CULTURAL CONTEXTS FOR ARGUMENT
Levels of Formality and Other Issues of Style
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At least one important style question needs to be asked when arguing across cultures: what level of formality is most appropriate? In the United States, a fairly informal style is often acceptable and even appreciated. Many cultures, however, tend to value formality. If in doubt, err on the side of formality:
Take care to use proper titles as appropriate (Ms., Mr., Dr., and so on).
Don’t use first names unless you’ve been invited to do so.
Steer clear of slang and jargon. When you’re communicating with members of other cultures, slang may not be understood, or it may be seen as disrespectful.
Avoid potentially puzzling pop cultural allusions, such as sports analogies or musical references.
When arguing across cultures or languages, another stylistic issue might be clarity. When communicating with people whose native languages are different from your own, analogies and similes almost always aid in understanding. Likening something unknown to something familiar can help make your argument forceful — and understandable.