What is Intercultural Communication (ICC)? HCOM 320 Chapter 2 What is Intercultural Communication (ICC)?

Culture: a learned meaning system Culture – includes patterns of traditions, beliefs, values, norms, meanings, and symbols – passed from one generation to the next… Surface-level Intermediate-level culture Symbol Meanings or interpretations Cultural norms; setting; interaction goal Relationship expectation; cultural competence

Culture (continued) Deep-level culture Traditions, beliefs, values Normative culture Subjective culture Culturally shared traditions Culturally shared beliefs Cultural values Instrumental terminal

Understanding ICC: A Process Model ICC difference alert model ICC communication process ICC: meaning characteristics Shared meanings Three layers of meaning critical Content; relational; identity

ICC Process Thinking Principles Mismatched expectations Biased intergroup perceptions Encoding & decoding of verbal and NVC Multiple goals Diverse approaches & styles Cultural bumps or clashes Context Embedded systems

ICC Tool Kit