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From Language to Culture: Keys to Successful Communication with Israelis

From Language to Culture: Keys to Successful Communication with Israelis (Part 1)

By: Sami Bsoul

Hebrew and Slovak version of the article here.

Whether visiting or working in Israel, mastering effective communication is key to building relationships and establishing trust, and knowing the cultural norms will help you avoid misunderstandings and make a positive impression.

I would say, the number one and mother of all Do's and Don'ts is: Do not manipulate with Israelis.

  • In my opinion, the most important rule when interacting with Israelis, is to avoid manipulating them. Israelis are generally forgiving and will overlook your mistakes and they will forgive your flaws. However, they will not forgive anyone who tries to take advantage of them or treat them as fools (פראייר). Therefore, it's crucial to be honest and transparent in your dealings with Israelis to gain their respect and trust.

Don't forget to keep this in mind, trying to manipulate an Israeli is like trying to out-haggle a seasoned market vendor - you may think you're getting a good deal, but in the end, you'll be the one feeling duped!

  • If you Take Offence Easily you will not have much Israeli friends : Israelis can be blunt and direct, which can sometimes come across as rude or insensitive. Don't take offense easily and try to understand the intent behind the communication.

It's worth noting that, if an Israeli says your cooking is terrible, it means they love you enough to be honest with you. So, take it as a compliment and ask for their secret recipe instead!

  • When conversing with Israelis, it's important to give them a chance to react and participate in the discussion. Israelis are known for their attentive listening skills and quick understanding, so you don't need to talk too much to get your point across. If you notice that they are waiting patiently for their turn to speak, make sure to give them the space and time to share their thoughts. Otherwise, you risk losing their interest in the conversation.

Here's something to keep in your back pocket, when talking to Israelis, it's like playing a game of verbal tennis - if you hog the ball too much, you'll end up getting served a cold shoulder!

  • Although Israelis value respect, they don't appreciate excessive formality in any type of relationship, even in business. If they feel pressured to maintain a formal demeanor, they may try to do so, but it won't last for long. Ultimately, Israelis prefer genuine and authentic interactions, even in professional settings.

A little insider tip for you, Israelis respect a good sense of humour more than a fancy suit, so if you can make them laugh, you're already ahead in the game!

  • You may have heard it, I may have heard it, and everyone around us definitely heard it. Unavoidable noise is a part of everyday life in Israel. It's not uncommon to hear people shouting across a packed room, bus, or train or speaking loudly on their phones, sometimes at full volume, in public places.

One thing you don't want to overlook is, when in Israel, the noise level is just as high as the energy level - so don't be afraid to turn up the volume and let your inner extrovert out to play!

  • Don't be surprised to see hand gestures used often in Israeli communication. It's not a sign of weakness or an inability to articulate. In fact, it's a rich part of Israeli culture and is used to emphasize points, convey emotions, and enhance overall communication.

So, don't be alarmed if you find yourself in a conversation with an Israeli and they start waving their hands around like they're trying to flag down a taxi. It's just their way of expressing themselves, and who knows, maybe you'll even learn a new gesture or two!

  • Straightforward communication approach: Israelis don't shy away from expressing their opinions and tend to be upfront about what they think. This is their way of showing investment in the conversation, the subject matter, or any project at hand, and to express their care for it, whether it's an object or a person. The Israeli communication style is highly straightforward and can also be perceived as frank and amicable.

Take note of this important detail, if you're looking for someone to sugarcoat their words, you might want to steer clear of Israelis. But if you're ready for some real talk, get ready to bond with these frank and friendly communicators!

  • Unless you are familiar with the individual, it's best to steer clear of discussing controversial topics like politics, religion, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Even if you believe you possess expertise in these areas, it's important to exercise caution.
  • It's crucial to recognize the political culture of the person you are speaking with and to whom you are addressing these issues. The Israeli society is complex and diverse, comprising numerous viewpoints and opinions. Therefore, it's necessary to be mindful of these complexities when engaging in conversations about sensitive topics.

Remember, when in doubt, you can always stick to discussing the weather - everyone loves to complain about that!

  • A clear communication style is typical of Israelis. They openly discuss topics that may be considered off-limits or taboo in other cultures. Therefore, do not be surprised if an Israeli asks you about
  • personal matters, such as your romantic or love life, income and money-related questions, rent expenses, and purchases you've made.

Here's a little nugget of information for you, if an Israeli starts asking you these personal questions, it's not because they're nosy - they're just trying to get to know you better than your therapist ever could.

  • Personal space norms in Israeli culture tend to be more fluid compared to many other cultures. Israelis often feel at ease being in close proximity to others, particularly if they have established a connection, even if it's brief. It is not uncommon for personal boundaries to become blurred in such situations.

