Chapter 3:
LOCAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNICATION IN
MULTICULTURAL SETTINGS
MODULE OVERVIEW
Understanding the impact
of globalization on cross-
culture communication is
imperative for
organizations seeking to
create a competitive
advantage in the global
market
Recent economic
challenges further highlight
the need for organizations
to develop the internal
communication capacity
necessary to control and
monitor external threats
In this module, Dimensions
of cultural differences,
nonverbal and intercultural
communication, and
cultural awareness and
sensitivity will be discussed
MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Determine
culturally-
appropriate terms,
expressions, and
images
Adopt cultural
awareness and
sensitivity in
communication of
ideas
CULTURE
→ Culture pertains to the characteristic of a
particular group of people, defined by
everything including language, religion,
cuisine, social habits, music and arts. This
derived from the Latin root word cultura
which means “ cultivation”. Human beings
represent their experiences through symbols
and ideas that show distinct ways of how
they live as the outcomes of social
interaction within and outside each
community.
Examples of culture practice in different countries:
cultural tradition is the
bayanihan in the
Philippines. The values an
strength are symbolize by
the nipa hut (bahay-kubo)
carried together by the
people.
Examples of culture practice in different countries:
In Japanese culture , the bushido
code ( the way of the samurai or
the samurai code of conduct)
relates to the country’s most-
revered moral virtues analogous to
chivalry. In the code, a samurai
who fails to uphold his honor could
only regain it by performing
seppuku (ritual suicide) .
INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
→ Intercultural Communication refers to the
exchange of information between people
from different cultures (Samovar &
Porter,2000). The aim of cultural
communication is to manage messages and
the creation of meaning across cultures
through a socially-constructed transmission
of symbols, meanings and rules.
Culture-specific- focuses on
identifying the communication
behaviors and finding out what is
yet unknown in a country’s culture
Culture-general- seeks to
understand common features
across different cultures
Inter-cultural interaction- combines
culture-specific and culture-
general in integrating two various
groups of different cultures
GENERAL CATEGORIES OF
CULTURE
Material- -food, cuisine, products or
goods, churches, homes, attire and
other physical objects valuable in a
culture’s way of life
Non-material -rituals, language,
customs morals, ethics, beliefs and
other thoughts and ideas inherent
to a culture
GENERAL CATEGORIES OF CULTURE
MATERIAL
food, cuisine, products or
goods, churches, homes,
attire and other physical
objects valuable in a
culture’s way of life.
NON-MATERIAL
rituals, language, customs
morals, ethics, beliefs and
other thoughts and ideas
inherent to a culture.
DIMENSIONS OF
CULTURAL
DIFFERENCES
• Identity/ individualism
vs. collectivism
• Equality vs. power
distance
• Uncertainty avoidance
vs. tolerance
• Masculinity vs.
femininity
• Short-term vs. long
term orientation
NON-VERBAL and
INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION Reinforcement Substitution
Contradiction Accentuation
Regulation
→ can bridge the gaps in intercultural
communication. When there is
cultural indifference and one
culture is perceived superior to the
other, wrong judgement may occur.
Non verbal gestures can help in
solving the problem by providing
another way of letting people from
other cultures connect. This type of
communication accounts for 65%-
93% interpretation of body
language, speech patterns, and
facial expressions 65% and
gestures.
BARRIERS IN
INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
→ intercultural communication encounters
various barriers that can impede effective
understanding and relationship-building
between individuals from different cultural
backgrounds.
→ To overcome these barriers, individuals
engaging in intercultural communication
should cultivate cultural awareness,
actively learn about other cultures,
practice empathy, remain open-minded,
and adapt their communication approach
to bridge the gaps in understanding and
foster successful intercultural relationships.
BARRIERS
particularly in “intercultural communication,” refer to
obstacles or challenges that hinder effective
understanding, interaction, and communication between
individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds.
These barriers arise due to differences in language, values,
beliefs, behaviors, customs, and expectations among
cultures. They impede the smooth exchange of
information, ideas, and meanings, often leading to
misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or conflicts.
