Discourse Markers & Connectors

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

What makes cross-cultural misunderstanding so persistent is that the rules themselves are largely invisible. A Brazilian professional who stands close is not being invasive; proximity signals warmth.

Grammar Reference · Discourse Markers & Connectors

Contrast

Use nevertheless or however to signal that the next clause contradicts what was just stated. He said nothing; nevertheless, his expression spoke volumes.

Concession

Use although or even though to introduce a concession before the main point. Although she arrived late, her argument was the strongest in the room.

Consequence

Use as a result, therefore, or consequently to show logical outcome. Meaning is implicit; as a result, ambiguity rarely causes offence.

Clarification

Use that is to say or in other words to restate or unpack. The rules are invisible — in other words, nobody explicitly teaches them.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Discourse Markers & Connectors

1.Power distance is high in Malaysia; , employees rarely challenge managers openly.

2. Hofstede focused on workplaces, his findings influenced education research too.

3.In Finland, silence signals respect. , a Brazilian colleague may read it as discomfort.

4.The video was removed quickly; , trust had already been lost among some passengers.

5.Meaning in high-context cultures is implicit — , what is not said matters as much as what is.

6.Low-context speakers expect explicit language; , ambiguity feels like a communication failure.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.He communicated clearly. His partner still misunderstood him.

2.She adapted her behaviour abroad. She kept her core values.

3.Brazil is high-context. Silence is rarely expected there.

4.The rules are unspoken. Nobody teaches them formally.

5.Power distance is low in Denmark. Employees challenge decisions openly.

6.The gesture was normal at home. It caused offence abroad.

7.Hall's model is fifty years old. Researchers still apply it today.

8.Meaning is embedded in tone. Ambiguity rarely feels rude.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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