ipl-logo

Intercultural Communication Literature Review

1159 Words5 Pages

2. Literature Review

This section will discuss several theories, finding of previous researchers and concepts related to Intercultural sensitivity, culture and the field of Intercultural Communication. The literature review section aims to achieve several objectives. Firstly, it plans to define the concepts of Intercultural competence, Intercultural sensitivity and other related terms from the points of view of different researchers. Secondly, it discusses the history of intercultural field and the theoretical frameworks developed with regards to intercultural sensitivity as well as intercultural competence in the education field. Next, it provides a summary of various intercultural sensitivity measurements used to identify and analyse the …show more content…

Intercultural communication transpires when a person from one culture intends to deliver a message to a person from another culture. Contrastingly, intercultural miscommunication happens when the sender's intended message is not successfully delivered to the individual from the second culture. Misperception, misinterpretation, and misevaluation are often one of the main reasons that cause cross-cultural misunderstandings and complications. Therefore, studies and theories on cross-cultural communication provide a base to exploration in the field of intercultural sensitivity. As stated by Lustig & Koester (1999, pg.60.), the phrase intercultural communication can be broken down into two distinctive terms : ‘intercultural’ and ‘communication’. The relationship between culture and communication is indeed very complex and without any doubt is it clear that culture places a strong influence on …show more content…

For example; respect for differences, cultural empathy, preservation of harmony and awareness of communication symbols. These elements are able to pin-point the level of cultural sensitivity present in an individual. Some people hold the generalized perception that individuals who are genuinely exposed to people from different cultures are often more culturally sensitive and able to deal with their differences efficiently. However, a study conducted by Fuller (2007) totally rejects this thought. Fuller claims that intercultural exposure does not play any role in boosting or influencing intercultural sensitivity. In the field of education, Bandura’s Social Learning Theory emphasizes that one’s way of life and intercultural interaction in very much influenced by a symbolic environment. However, wrong imitation of the learning process may create inappropriate behaviour and portray one’s intercultural incompetency (Selmer, 2004). In addition, Gudykunst & Nishida (2001) also agree that lack of cultural sensitivity and interest in other cultures usually cause anxiety and uncertainty in intercultural phenomenas. Malaysian students and people in general must possess cultural sensitivity as it is extremely crucial in avoiding cultural chaos such as racism, stereotyping, ethnocentrism (Graf, 2004; Stahl, 2000), or bias in social popularity (Ones & Viswesvaran, 1999). Likewise as cited in Kawita (2013), Bennet (1993), Chen &

Show More
Related
628 Words | 3 Pages

Every day we use our culture. Whether it be to argue claims, express opinions, or make decisions, culture plays a part in each area. Culture is who we are, one’s identity, its extent is enormous over our views and actions. A person grows up surrounded with culture at a young age. This can affect how they learn and what they learn.

Read More
600 Words | 3 Pages

“Wind-Wolf knows the names and migration patterns of more than 40 birds. He knows there are 13 feathers on a perfectly balanced eagle. What he needs is a teacher who knows his full measure” (Lake 75). There are variant forms of culture worldwide; individuals get a unique identity by incorporating other cultures based off experiences and personal opinion into their own. For some people, to incorporate means to deal with obstacles; it is challenging to adapt into new cultures.

Read More
386 Words | 2 Pages

As a second grade classroom teacher, I believe it is important for other educators to be aware of culturally responsive teaching which is closely related to multiculturalism. Culturally responsive teaching is pedagogy aware of the importance of considering the students’ culture in their learning. America’s educational system was built on a foundation of inequalities.

Read More
1006 Words | 5 Pages

Alexis Spaulding Mrs. Bauch Speech 6th 16 May 2016 Cons to GMOs Since genetically modified crops, or GMOs, were created in 1996, the overall use of pesticides has increased to over 400 million pounds in the year 2011 (? GMO Risks?). This is not what GMO crops were supposed to do, which was lower the amount of pesticides needed on crop fields. With the need of more pesticides on GMO crop fields, farmers have to spend even more each year on more toxic and expensive pesticides to kill the weeds and insects that slowly gain immunity to the weed killers.

Read More
776 Words | 4 Pages

Q 5 – Explain how diversity impacts on practices and experiences on person behaviour, interpersonal relationships, perception and social expectations of others. A – Acknowledge similarities and differences that exist between yourself, co-workers and clients. Culture plays an important part in a person’s behaviour, thoughts and how they relate towards others. An individual's cultural perceptions and expectations will directly impact on the way they work with each client and their co-workers; a failure to recognise cultural differences may cause serious problems when they are dealing with others in the workplace.

Read More
1507 Words | 7 Pages

In our notes, it is stated that the high-context culture rely heavily on non-verbal cues to maintain social harmony. This includes many Asian and the Middle Eastern cultures. On the other hand, low-context culture uses language primarily to express thoughts, feelings and idea as directly and logically as possible. Such examples are the American and the European cultures.