BARRIERS IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Assumption of
similarities
Language
Differences
Non-verbal
misinterpretatio
n
Pre-conceptions
and stereotypes
Tendency to
evaluate
High anxiety
CULTURAL
AWARENESS
→ Cultural awareness is knowing
that there are multiple
different cultures-based on
religion, ethnicity, nationality
and other factors-that have
different attitudes and
outlooks
CULTURAL
SENSITIVITY
→ Cultural sensitivity involves accepting
those differences without insisting your
own culture is better, or that everyone
should do it your way. Cultural
sensitivity skills are sometimes called
cultural competence, or the ability to
work alongside people with different
cultural attitudes and behaviors and to
do so effectively ( Sherman, 2018).
To help you exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity in words and
in deeds, keep in mind the following guidelines
1. View human differences as positive and a cause for celebration;
2. Have a clear sense of your own ethnic, cultural, and racial identity;
3. Be aware that in order to learn about others, you need to understand and be prepared to share your own culture;
4. Be aware of your own discomfort when you encounter differences in race, color, religion, sexual orientation,
language, and ethnicity;
5. Be aware of the assumptions that you hold about people of cultures different from your own;
6. Be aware of your stereotypes as they arise and develop personal strategies for reducing the harm that they cause;
7. Be aware of how your cultural perspective influences your judgements about what appropriate, normal,or superior
behaviors, values and communication styles are;
8. Accept that in cross-cultural situations, there can be uncertainty, and that uncertainty can make you anxious. It can
also mean that you do not respond quickly and take the time needed to get more information;
9. Take any opportunity to put yourself in places where you can learn about differences and create relationships; and
10. Understand that you will likely be perceived as a person with power and racial privilege and that you may not be
seen as unbiased or as an ally.
GENDER
SENSITIVITY
→ refers to the aim of understanding and
taking account of the societal and cultural
favors involved in gender-based exclusion
and discrimination in the most diverse
spheres of public and private life. It
focuses mainly on instances of structural
disadvantage in the positions and roles of
women. ( http//eige.europa.eu)
Examples of gender-
neutral words that may
be used are as follows:
1. Ancestors, forebears
(instead of forefathers)
2. Artificial, manufactured
(instead of man-made)
3. Average/ ordinary
person (instead of
common man)
4. Chair,, chairperson,
coordinator (instead of
chairman)
5. Police officer (instead
of policeman)
POLITICAL
CORRECTNESS
→ Political correctness is used to describe
language, politics, or measures that are
intended to avoid offense or disadvantage
to members of particular groups in society.
→ Political correctness refers to the use of
language and measures that are aimed at
avoiding offense or marginalization of
individuals or groups based on various
characteristics such as race, gender,
ethnicity, ability, and other social identities.
It is about promoting inclusive and
respectful communication by choosing
words and expressions that do not
perpetuate stereotypes, discrimination, or
bias.
POLITICALLY CORRECT LANGUAGE OFFENSIVE TERM
academic honest cheating
comb-free bald
elderly / senior old
informal settlers squatters
intellectual disability, intellectual development disorder mental retardation
disabled persons with disabilities (pwds)
street children children in street situations
housemaid/maid domestic helper
trash collector sanitation worker
handicapped person with disability (pwd)
poor/impoverished economically disadvantaged
mental hospital psychiatric or behavioral health facility
deaf and dumb deaf or hard of hearing
mailman postal worker
waiter/waitress server
GOALS of promoting POLITICALLY CORRECT LANGUAGE
INCLUSIVITY RESPECT
STEREOTYPE
AVOIDANCE
SENSITIVITY
AWARENESS
ELIMINATION OF
DISCRIMINATION
REFERENCES
Padilla, M., Dagdag, L., & Roxas, F. (2018). Communicate and Connect: Purposive
Communication. Mutya Publishing House, Inc., Malabon City.
Uychoco, M., & Santos, M. (2018). Communication for Society: Purposive
Communication. Rex Bookstore Inc., Sampaloc, Manila.
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. M., & Lucas, K. (2012). Communicating at Work: Strategies for
Success in Business and the Professions. McGraw Hill.
Balon, W., Bernales, R., & Biligan, R. (2018). Purposive Communication in Local and
Global Contexts. Mutya Publishing House, Inc., Malabon City.
