1

Inter-Act, 13th Edition

Chapter 3Intercultural

Communication

Chapter 3 ObjectivesDescribe the role of communication in

defining, transmitting, and changing culture

Discuss the relationships between dominant and co-cultures

List and discuss the ways in which cultures differ and how that affects intercultural communication

Explain how one develops intercultural competence

2

The psychological discomfort of adjusting to a new cultural situation

3

Culture Shock

Intercultural Communication

Interactions that occur between people whose

cultures are so different that the communication between

them is altered

4

The system of beliefs, values, and attitudes shared by a particular

segment of the population

5

Culture

Dominant Culture Culture within a society whose attitudes, values,

beliefs, and customs hold the majority opinion

6

Co-Cultures Groups of people living within

a dominant culture who are clearly different from the

dominant culture

7

Co-Cultures1. Gender2. Race3. Ethnicity4. Sexual orientation and gender identity5. Religion6. Social class7. Generation

8

Cultural Identity Self-image based on cultural

group or groups you associate with

9

How Cultures Differ Individualism-Collectivism: extent to which people in a

culture are integrated into groups Uncertainty Avoidance: extent to which people in a culture

avoid unpredictability regarding people, relationships, and events

Power Distance: amount of difference in power between people, institutions, and organizations in a culture

Masculinity-Femininity: extent to which notions of "maleness" and "femaleness" are valued in a culture

Time Orientation: differences in how cultures perceive time Cultural context: differences in how cultures share

meaning

10

Individualism-CollectivismIndividualistic cultures value:

Personal rights and responsibilities

Competition and personal achievement

Self-expression Privacy

Collectivist cultures value:

Community, strong connection to groups

Harmony and cooperation

Avoiding embarrassment

Group interests over self-interests

11

Uncertainty AvoidanceLow Uncertainty Avoidance

Comfortable with unpredictability

Takes risks Few rules Accepts multiple

perspectives of “truth”

High Uncertainty Avoidance

Creates systems of formal rules

Believes in absolute truth

Less tolerant of deviant ideas or behaviors

12

Power DistanceHigh Power Distance

Power distributed unequally

Power imbalances seen as natural

Power is respected

Low Power Distance

Power is distributed equally

Inequalities are downplayed

People with power are not feared

Democracy is valued

13

Masculinity-FemininityMasculine Cultures

Traditional sex-based roles followed

Men are assertive and dominant

Women are nurturing, service-oriented

Male traits valued over female traits

Feminine Cultures Roles not based on

one’s sex People free to act

in nontraditional ways

Feminine traits valued

Both men and women demonstrate both masculine and feminine behaviors

14

Time OrientationMonochronic

Value punctuality Follow plans

Polychronic Value flexible

schedules Multitasking

15

Cultural ContextLow-Context

Direct verbal messages

Speakers expected to say what they mean

High-Context Indirect meaning Understood by

referring to unwritten cultural rules and subtle nonverbal behavior

“Read between the lines”

16

U.S. Rankings(among 53 Countries/Regions)

17

15t

h

43r

d

38t

h

18

Intercultural Communication

Competenceeffective and appropriate

behavior and communication in intercultural situations

Barriers to Effective Intercultural Communication

AnxietyAssuming similarity or difference cultureEthnocentrismStereotypingIncompatible communication codesIncompatible norms and values

19

Pyramid Model of Intercultural Competence

20

Intercultural Communication Competence

21

• Internal outcomes: • Informed frame of reference, filter shift• Adaptability, flexibility • Ethnorelativism: point of view that allows you

to see value in other cultural perspectives• Empathy

Intercultural Competence

22

External outcome: Behaving and communicating effectively and appropriately to achieve your goals

HomeworkAnalyze your own intercultural

communication skills. Which skills are strong? What barriers most hinder your ability to communicate interculturally?

Write down a goal and a plan to improve one specific intercultural goal this semester.

Review your Assignment Rubric!!23