 hours x $40 = $80
• Re-work to correct mistake takes 2 hours for 2 people. 4 hours x $40
=$160
The hidden bill is $560 if all goes well. If another
round of discussions and longer re-working is needed, we could easily
see this hidden bill hit $1120+ If this issue affected more people requiring
the
discussion time to double or triple and the re-work time to do the same, a
hidden
bill for lost productivity can reach the tens of thousands for big