Barrot, J., & Sipacio, P. (2018). Purposive Communication in the 21st Century. C & E
Publishing Inc., Quezon City.

Purposive Communication GE-4-Chapter-3-2.pptx

  • 1.
    Chapter 3: LOCAL ANDGLOBAL COMMUNICATION IN MULTICULTURAL SETTINGS
  • 2.
    MODULE OVERVIEW Understanding theimpact of globalization on cross- culture communication is imperative for organizations seeking to create a competitive advantage in the global market Recent economic challenges further highlight the need for organizations to develop the internal communication capacity necessary to control and monitor external threats In this module, Dimensions of cultural differences, nonverbal and intercultural communication, and cultural awareness and sensitivity will be discussed
  • 3.
    MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES Determine culturally- appropriateterms, expressions, and images Adopt cultural awareness and sensitivity in communication of ideas
  • 4.
    CULTURE → Culture pertainsto the characteristic of a particular group of people, defined by everything including language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. This derived from the Latin root word cultura which means “ cultivation”. Human beings represent their experiences through symbols and ideas that show distinct ways of how they live as the outcomes of social interaction within and outside each community.
  • 5.
    Examples of culturepractice in different countries: cultural tradition is the bayanihan in the Philippines. The values an strength are symbolize by the nipa hut (bahay-kubo) carried together by the people.
  • 6.
    Examples of culturepractice in different countries: In Japanese culture , the bushido code ( the way of the samurai or the samurai code of conduct) relates to the country’s most- revered moral virtues analogous to chivalry. In the code, a samurai who fails to uphold his honor could only regain it by performing seppuku (ritual suicide) .
  • 7.
    INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION → Intercultural Communicationrefers to the exchange of information between people from different cultures (Samovar & Porter,2000). The aim of cultural communication is to manage messages and the creation of meaning across cultures through a socially-constructed transmission of symbols, meanings and rules.
  • 8.
    Culture-specific- focuses on identifyingthe communication behaviors and finding out what is yet unknown in a country’s culture Culture-general- seeks to understand common features across different cultures Inter-cultural interaction- combines culture-specific and culture- general in integrating two various groups of different cultures GENERAL CATEGORIES OF CULTURE Material- -food, cuisine, products or goods, churches, homes, attire and other physical objects valuable in a culture’s way of life Non-material -rituals, language, customs morals, ethics, beliefs and other thoughts and ideas inherent to a culture
  • 9.
    GENERAL CATEGORIES OFCULTURE MATERIAL food, cuisine, products or goods, churches, homes, attire and other physical objects valuable in a culture’s way of life. NON-MATERIAL rituals, language, customs morals, ethics, beliefs and other thoughts and ideas inherent to a culture.
  • 10.
    DIMENSIONS OF CULTURAL DIFFERENCES • Identity/individualism vs. collectivism • Equality vs. power distance • Uncertainty avoidance vs. tolerance • Masculinity vs. femininity • Short-term vs. long term orientation
  • 11.
    NON-VERBAL and INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION ReinforcementSubstitution Contradiction Accentuation Regulation → can bridge the gaps in intercultural communication. When there is cultural indifference and one culture is perceived superior to the other, wrong judgement may occur. Non verbal gestures can help in solving the problem by providing another way of letting people from other cultures connect. This type of communication accounts for 65%- 93% interpretation of body language, speech patterns, and facial expressions 65% and gestures.
  • 12.
    BARRIERS IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION → interculturalcommunication encounters various barriers that can impede effective understanding and relationship-building between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. → To overcome these barriers, individuals engaging in intercultural communication should cultivate cultural awareness, actively learn about other cultures, practice empathy, remain open-minded, and adapt their communication approach to bridge the gaps in understanding and foster successful intercultural relationships.
  • 13.
    BARRIERS particularly in “interculturalcommunication,” refer to obstacles or challenges that hinder effective understanding, interaction, and communication between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds. These barriers arise due to differences in language, values, beliefs, behaviors, customs, and expectations among cultures. They impede the smooth exchange of information, ideas, and meanings, often leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or conflicts.
  • 14.
