Chapter 2 – Building Blocks Intercultural Communication: COM2603

Definition of intercultural communication Intercultural communication occurs when people of different cultural backgrounds interact … (pg.23) But we can also understand intercultural communication by breaking up two root words – culture and communication…. Inter means two way… So what are the building blocks of intercultural communication?

The four building blocks of intercultural communication Culture Communication Context Power

Building Block 1 – Culture Culture is often taken for granted – but is the core concept of intercultural communication Culture’s differ – Indian culture may differ from African culture which may differ from a Western culture or lifestyle. In some cultures it is accepted and a norm for kids to move out of the house at the age of 18, in other cultures, kids only move out once they are married. On marriage – some cultures it is accepted that the new couple stay with the in-laws and in other cultures it is accepted for them to live independently. Culture is learned – we learn “our” way of doing things and the lifestyle be it Western, Chinese, Indian, Xhosa, Zulu etc. Culture involves perception and values – we share how we perceive aspects of society from our cultural lens and we learn what to value and what it important through our interactions as we grow up.

Culture involves feelings and is shared What does this mean to you? Read pg.25 of the prescribed book to better understand this.

Our culture and identity Our culture add to our identity. Apart from defining ourselves by our religion, gender etc, we tend to include our cultural identity as well. It adds to our individualism and uniqueness. We must remember that culture is dynamic and heterogenous – all cultures are not the same and they ae ever-changing. Consider your culture and what was accepted before and what has changed – something simple such as dress code. We need to understand culture so that we have a better understanding of the people that we interact with in our various environments and they will have a better understanding of you.

Building block 2: Communication According to the prescribed textbook, pg. 28 – Communication is defined as “symbolic process whereby meaning is shared and negotiated”. Communication involves meaning – we try to make sense of what the other person is saying or even not saying (verbal/non-verbal communication) And we negotiate – in the sense that we try to gain a better understanding by participating in the exchange. We ask questions and try to clarify or find out more. The prescribed book unpacks 5 reasons why communication is important on page 28.

Building Block 3 – Context We communicate in context – we don’t have formal meeting at a nightclub on a Saturday night or start dancing in the middle of a boardroom meeting. Certain communications/interactions take place in appropriate places. We also change our speaking style depending on the environment we are in. We are formal in a meeting but casual at a picnic. We are more thoughtful about our language in the workplace than we are in a social setting. This also includes the way we approach situations. Think of how you relate to your elders, siblings, teachers, boss, friends.

Building Block 4: Power In what language do you think? Unfortunately there is an assumption that if one does not speak English adequately, one is not educated. This also leads to power dynamics – language and the way we communicate is open to perception about who is in power. Men are seen as more powerful than women though that dynamic is changing. Certain social groups are seen as more dominant and powerful than others.

Barriers to intercultural communication Activity: Read the section titled: Barriers to intercultural Communication and define the following: Ethnocentrism Stereotyping Prejudice Discrimination Racism