Brazilians adjust how they communicate based on who they are communicating with. The relationship determines appropriate register, formality, warmth, and style. You speak differently to your boss than to your peer, to a new acquaintance than to an old friend, in a formal meeting than in a social gathering. There is no single correct Brazilian communication style—there is appropriate communication for each relationship and context.
Brazilians read relational context quickly and adjust accordingly. Communication that fails to calibrate—treating a senior as a peer, or a close colleague as a stranger—feels wrong and can damage relationship. Showing awareness of relational context through appropriate calibration demonstrates respect and communicative competence.
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