People of different cultural backgrounds communicate in different ways, expressed by:

The correct choice highlights how cultural background significantly influences communication styles, including assertiveness, candidness, and humor. Different cultures have varying norms regarding how direct or indirect communication should be. For instance, some cultures value straightforwardness and may encourage assertive communication, while others may prioritize harmony and indirect expression to avoid conflict. Additionally, humor can differ widely across cultures, with what is considered funny in one culture possibly being misunderstood or deemed inappropriate in another. This understanding is critical for effective cross-cultural communication and helps in fostering respect and clarity among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Other choices, while related to communication, do not address the broader aspects of how cultural backgrounds specifically shape communicative behavior. Proficiency in multiple languages primarily focuses on language skills rather than the nuances of communication itself. Non-verbal cues are indeed critical in communication and vary by culture, but the chosen option offers a more comprehensive scope that includes various forms of expression. Lastly, the preference for written versus spoken communication is a personal choice that may reflect individual style but does not encapsulate the profound impact of cultural context on communication as effectively as the selected answer does.