10 Questions
What is the significance of refusing a gift once in Japan?
To display modesty and serenity
What is the meaning of placing utensils together on the plate in Spain?
It indicates that the diner is satisfied
What is the purpose of communication in intercultural settings?
To create and share meaning
What is the significance of pointing with the whole hand in Kenya?
It's a way to avoid insulting others
What is the definition of communication?
The process of creating and sharing meaning
What is the significance of using both hands when passing a gift or food in China?
It's a sign of respect
What is the purpose of the wai greeting in Thailand?
To show respect and gratitude
What is the significance of banging fists on the table in Germany?
It's a way to show appreciation
What is the role of symbolic meaning in consumer products?
It's a way to create and share meaning
What is the characteristic of communication as a dynamic process?
It's a meaning-based and creative process
Study Notes
Communication Basics
- Communication involves sharing and negotiating meaning between people.
- Messages can have multiple meanings, and misinterpretation can occur when people from different cultural backgrounds assume the intended meaning.
Dynamics of Communication
- Communication is a dynamic, ongoing process that involves both senders and receivers simultaneously.
- Communicators create, maintain, or share meanings through verbal and nonverbal messages.
Intentional and Unintentional Communication
- Communication does not have to be intentional; important messages can be sent unintentionally.
- Cultural differences can lead to unintended insults or miscommunications, as seen in the example of an American businessman in Saudi Arabia.
Receiver-Oriented Communication
- The person who assigns meaning to a message determines the outcome of the communication situation.
- The receiver's interpretation holds more weight than the sender's intended meaning.
Models of Communication
- Harold Lasswell's model: Who? Says what? Through which channel? To whom? With what effect?
- Osgood and Schramm's model: Source, Message, Channel, Receiver, Feedback
- Schramm's Model of Mass Communication: Media, Channels
Symbolic Nature of Communication
- Words and gestures have no inherent meaning; they are significant because people agree on their meaning.
- Symbolic meanings are conveyed verbally and nonverbally, and involve shared meanings.
Advantages of Heterogeneous Societies
- Living in a heterogeneous society provides a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures.
- It fosters tolerance and understanding among people from different cultural backgrounds.
Interesting Cultural Behaviors
- Japan: Refusing a gift once before accepting it, and using both hands to accept.
- Israel: Bringing a book as a gift when visiting a home.
- Spain: Placing utensils together on the plate after a meal.
- Thailand: Using the wai greeting, holding hands together at the chest and giving a light bow.
- Kenya: Using the whole hand instead of pointing with the index finger.
- China: Using both hands when passing gifts or food.
- Germany: Banging fists on the table to show appreciation.
Explore the complexities of communication, including the negotiation of meaning and the impact of cultural backgrounds on message interpretation.
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