    BARRIERS IN INTERCULTURALCOMMUNICATION Assumption of similarities Language Differences Non-verbal misinterpretatio n Pre-conceptions and stereotypes Tendency to evaluate High anxiety
  • 15.
    CULTURAL AWARENESS → Cultural awarenessis knowing that there are multiple different cultures-based on religion, ethnicity, nationality and other factors-that have different attitudes and outlooks
  • 16.
    CULTURAL SENSITIVITY → Cultural sensitivityinvolves accepting those differences without insisting your own culture is better, or that everyone should do it your way. Cultural sensitivity skills are sometimes called cultural competence, or the ability to work alongside people with different cultural attitudes and behaviors and to do so effectively ( Sherman, 2018).
  • 17.
    To help youexhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity in words and in deeds, keep in mind the following guidelines 1. View human differences as positive and a cause for celebration; 2. Have a clear sense of your own ethnic, cultural, and racial identity; 3. Be aware that in order to learn about others, you need to understand and be prepared to share your own culture; 4. Be aware of your own discomfort when you encounter differences in race, color, religion, sexual orientation, language, and ethnicity; 5. Be aware of the assumptions that you hold about people of cultures different from your own; 6. Be aware of your stereotypes as they arise and develop personal strategies for reducing the harm that they cause; 7. Be aware of how your cultural perspective influences your judgements about what appropriate, normal,or superior behaviors, values and communication styles are; 8. Accept that in cross-cultural situations, there can be uncertainty, and that uncertainty can make you anxious. It can also mean that you do not respond quickly and take the time needed to get more information; 9. Take any opportunity to put yourself in places where you can learn about differences and create relationships; and 10. Understand that you will likely be perceived as a person with power and racial privilege and that you may not be seen as unbiased or as an ally.
  • 18.
    GENDER SENSITIVITY → refers tothe aim of understanding and taking account of the societal and cultural favors involved in gender-based exclusion and discrimination in the most diverse spheres of public and private life. It focuses mainly on instances of structural disadvantage in the positions and roles of women. ( http//eige.europa.eu)
  • 19.
    Examples of gender- neutralwords that may be used are as follows: 1. Ancestors, forebears (instead of forefathers) 2. Artificial, manufactured (instead of man-made) 3. Average/ ordinary person (instead of common man) 4. Chair,, chairperson, coordinator (instead of chairman) 5. Police officer (instead of policeman)
  • 20.
    POLITICAL CORRECTNESS → Political correctnessis used to describe language, politics, or measures that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society. → Political correctness refers to the use of language and measures that are aimed at avoiding offense or marginalization of individuals or groups based on various characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, ability, and other social identities. It is about promoting inclusive and respectful communication by choosing words and expressions that do not perpetuate stereotypes, discrimination, or bias.
  • 21.
    POLITICALLY CORRECT LANGUAGEOFFENSIVE TERM academic honest cheating comb-free bald elderly / senior old informal settlers squatters intellectual disability, intellectual development disorder mental retardation disabled persons with disabilities (pwds) street children children in street situations housemaid/maid domestic helper trash collector sanitation worker handicapped person with disability (pwd) poor/impoverished economically disadvantaged mental hospital psychiatric or behavioral health facility deaf and dumb deaf or hard of hearing mailman postal worker waiter/waitress server
  • 22.
    GOALS of promotingPOLITICALLY CORRECT LANGUAGE INCLUSIVITY RESPECT STEREOTYPE AVOIDANCE SENSITIVITY AWARENESS ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION
  • 23.
  • 24.
    Padilla, M., Dagdag,L., & Roxas, F. (2018). Communicate and Connect: Purposive Communication. Mutya Publishing House, Inc., Malabon City. Uychoco, M., & Santos, M. (2018). Communication for Society: Purposive Communication. Rex Bookstore Inc., Sampaloc, Manila. Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. M., & Lucas, K. (2012). Communicating at Work: Strategies for Success in Business and the Professions. McGraw Hill. Balon, W., Bernales, R., & Biligan, R. (2018). Purposive Communication in Local and Global Contexts. Mutya Publishing House, Inc., Malabon City. Barrot, J., & Sipacio, P. (2018). Purposive Communication in the 21st Century. C & E Publishing Inc., Quezon City.

