Analysis Question #2: Some Advice for American Diplomats

Although I don’t know the specifics of Iranian culture, I can advise the State Department on general techniques for communicating with the Iranians. The most important thing is to know that communication is deeply connected to culture, whether it be regional, ethnic, religious, etc. Any diplomat who is going to meet with the Iranians should be well informed about Iranian history and culture, and of course have a mastery of the language, not just in vocabulary and grammar, but in idioms and other nuances of the language that don’t translate exactly.

Nonverbal codes are also just as important as actually speaking their language. The diplomats should find out if Iran is a contact or noncontact culture, which will dictate how the diplomats should approach and greet the Iranians. If they are a noncontact culture, for example, the U.S. diplomats should be sure not too stand too close when speaking and not to touch the other person. The diplomats should also be aware of how Iranians feel about eye contact and act accordingly. It is possible that the Americans may have to avoid most eye contact to show the Iranians respect. Also, the diplomats must be cautious with their gestures, because many gestures are not universal, and something as simple as a “thumbs up” could be something different (and possibly even offensive) in the Iranian culture. One thing they should be able to rely on is the use of universal facial expressions that show happiness, fear, disgust, etc. Since these expressions are almost always universal, diplomats should be able to trust their instincts when reading these expressions. Finally, the diplomats should be aware of whether Iran generally uses monochronic or polychronic time. If the Iranians use polychronic time, the Americans should not count on the Iranians to be on time or keep appointments and they should be flexible if meetings need to be rescheduled. For the American diplomats it is most important that they are always aware that verbal and nonverbal language is not universal language and they must be careful and respectful when talking to the Iranian representatives.