Messages fourth canadian edition Chapter Two Interpersonal Communication and Culture 1

messages fourth canadian edition

Chapter TwoInterpersonal Communication and Culture

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Interpersonal Communication and CultureCulture – the lifestyle of a group of

people

values • language beliefs • ways of

thinking artifacts • art ways of behaving •laws ways of communicating •religion

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Interpersonal Communication and Culture Enculturation

-the process of learning one’s culture from one generation to another

Acculturation-the process by which a person’s

culture is modified through direct contact with or exposure to another culture

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Copyright © 2007 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 4

Table 2.1Table 2.1

See table 2.1 on page 26 to see Intercultural Value Conflict Areas


Test YourselfTest Yourself

Turn to page 27 and complete the “Test Yourself” How Individualistic Are You?

Answer the questions under “What Will You Do?”

Culture differs in terms of...

Orientation (individualistic/collectivist)

Context (high/low)

Masculinity / Feminity

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Orientation

Individualistic Culture-You are responsible for yourself and

perhaps your immediate family; you are responsible to your own conscience

Collectivist Culture-You are responsible for the entire

group; responsibility is largely an individual matter.

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See Table 2.2See Table 2.2

Look at table 2.2 on page 30 to see some difference between individualistic and collectivist cultures.

High and Low Context

High ContextCommunication is in the context of the person’s Previous communication Assumptions Shared experiences

Low ContextInformation is explicitly stated Verbally In written form

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Masculine and Feminine Cultures A masculine culture

-typically views men as assertive, oriented to material success and strong

A feminine culture-both men and women are

supposed to be modest and oriented to maintaining the quality of life

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Masculine and Feminine Masculine and Feminine CulturesCultures

Masculine cultureMen are: Assertive Oriented to material

success Strong

Feminine culture

Both men and women are:

Modest Oriented to quality of

life Tender

Women are: Modest Oriented to

quality of life Tender

Intercultural Communication

Communication between cultures ethnic groups religions nations small cultures small groups genders

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Test YourselfTest Yourself

Do “Test Yourself” on page 33

How Ethnocentric Are You?

Steps to Improve Intercultural Communication1) Recognize and reduce your

ethnocentrism2) Be mindful3) Face fears4) Avoid over-attribution5) Identify uncertainty and ambiguity

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Steps continued

6) Recognize differences-between yourself and culturally

different people

-within the culturally different group

7) Recognize meaning differences in verbal & nonverbal messages

8) Adjust your communication9) Recognize culture shock

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Recognize Meaning Recognize Meaning Differences in Verbal and Differences in Verbal and Nonverbal MessagesNonverbal Messages

Remember: meaning does not exist in the words we use; it exists in the person using the words

In intercultural communication, potential differences in meaning are even greater in nonverbal than verbal messages

Ethnocentrism

We all tend to see others and their behaviours through our own cultural filters and think our culture is better than other cultures in every way.

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Skills ToolboxSkills Toolbox

Read : Skills Toolbox” on page 34

Recognize That Culture Shock Is Normal

Stages of Culture Shock Honeymoon

Fascination with new culture Crisis

Differences between your own culture and the new one creates problems

Recovery

Gain the skills to function effectively Adjustment

Adjust and come to enjoy the new culture

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Thinking CriticallyThinking Critically

Read “Thinking Critically About” on page 37


Adjust Your Adjust Your CommunicationCommunication

Learn the other culture’s signals; avoid violating cultural rules

Share your own system of signals with others

Avoid evaluating differences negatively: see others as different but equal


Skill Building ExerciseSkill Building Exercise

Complete 2.3 Confronting Intercultural Difficulties on page 45. Do questions 1-6 AND “Thinking Critically About Intercultural Difficulties.

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Messages fourth canadian edition Chapter Two Interpersonal Communication and Culture 1