Read More
1488 Words | 6 Pages

This is accomplished by acknowledging similar experiences between different ethnic backgrounds and creating a new common ground that can be build on. Behavioural and cognitive perspectives focus on the solo learner. Whereas the socio-cultural perspective sees learning as a social activity and acknowledges how peer norms, social supports, knowledgeable people, and cultural and historical circumstances (Conway,

Read More
798 Words | 4 Pages

With that being said, knowledge is my substantial weakness while skills and attitude are my strengths regarding intercultural competence. Being able to effectively engage with others from different backgrounds and communities relates to skills and attitude that allows me to interact and work with people from different culture. For me, being able to listen, observe, analyze, interpret, respect and think beyond average alleviates me to engage with others from different cultures adequately. But my weakness does with the aspect of cultural self- awareness, sociolinguistic awareness and grasp of global issues and trends. For example, working on group project illustrate one ability to be able to communicate and accommodate beliefs from other

Read More
307 Words | 2 Pages

DuPraw’s and Marya Axner’s article “Working on CommonCross-cultural Communication, they pointed out that “[a]n appreciation of patterns of cultural difference can assist us in processing what it means to be different in ways that are respectful of others…”. We usually see different cultures as abnormal or “wrong” because it is not what we’re used to. This quote from the article is telling us that we need to become empathetic to successfully understand others from different backgrounds. When you stop to listen and put yourselves in others’ shoes, you are respecting and understanding their ideas. To fully succeed in cross cultural communications, you need to learn, accept and appreciate the differences each culture has and be considerate of people with diverse developmental

Read More
1259 Words | 6 Pages

As a result of increasing modernization and globalization, it is not uncommon for us to meet, study or work with people from different cultural background. To communicate successfully, understanding about and sympathizing for others’ differences is the key. Otherwise, misunderstanding and miscommunication would be inevitable, which can have adverse impacts in many situations such as studying and business setting. That is to say, intercultural communication competence is a must for anyone wishing to succeed in this highly globalized world. Thanks to its supreme importance, intercultural communication has been featured in multiple publicities, including video, songs or movies.

Read More
941 Words | 4 Pages

Abstract Communicating successfully with people from different cultures can be a real challenge. Cultural differences may lead to tensions, arguments, and even wars between peoples and nations. This paper deals with one of the most common problems in intercultural communication cultural shock, it introduces its concepts and basic traits, causes and symptoms, stages of adjustment and strategies of overcoming culture shock with the aim of improving intercultural communication competence for smoothing intercultural communication. Key words: Cultural shock; Intercultural communication; Stages of adjustment; Intercultural communication competence Wang, M. L. (2015).

Read More
1010 Words | 5 Pages

Cultural identity plays a very vital role in cross cultural communication, people from a particular culture communicate with partners and employees from many different cultures and in this situation every individual strives to keep their cultural and individual identity. According to Gardiner and Kosmitzki, identity is defined as “a person 's self-definition as a separate and distinct individual, including behaviours, beliefs, and attitudes” (Gardiner & Kosmitzki, 2008, p. 154). Also, Ting-Toomey defines identity as a "reflective self-conception or self-image that we each derive from our family, gender, cultural, ethnic, and individual socialization process"( Ting-Toomey, 2005). Both definitions bring out the generalisation of cultural identity

Read More
781 Words | 4 Pages

“Rules of different kinds guide all communicative interaction, and the learning of rules and of their proper application is essential to our becoming competent members of our society.” This statement means that rules are important in intercultural and interpersonal communication. Intercultural and interpersonal communications are guided by different rules such as family rules and social rules among others. People have to observe the rules of intercultural and interpersonal communication to communicate with different societies.

Read More
789 Words | 4 Pages

Our country, Malaysia is a small, tropical country that lies within South-East Asia. Although it is small, it has a number of things to boast about. And the most prominent among these things is its multiracial community. This is due to people of different races living together in harmony within the borders of this little country. This has shaped Malaysia into a melting pot of vastly different cultures and religions, creating diversity.

Read More
766 Words | 4 Pages

Cultural exchange programs are for connecting, enriching and empowering the global community. Cultural exchange programs expose students to people from different cultural, geographic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds and provide the opportunity for students to develop a greater understanding of diversity both in their home country and visiting country. Cultural Exchange Program allows students to interact with and learn from people who are different from themselves and to participate in new and distinctive experiences beyond their own communities. Cultural exchange helps students to develop positive relationships with others, understand a broader range of perspectives, and develop the knowledge and skills needed for participation in our multicultural society. Participating in International Cultural and Educational Exchange programmes is a life changing experience.

Read More

More about Intercultural Communication Literature Review

Related Topics

Open Document