Introduction
In interpersonal and intergroup relationships it is paramount to be aware of the cultural notions of other people. In order not to be rude or offensive, it is vital to know the patterns of communication, which are utilized in the native country of the other party. There are multiple spheres where communication might take place, and all of them are equally important. Medical institution professionals, for instance, often inquire about cultural practices in order not to offend the patient. Cuba is a culture-rich country with long traditions, and it is critical to know about the aspects of national communication of its representatives.
Cultural Aspects of Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is a vital part of Cuban culture. Mutual exchange of thoughts and ideas is more than welcome between friends and relatives. Similar to other nations, communication helps build stronger ties to one another and influences the level of trust. The latter, in its turn, determines the topics that could be safely discussed between communicants without insulting the other party or making them uncomfortable.
In the 1960s, there was a period when the political situation was rather unstable, and the government reacted harshly to any critique. It encouraged spying and lodging information against the other people who were suspected of crimes against the unity and welfare of the Cuban Communist Party (Hatchwell, 1998). This policy limited the desire of people to discuss or criticize the actions of the state officials under the constant fear of being accused of treason. That situation seriously undermined the trust between people, even between relatives and friends making everyone suspicious of the others. The possibility of gaining material benefit for uncovering plots against the state even further eroded the social ties.
Nowadays, political pressure and control of the social sphere are lower, and the level of trust grew proportionately since the 1960s. However, it is still not advisable to openly criticize the state provided you do not know the person with whom you share your ideas. Cubans themselves, on the other hand, tend to speak more openly about their state trying to demystify popular prejudices. Family and food is often vibrant topic for discussion. Among close relatives and friends, there seem to be no prohibited topics. On the contrary, the more people share, the stronger is the connection between them.
Cultural Aspects of Non-Verbal Communication
Similar to other Latin American states, Cuba seems to be a collectivist culture with a low distance between people (Centre for Intercultural Learning, n.d.). In the country, physical contact is not considered something out of the ordinary. It is manifested through frequent touching other communicants’ arms, elbows, and overall closer standing to one another. The same tactics are often used in communication with representatives of other cultures. In Cuba, it seems to be a matter of respect and will to be welcoming to strangers. If people know each other well, the physical distance between them can also be close depending on the gender. For men, it is not uncommon to stand one meter apart, which can be considered too close in some Scandinavian cultures. Two women could also stand close to each other. Men and women in the conversation could demonstrate various special distances depending on the level of trust and familiarity between them. However, it can be considered rude if people attempt to step back from their conversation partners. Defending your personal space from another person in a verbal engagement explicitly shows mistrust and offend the other party.
In families, it is common to keep a close distance, which can probably be true about many nations. The difference is, however, that strangers and guests, if they represent another culture, may consider their personal space violated. When it comes to healthcare, no special distance is maintained, and the same patterns of behavior can be applied in conversations with medical facility personnel.
Eye contact in Cuban culture is mostly preferred but not universally required. Looking a conversation partner in the eye is a symbol of deep engagement in conversation and an indicator of close listening. It is only polite to show an interest in the topic of discussion by maintaining eye contact. In this way it is similar to American culture where looking aside could indicate that a person is not listening properly and may irritate the other party. In the modern setting, it may be a sign of impoliteness or even rudeness to look on the smartphone or text while one’s conversation partner is trying to convey a thought or idea. Additionally, eye contact in Cuban culture could be a symbol of trust and respect.
With family members and friends, the same rules appear to apply. The difference, however, can manifest itself in the possibility of people noticing and verbally mentioning the absence of eye contact. Parents noticing that their children do not look them in the eye could suspect a deviation in behavior that may indicate concealed information. Friends could also be offended by the absence of eye contact and consider it a lack of attention and regard to what they are saying. However, this is not a major offense and does not imply a grave misbehavior, which can sever the relationships. A systematic and demonstrative avoidance of eye contact, on the other hand, could show a general absence of interest in conversation with a person. It is also noteworthy to mention that constant and prolonged eye contact with a stranger could be considered abnormal. Thus, in Cuban culture, universal conversation strategies seem to be applicable regarding eye contact.
Gestures and facial expressions in particular situations could indicate a person’s attitude towards the topic of the conversation (“Nonverbal Communication in Cuba,” 2013). Nodding and affirmative head-shaking could be a sign of understanding or agreement with particular claims. Nonetheless, in reality, this could also be a gesture of politeness and unwillingness to admit the lack of understanding. This is common for other cultures such as European and American one. People often nod in understanding despite they are unfamiliar with the topic or completely unaware of it. It is also common for Cubans to wave their hands while talking. It may not be a unique cultural feature and does not indicate something other than deep engagement in conversation and confidence in one’s position in the argument. A person’s attitude towards a topic of discussion often could be understood by his or her facial expression. It is not uncommon to express emotions freely and actively using hand gestures and mimics (Cruzata, 2013).
Greeting traditions are of great importance in Cuba. It is often polite to greet strangers when entering a place. A first encounter is crucial. A handshake is always in order between men. Informal and informal environments, men often exchange handshakes with women. If people share the same degree of familiarity, a hug or a kiss on the cheek is appropriate for an opposite-sex greeting. Men do not exchange kisses unless they are old friends or close relatives. The ancestral bonds are not that strong in Cuban culture, which allows saying that it is not past-oriented. Due to the unstable economy in the present time, Cuban people seem to hope for a better future but focus on establishing a firm financial standing in the present.
Attitude to Healthcare
When it comes to healthcare, there seems to be no determined and universal understanding of its future. In the present, according to Hadley (2017), there is a two-layered system, which incorporates international and high-status clinics for the countries’ guests with best practitioners and free state-financed polyclinics. The quality of the latter often leaves the best to be desired. Common people seem not content with the current state of affairs, but the top-down policymaking and the state of the country’s economy do not offer alternatives at the moment. In rural areas, African-Cuban families who practice Santeria cultism still believe in spiritual healing. There seems to be a steady demand for a professional workforce in public polyclinics as trained nurses and physicians seek employment in international clinics. The need for healthcare among Cubans often arises when serious medical conditions emerge. Minor illnesses like the common cold are usually treated at home with what is available in drug stores. Overall, there seems to be no significant cultural impact on healthcare in Cuba.
Conclusion
All things considered, the Cuban nation is not very distinct from the US but has a range of sensitive cultural notions. They are mostly centered on non-verbal behaviors such as greeting gestures, posture, and understanding of personal space. In relation to healthcare, these issues are not very significant and affect mostly interpersonal and intergroup relationships.
References
Centre for Intercultural Learning. (n.d.) Cultural information – Cuba. Web.
Cruzata, A. T. G. (2013). Hand gesture production and gestural co-activation.
Hadley, H. M. (2017). Think the Cuban healthcare system is ideal? No cigar. Not even close.
Hatchwell, E. (1998). Cuba in focus: A guide to the people, politics and culture. Northampton, MA: Interlink Publishing Group.
Nonverbal Communication in Cuba. (2013).