Editor's Notes

  • #4 Culture is a term that encompasses the unique traits and customs of a specific group of individuals. These traits can include language, religion, cuisine, social practices, music, arts, and more. The word "culture" originates from the Latin root word "cultura," which means "cultivation." This etymology suggests that culture involves the cultivation and development of a society's beliefs, practices, and behaviors. Humans express their experiences through symbols and ideas, reflecting their distinct ways of life. These symbols and ideas are shaped by social interactions within and beyond their respective communities. As people interact and engage with one another, they collectively shape and define their culture, forming a dynamic and evolving aspect of their identity and heritage.
  • #6 Seppuku is honorable death or ritualistic suicide by disembowelment that can only be conducted by a samurai. Hara-kiri means stomach-cutting in Japanese where the word hara refers to stomach and kiri refers to cutting. Harakiri and seppuku mean exactly the same thing in Japanese, but, Japanese people almost never use the word harakiri and prefer the word seppuku instead. Harakiri refers to the action of cutting stomach while seppuku represents the ritual and the traditional procedure of cutting the stomach.
  • #7 Intercultural Communication is the process of exchanging information between individuals or groups from diverse cultural backgrounds. This field of study emphasizes how people with varying cultural backgrounds communicate and interact with each other. The goal of intercultural communication is to effectively manage messages and construct meaning across cultures by utilizing a socially-constructed transmission of symbols, meanings, and rules. Understanding and appreciating cultural differences in communication styles, values, beliefs, and social norms are essential aspects of intercultural communication. It involves being sensitive to cultural nuances and adapting communication strategies to bridge potential gaps and enhance mutual understanding. Successful intercultural communication leads to improved relationships, reduced misunderstandings, and the building of a more inclusive and interconnected global community.
  • #8 Zaharna (2000) described three distinct purposes of intercultural communication:Culture-Specific Purpose: Culture-specific intercultural communication focuses on understanding and identifying communication behaviors within a specific culture. It aims to uncover what may not be widely known about a particular country's culture. This involves delving into the unique customs, practices, language nuances, social norms, and historical background of a specific culture. By gaining insights into culture-specific communication, individuals or groups can adapt their communication strategies and behaviors to effectively engage with people from that culture. Culture-General Purpose: Culture-general intercultural communication seeks to identify common features and patterns across different cultures. It aims to understand universal aspects of communication that transcend specific cultures. For instance, understanding common cultural traits, behaviors, or beliefs that are shared among diverse groups of people can help in fostering a broader appreciation for cultural diversity. The example provided illustrates how historical influences (colonization by Spain) have shaped a shared sense of identity in Filipinos and Mexicans, demonstrating a culture-general approach in understanding their self-conscious identity. Inter-Cultural Interaction Purpose: The inter-cultural interaction purpose combines both the culture-specific and culture-general approaches. It involves integrating knowledge from both perspectives to facilitate interactions and communication between two or more distinct cultural groups. This approach acknowledges the unique communication styles, practices, and behaviors of each culture while also identifying commonalities to enhance understanding and collaboration. The example given about Chinese-Filipino traditions highlights how cultures can influence each other through interactions, resulting in a blend of customs and traditions from both cultures. In summary, these three purposes of intercultural communication offer a comprehensive framework for understanding and effectively engaging with diverse cultures, whether by focusing on specific cultural traits, identifying commonalities across cultures, or integrating knowledge for improved inter-cultural interactions.
