Suhtlemisstilli

Suhtlemisstilli is the Estonian term for communication style, referring to the characteristic and relatively stable ways in which people express themselves and respond to others in interpersonal interactions. A person's suhtlemisstili encompasses both verbal aspects—tone, tempo, directness, formality, and word choice—and nonverbal behaviors such as gaze, posture, and gesture, and the overall rhythm of interaction.

Scholars describe several dimensions of suhtlemisstilli, including directness versus indirectness, assertiveness versus passivity, formality versus informality, and emotional expressiveness versus restraint. Some frameworks also consider high-context versus low-context communication, as well as expectations about power distance and face-saving. Styles can be consistent across domains but are also sensitive to context, relationship, and cultural norms.

Determinants include personality traits, socialization history, language proficiency, and situational demands. Cultural background heavily shapes norms for politeness, ambiguity, and confrontation, so mismatches in suhtlemisstilli can lead to misunderstandings or conflict in intercultural settings.

In practice, understanding one’s own and others' suhtlemisstilli helps with clarity, trust, and collaboration in areas such as education, workplace, counseling, and cross-cultural training. Assessments—self-report instruments, observer ratings, or situational judgments—are used to describe an individual's typical style and to guide communication training and conflict resolution.

See also: communication, intercultural communication, nonverbal communication, language style.