Pay attention to this important point, when in Israel, personal space is like a limited resource - so get cozy with your fellow Israelis, and who knows, you might even make a new friend or two!

  • In Israel, greetings are often warm and personal. While a handshake is still appropriate for professional introductions, it is not unusual for friends, acquaintances, or even business associates who have established a rapport to greet each other with a cheek-to-cheek kiss or a hug. So, if you have been communicating with someone over the phone or online for a while, don't be surprised if they greet you with a hug or a kiss on the cheek when you finally meet in person. Don't be taken aback, as this is a normal part of Israeli culture.

In fact, if you take the initiative to genuinely hug an Israeli, it might win you a friend for life.

Keep this handy for future reference, in Israel, hugs and kisses aren't just for romantic partners anymore. So, get ready to spread the love and embrace the culture!

  • Israeli will interrupt you, as they value direct communication, but if you are interrupting someone while they are not having the opportunity to speak at all, it will be considered rude.
  • Be direct and Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate: Israelis are known for their bargaining skills and often negotiate to get the best deal. Don't be afraid to negotiate, but be respectful and avoid being too aggressive.

Keep your ears open for this one, negotiating with an Israeli is like playing a game of chess - you need to be strategic, quick-witted, and never underestimate your opponent. But don't worry, even if you lose the game, you'll still gain some valuable bargaining skills and a newfound appreciation for Israeli tenacity.

  • If you're looking for an honest opinion, don't be afraid to ask an Israeli. If you ask for their opinion, be prepared to hear the unfiltered truth. If an Israeli offers you their unsolicited opinion, it's probably because they care enough to want to set you straight. However, if they don't offer their opinion or seem uninterested, it may be a sign that you haven't quite gained their trust or attention yet. So, keep working on that connection!

You might witness this in front of your eyes, or on TV talk shows. Prepare for a lively conversation with Israelis, because there's no such thing as an interruption-free dialogue! Interruptions are just part of the cultural exchange and the excitement of a passionate discussion. It's not considered impolite, but rather part of the culture and the lively exchange of ideas. So, take a deep breath and dive in – you might even learn some new Hebrew words.

  • Israelis love a good debate, so don't be surprised if conversations can get a little heated. Just remember to keep your cool and don't let things escalate into a full-blown argument. After all, no one wants to see a friendly chat turn into a WWE-style smackdown.

Don't be surprised if you feel like you're in the fast lane when communicating or doing business in Israel. It's just that Israelis are always on the move, and they like to get things done quickly. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Israel is like a cheetah in the business world, moving at lightning speed. If you're not ready to keep up, you might get left in the dust. But hey, at least you'll have a great story to tell about the time you tried to catch up, but you chose to take a quick nap.

  • If you have been in contact with an Israeli for a significant amount of time through work, personal relationships, or other means, and they have not yet expressed their opinion about you, it may be worth considering. Israelis are known for their direct and straightforward personalities, and they are usually open to sharing their thoughts and opinions as a sign of their warmth and concern. In short, Israelis tend to be transparent, so if an Israeli appears apathetic or disinterested in what you are saying or doing, it could be a signal.

To communicate effectively with Israelis, it is crucial to understand Israeli cultural values and norms. You must be direct, interested, and punctual and use appropriate greetings while being mindful of your body language.

Building positive relationships and trust with Israelis requires a strong understanding of cultural differences and the do's and don'ts of communication.

However, interrupting, discussing sensitive topics, being too aggressive in negotiations, and taking offense easily can hinder effective communication.

What you perceive is reality.

  • Be direct and assertive in your communication: Israelis value honesty and direct communication.
  • Show interest and enthusiasm in the conversation.
  • Use hand gestures and facial expressions to emphasize your points.
  • Speak loudly and confidently.
  • Be open to sharing personal stories and experiences.
  • Show respect for religious and cultural differences.
  • Appreciate direct feedback and constructive criticism.
  • Do not be overly polite or use too much small talk.
  • Do not interrupt or talk over the other person.
  • Do not take criticism or disagreement personally.
  • Do not speak in a monotone or timid voice.
  • Family and community: Family and community are highly valued in Israeli culture.
  • Education and knowledge: Israelis highly respect education and intellectualism.
  • Independence and self-sufficiency: Israelis value independence and resourcefulness.
  • Hard work and determination: Israelis have a strong work ethic and determination.
  • Creativity and innovation: Israelis appreciate those who can think outside the box.
  • Food and hospitality: Israelis love good food and are hospitable.

© Samibsoul.com 2023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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