Communicating in my culture I think we live in this age of globalisation now. Cross-cultural is getting fusion. Whether to communicate more directly or indirectly, that depends on what kind of personality or relationship, that isn't less related to culture. For example, It's normal to speak mildly and indirectly to the people who met at the first time; on the contrary, That would call a spade a spade with the people who are close friends of yours. Take gestures, using in the different register that would be diverse meaning. For instance, you and co-workers have implemented well your project, you give a thumb-up gesture to co-workers in order to encourage them; the same gesture gives your intimate friends when they mess up something, that must be a sarcastic meaning. Definitely it's a joke. However, in some factors, I think we still have some deep-rooted cultures that are divergent from other cultures. In the western countries, they call the elder's names. In China, no matter how close it's totally impolite. Besides, if you can speak a little Chinese, you are advised to call them "Lady" in Chinese instead of "Miss" in Chinese when you call female. That could save you from suffering a beating. Good Luck!