<p>This is true, texas; I agree with your observations about the Indian subcontinent, but I go beyond your observations about literal communication – although that’s important in itself. It was not accidental in my last post that I referenced semantics. If one does not understand the concepts behind the language, one is at a disadvantage in understanding the cultural assumptions. It is equally true of any two parties coming to terms with this. Clearly it would be true of westerners emigrating to China, Japan, Korea, or to Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey, Iran, etc. The literal communication is only the first layer. As essential as it is, it is not enough for success in that culture.</p>