Country Quote by Kaija Saariaho
“When you travel from your own country to another country for a long period, you do become aware of the differences. For example, verbal expression is much more important in France - in Finland people don't speak so much. Also, Finnish people say things directly; that kind of direct honesty would be very impolite in France.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Cultural Communication, Kaija Saariaho, 2015
Cross‑cultural experiences reveal differing communication norms, highlighting the need for adaptability.
In simple terms: Different countries have different speaking styles.
Key Takeaway
Adapt your communication to respect local norms.
Themes
culture
communication
adaptability
awareness
Mood
curious
respectful
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- travel abroad
- international business
- multicultural teams
- language learning
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
intercultural competence
Questions to Reflect On
- How will you adjust your speech in new cultures?
- What benefits arise from cultural sensitivity?
A Different Perspective
Assuming one style works everywhere can cause offense.
![“Mÿnna tachton gernast spuho somen gelen Emÿna daÿda" [modern: Minä tahdon kernaasti puhua suomen kieltä, [mutta] en minä taida] ("I willingly want to speak Finnish, [but] I am not able") (found in a German travel journal c.1450)” quote by Christine Wulff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/50e/christine-wulff-228094_finnish_m-nna-tachton-gernast-spuho-somen-gelen_12051.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
