The British & Indirect Cultures
To cultures as direct as the British, the relative indirectness of many other cultures is often misunderstood. This typically means that the British either do not understand half of what was meant, or that they simply get the wrong message.
The following two examples are typical for how the British misinterpret less direct cultures.
Misinterpretation: Indirect Cultures are 'Less Than Honest'
Indirect cultures often try to keep a pleasant social environment by avoid confrontations that can upset the balance between people. This can for example be by refusing to say no or by being reluctant to entering commitments. Unfortunately, the British can see this as being less than honest or as 'beating around the bush'.
Compared to this level of indirectness, the British prefer a certain degree of directness which they perceive as being more honest and respectful. However, because the British culture is fairly hierarchical, the British understand how being polite and a little indirect can be necessary when they speak to people who have more authority than themselves.
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Comments
The British are probbaly the most indirect people I know. the message is always something you need to read between the lines to understand
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