Communication
Singapore has four official languages that are used; Malay, Tamil, Mandarin Chinese, and English. These four languages are used due to the multiculturalism of the country. When it comes to international business, English is the common language. Many schools in Singapore use the English curriculum. Thus, the English language is well known throughout businesses and people do not have much trouble communicating (Warburton, 2017).
Verbal Communication. Indirect communication, refusals, and voice are three forms of verbal communication that Singaporean people use. They rely heavily on indirect communication. People in Singapore pay more attention to expression, tone of voice, and posture than they do on words. Singaporean’s rarely give a direct ‘no’ or negative, even if they do not agree with you. It is important to pay attention to hints of hesitation. Listen carefully to what they say and make sure you understand them by asking for their opinion. They may not speak up to give ideas but do give an honest opinion when asked to do so. In regards to voice, it is rude and overbearing when speaking loudly in Singapore (Evason, 2015).
Nonverbal Communication. Non-Verbal communication that Singaporean’s use is pointing, body language, physical contact, eye contact, silence, and disrespectfulness of touching someone’s head. It is rude to point at people with the index finger. Singaporeans point by using their whole hand of nod their hand in the appropriate direction. In Singapore, nodding of the head is common. Though, body language is usually modest in regards to gestures being uncommon.