  • #9 Material Culture (Tangible Aspects): Material culture comprises tangible, physical elements that are a part of a culture and are directly observable and measurable. These aspects include: Food and Cuisine: Traditional dishes, cooking methods, and eating habits specific to a culture. Products or Goods: Physical items produced or used by a culture, including tools, technology, art, and other artifacts. Architecture and Homes: Styles of buildings, structures, and types of dwellings reflecting the culture's preferences and historical influences. Religious Spaces: Churches, temples, mosques, or other religious structures that hold cultural significance. Attire and Clothing: Traditional clothing, garments, and accessories unique to a culture. Artifacts: Physical objects with cultural or historical significance, such as pottery, jewelry, and artwork. Non-Material Culture (Intangible Aspects): Non-material culture encompasses intangible aspects that are not physically tangible but shape the way people in a culture think, behave, and interact. These aspects include: Rituals and Ceremonies: Formalized practices and ceremonies specific to a culture, often rooted in religious or social traditions. Language: The system of communication, including words, grammar, and expressions unique to a culture. Customs and Traditions: Social practices, norms, and behaviors followed within a culture. Morals and Ethics: Shared beliefs and principles that guide ethical behavior within a society. Beliefs and Values: Core beliefs, ideologies, and values held by individuals and the community. Worldview: The cultural perspective or way of viewing the world based on cultural beliefs and experiences. Understanding both material and non-material aspects of culture is crucial for appreciating and comprehending a society's way of life, its history, and the meanings and values embedded in its practices and artifacts.
  • #10 DIMENSIONS OF CULTURAL DIFFERENCES   Culture has certain dimensions. The work of Gerard Hendrick “ Geert” Hofstede ( 2005) has contributed to the understanding of culture based on five dimensions of cultural differences. Geert Hofstede's five dimensions of cultural differences provide valuable insights into understanding how cultures vary across different societies. Let's delve into each dimension in detail: Identity/Individualism vs. Collectivism: Individualism: Emphasizes personal goals, self-reliance, and individual achievement. In such cultures, people tend to prioritize their personal needs and aspirations over collective ones. Collectivism: Prioritizes group goals, cooperation, and harmony. Individuals in collectivist cultures identify strongly with their social groups (such as family, community) and often make decisions considering the welfare of the group. Equality vs. Power Distance: Equality: Reflects a preference for equal distribution of power and resources within a society. People in such cultures often expect and appreciate fairness and equal treatment. Power Distance: Refers to the acceptance of hierarchical order and status differences. Cultures with a high power distance value respect and accept authority, and individuals in positions of power are afforded great respect. Uncertainty Avoidance vs. Tolerance: Uncertainty Avoidance: Characterized by a society's level of discomfort with uncertainty and ambiguity. Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance seek stability and structure, often through strict laws, rules, and regulations. Tolerance: Represents a culture's willingness to accept unpredictability and ambiguity. In cultures with low uncertainty avoidance, flexibility and spontaneity are more common, and individuals are open to change and diverse ideas. Masculinity vs. Femininity: Masculinity: Emphasizes competitiveness, achievement, and success. Cultures with a strong emphasis on masculinity often value materialism, assertiveness, and ambition. Femininity: Prioritizes nurturing, cooperation, and quality of life. Cultures with a focus on femininity value compassion, relationships, and work-life balance. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Orientation: Short-Term Orientation: Focuses on immediate gains, often influenced by traditions, social obligations, and immediate rewards. People in short-term-oriented cultures may prioritize the present over the future. Long-Term Orientation: Values long-term planning, persistence, and perseverance. Cultures with a long-term orientation prioritize future benefits, sustainability, and preparedness for the future. Understanding these dimensions helps in comprehending the cultural values, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals within a particular society. It's important to note that no culture is entirely characterized by one extreme or the other, and variations exist within and across cultures. These dimensions provide a framework for appreciating the diversity and complexity of cultures across the globe.
  • #11 Non verbal communication can bridge the gaps in intercultural communication. When there is cultural indifference and one culture is perceived superior to the other, wrong judgement may occur. Non verbal gestures can help in solving the problem by providing another way of letting people from other cultures connect. This type of communication accounts for 65%-93% interpretation of body language, speech patterns, and facial expressions 65% and gestures. In non-verbal communication, intentions for sending and receiving messages or cues during the interaction are classified as: Reinforcement: Definition: Reinforcement involves supporting a verbal message with non-verbal cues to emphasize or strengthen the intended meaning. Example: When saying "I am good," using a thumbs-up sign to back up the verbal statement or rubbing one's stomach to convey hunger alongside the verbal message. Substitution: Definition: Substitution occurs when non-verbal actions replace spoken words to convey a message without verbalizing it. Example: Waving a hand instead of saying "hi" or "bye" to greet or bid farewell to someone. Contradiction: Definition: Contradiction happens when there's a conflict between non-verbal actions and the verbal message being conveyed. Example: Saying "yes" to attending a party while rolling one's eyes or looking down, indicating a contradiction between the verbal and non-verbal communication, potentially suggesting a true meaning of "no." Accentuation: Definition: Accentuation involves using non-verbal cues to intensify or emphasize the verbal message, making the communication more impactful. Example: Speaking louder and employing fierce eye expressions while saying "Get out!" to accentuate the intensity of the communication. Regulation: Definition: Regulation entails using non-verbal cues to help manage and guide conversations, indicating when to start or stop speaking. Example: Using hand gestures to signal when one will stop speaking or indicate that someone else can begin talking, aiding in the smooth flow and coordination of the conversation.
