Intercultural Communication: Building Blocks & Barriers

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is culture defined as in the context of intercultural communication?

A unique way of eating and sleeping

Learned patterns of perception, values, and behaviors (correct)

A universal habit shared by all humans

A way of expressing feelings of love

Which of the following is NOT indigenous to the United States?

Milkshakes

Pizza (correct)

Baseball

Hamburgers

What is an important aspect of cultural groups according to the text?

Universal habits

Learned patterns of behavior

Shared perceptions and values (correct)

Unique ways of eating

How do Americans typically hold a fork and knife while eating?

They hold the fork in one hand and shift it to the other hand when using a knife Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between American and Japanese expressions of love?

Americans tend to express love more overtly Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between perception and cultural values?

Perception is influenced by cultural values Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the example about eating habits in the text?

It illustrates the uniqueness of cultural behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the core concept in intercultural communication?

Culture Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in intercultural communication?

Making sure the meaning of the message is truly shared Signup and view all the answers

What happens when we make assumptions about the meaning of a message in intercultural communication?

Misunderstandings may occur Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of unintentional communication?

An American businessman showing the soles of his feet in Saudi Arabia Signup and view all the answers

Who determines the outcome of a communication situation?

The receiver of the message Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of communication in intercultural settings?

It is dynamic and ongoing Signup and view all the answers

What may occur when we assume the other person takes the meaning we intend in intercultural communication?

Misunderstandings Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a message that can have multiple meanings?

The message 'I love you' Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of communication in intercultural settings?

Negotiating meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of living in a heterogeneous society when traveling to a new country?

You don't feel like an alien in the new country. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate way to accept a gift in Japan?

Refuse it once and then accept it with both hands. Signup and view all the answers

What does pointing with an index finger signify in Kenya?

Insult and disrespect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of communication in cross-cultural interactions?

To create and share meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the wai greeting in Thailand?

It's a way to show respect and gratitude. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of using both hands when passing a gift or food in China?

It shows respect and politeness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of banging fists on the table in Germany?

To show appreciation and agreement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of communication in cross-cultural interactions?

A symbolic process of sharing and negotiating meaning. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Building Blocks of Intercultural Communication

Culture is the core concept in intercultural communication, defined as learned patterns of perception, values, and behaviors shared by a group of people.
Culture is dynamic and heterogeneous, and only three of the following items are indigenous to the United States: corn, baseball, and milkshakes.

Characteristics of Culture

Culture is learned through slow and subconscious teaching from other members of our cultural group.
Culture involves unique ways of eating, sleeping, and other daily habits.
Example: Americans eat holding a fork in one hand, but shift it to their other hand when using a knife, which is considered clumsy by Europeans.

Perception and Values in Culture

Members of cultural groups share perceptions or a way of looking at the world.
Perception is related to the values of the cultural group, and learning is related to perception.
Communication involves sharing and negotiating meaning, and people have to agree on the meaning of a particular message.

Characteristics of Communication

Communication is dynamic, ongoing, and involves simultaneous sending and receiving of messages.
Communication can be unintentional, and the sender may not be aware of the message being sent.
Example: An American businessman in Saudi Arabia unintentionally insulted his host by showing the soles of his feet, inquiring about his wife's health, and declining an offer of tea.

Communication is Receiver-Oriented

The person who assigns meaning determines the outcome of the communication situation.
The interpretation of the receiver has more influence over future interactions than the sender's intended meaning.

Advantages of Heterogeneous Society

Living in a heterogeneous society allows for unique experiences of learning about different cultures.
It promotes tolerance towards people from different cultures.
It makes it easier to adapt to new cultures when traveling.

Interesting Cultural Behaviors

Japan: Refuse a gift once, then accept it with both hands.
Israel: Bring a book as a gift when invited to someone's home.
Spain: Place utensils together on the plate after a meal to indicate satisfaction.
Thailand: Greet with a wai – holding hands together at the chest like a prayer and giving a light bow.
Kenya: Use the whole hand instead of pointing with an index finger.
China: Use both hands when passing a gift or food.
Germany: Bang fists on the table to show appreciation at the end of a meeting.

Building Block 2: Communication

Communication is defined as a symbolic process whereby meaning is shared and negotiated.
Communication occurs whenever someone attributes meaning to another's words or actions.
Communication refers to the processes by which verbal and nonverbal messages are used to create and share meaning.
Communication is both a meaning-based, creative process, and a tool used to exchange information.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz is based on the lecture on intercultural communication, focusing on the concept of culture and its importance in defining a culture. It assesses the learner's understanding of the key elements that define a particular culture.