Intercultural Communication In Rush Hour

China and The United States are the two most powerful countries in the world where people dream of coming to seek for opportunity. However, it will be a very different experience when you involve in the cultures of these two countries. One fundamental principle that you need to bear in mind is that: American and Chinese cultures are polar opposites. The film named Rush Hour (1998) is one striking example that reflects different practices, point of view, thoughts, and ways of communication. Also, it is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that helps to develop intercultural communication and experience.

Rush Hour is released in the United States in 1998 and directed by Brett Ratner. The main plot centers on a pair of police detectives: Detective

A low-context culture “uses language primarily to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas as clearly and logically as possible…The meaning of a statement is in the works spoken (Adler & Elmhorst,2008,p.47). A high-context culture, on the other hand “relies heavily on subtle, often nonverbal cues to convey meaning, save face, and maintain social harmony”.(p.47). James Carter’s straight-talking style proves for low-context culture. He always wants to get to the point in a quick way by asking direct questions. At the first time James Carter met Lee at the airport, they misunderstood each other. James Carter starts the conservation by immediately asking several questions: “Please tell me you speak English... I’m Detective Carter. Do you speak any English? Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?” Lee just smiles without saying anything. When James Carter realize Lee’s ability to speak English, he asks the reason, and Lee said that “you seem you like to talk, I like to let people talk who want to talk” Lee’s response really shows the contrary between one from high-context culture and another from low-context culture. One likes to talk, another just uses nonverbal communication. Similarly, detective from America is very rude and straight: “they do not like you, I do not like you, …, the girl does not like you”. However, Lee does not show his dissatisfaction,

Cultures with high power distance accept an unequal distribution of power and the fact that “some members have greater resources and influence than others”(p.50). When James Carter speaks to his boss, it seems that they are equal in power. James does not afraid to say what he thinks, and even the call the one with higher position by his name. The American always expects egalitarianism so it will be great if there ia not formalized hierarchical structure in community and social relationship. However, in China, it is different, relationships are hierarchical in terms of age, political status, wealth and so on. Chinese people are well-known for being disciplined, aware of where they are in the hierarchy and are very sensitive to it. According to Hofstede’s power distance index, China scores 80 and the United States scores 40, indicating the low power distance and high power distance.

In conclusion, through the film Rush Hour, we are likely to understand more about cultural concepts. As Champoux(1990) observed: “ inexperienced students will be likely benefit from the use of film because of a greater feeling of reality”. This film not only gives us knowledge in cultures but provides us with relaxed moments. People should bear in mind that cultural difference is just the matter of variety, not the matter of which one is