  • #13 Barriers in Intercultural Communication refer to obstacles or challenges that hinder effective understanding, interaction, and communication between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds. These barriers arise due to differences in language, values, beliefs, behaviors, customs, and expectations among cultures. They impede the smooth exchange of information, ideas, and meanings, often leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or conflicts. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is crucial for establishing meaningful and successful communication across diverse cultures. Some common barriers include language differences, stereotypes, cultural assumptions, non-verbal misinterpretations, and differences in communication styles. Overcoming these barriers requires cultural awareness, empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to learn and adapt to different cultural norms and practices.
  • #14 Assumption of Similarities: Explanation: Assuming that people from different cultures are fundamentally similar in values, beliefs, and behaviors, disregarding the significant differences that exist among cultures. Impact: This assumption can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and inappropriate actions based on incorrect expectations. Language Differences: Explanation: Understanding language is more than just translating words; it involves understanding connotations, cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and context in which the language is used. Impact: Language barriers can hinder effective communication, causing miscommunication, confusion, and potential offense. Non-verbal Misinterpretation: Explanation: Different cultures interpret non-verbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, posture, and eye contact differently. Misinterpretation of these cues can occur due to cultural variations. Impact: Misunderstandings in non-verbal communication can lead to unintended messages, affecting the overall communication and relationship dynamics. Pre-conceptions and Stereotypes: Explanation: Preconceived notions and stereotypes based on limited or biased information about a particular culture can influence perceptions and judgments of individuals from that culture. Impact: Stereotypes can lead to bias, prejudice, and discriminatory behaviors, creating barriers to open communication and genuine understanding. Tendency to Evaluate: Explanation: Evaluating others based on one's own cultural norms, values, and standards can lead to judgment and misinterpretation, as it doesn't consider the other culture's context. Impact: This tendency can cause conflicts, hinder effective communication, and damage relationships due to misunderstanding and lack of cultural sensitivity. High Anxiety: Explanation: Nervousness or anxiety experienced in intercultural interactions due to the fear of making mistakes, offending others, or not being understood can hinder effective communication. Impact: High anxiety levels can impair communication, making it challenging to convey thoughts and ideas accurately and build trust and rapport with individuals from different cultures.
  • #17 Stereotypes are simplified, fixed, and often exaggerated beliefs or generalizations about a particular group of people, often based on limited information, assumptions, or preconceived notions. These beliefs are applied to all individuals within that group without considering the diversity and individuality that exists within the group. Stereotypes can be related to various characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, age, socioeconomic status, occupation, or cultural background.
  • #22 Politically correct language aims to promote inclusivity, respect, and fairness in communication by choosing words and expressions that avoid stereotypes, discrimination, or bias against specific groups of people. Its primary goals are: Inclusivity: To include and respect all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, race, ethnicity, abilities, or any other characteristic. By using language that is inclusive, everyone is acknowledged and valued. Respect: To show respect and consideration for individuals by using terminology that does not marginalize or offend based on gender, race, religion, abilities, or other factors. It reflects an understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences. Avoiding Stereotypes: To prevent perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing prejudiced views about certain groups of people. Politically correct language challenges and corrects biased assumptions, encouraging more accurate and fair representations. Awareness of Sensitivity: To be mindful of the potential impact of language on others and strive to use words that are sensitive and considerate. It's about understanding that language has the power to shape attitudes and behaviors. Eliminating Discrimination: To work towards a society that is free from discrimination, prejudice, and harmful stereotypes by using language that supports equality and fairness.