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Communicating in a Multicultural Society and World

CHAPTER

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Communicating in a Multicultural Society and World

LO1 Explain the significance of intercultural communication in the global community

LO2 Explain how and why U.S. society has evolved from a melting-pot philosophy to a philosophy of cultural pluralism

LO3 Analyze various attitudes toward diversity

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LO6 Explain how technology brings diversity into our lives

LO5 Illustrate the five main dimensions of cultural variability

LO7 Identify techniques to reduce the strangeness of strangers

LO4 Explain influences on cultural identity and the difference between cultures and co-cultures

Communicating in a Multicultural Society and World

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Culture’s Many Faces: Speaking of Difference

globalization increasing economic, political, and cultural integration and interdependence of diverse cultures

diversity recognition and valuing of difference

multiculturalism engagement with and respect toward people from distinctly different cultures

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Culture’s Many Faces: Speaking of Difference

interracial communication interpreting and sharing of meanings with individuals from different races

interethnic communication interaction with individuals of different ethnic origins

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Culture’s Many Faces: Speaking of Difference

international communication communication between persons representing different nations

intracultural communication interaction with members of the same racial or ethnic group or co-culture as yours

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What Happened to the Melting Pot?

melting-pot philosophy view that different cultures should be assimilated into the dominant culture

cultural pluralism adherence to principle of cultural relativism

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Figure 1.1Majority minorities

*Includes American Indian and Alaska Native alone, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone, and two or more racesSource: U.S. Census BureauSOURCE: The Wall Street Journal, June 12, 2008, p. A10.

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Culture and Communication

Hall: “Culture is communication and communication is culture”

What you understand about difference matters culturally confused lacking an

understanding of cultural difference cultural imperialism expansion of

dominion of one culture over another culture

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Culture and Communication

How you feel about difference matters ethnocentrism tendency to see one’s

own culture as superior to all others cultural relativism acceptance of other

cultural groups as equal in value to one’s own prejudice a positive or negative prejudgment

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Cultures Within Cultures

Influences on cultural identity Gender roles Racial/ethnic identities Religious identity Socioeconomic identity National identity

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Cultures Within Cultures

Cultures and co-cultures culture system of knowledge, beliefs,

values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that are acquired, shared, and used by members during daily living

co-cultures groups of persons who differ in some ethnic or sociological way from the parent culture

assimilation means by which co-culture members attempt to fit in with members of the dominant culture

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Cultures Within Cultures

Cultures and co-cultures (continued)

accommodation means by which co-culture members maintain their cultural identity while striving to establish relationships with members of the dominant culture

separation means co-culture members use to resist interacting with members of the dominant culture

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Table 1.1A Culture and Its Co-Cultures

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Figure 1.2A Culture and Its Co-Cultures

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Dimensions of Culture in Action

Individualism versus collectivism

High-context versus low-context communication

High power distance versus low power distance

Monochromic versus polychromic

Masculine or feminine culture

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Dimensions of Culture in Action

Individualism versus collectivism individualistic cultures cultures in which

individual goals are stressed collectivistic cultures cultures

in which group goals are stressed

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Dimensions of Culture in Action

High-context versus low-context communication high-context communication

tradition-bound communication system that depends on indirectness

low-context communication system that encourages directness in communication

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Dimensions of Culture in Action

High power distance versus low power distance high-power-distance cultures cultures

based on power differences in which subordinates defer to superiors

low-power-distance cultures cultures that believe that power should be used only when legitimate

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Dimensions of Culture in Action

Monochromic versus polychromic monochromic time

schedule time carefully, preferring to complete an activity before beginning another,

polychromic time not obsessed with time and refuse to be slaves to it

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Dimensions of Culture in Action

Masculine or feminine culture masculine cultures

cultures that value aggressiveness, strength, and material symbols of success

feminine cultures cultures that value tenderness and relationships

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Dimensions of Culture in Action

Interpreting Cultural Differences Japanese and Chinese: individuals tend to

understate their own accomplishments North American : typically taught to be assertive

and take credit for their achievements North American: speak directly on an issue Japan, Korea, and China: avoid confrontation,

preserve harmony, and make it possible for individuals to save face or maintain self-esteem

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Technology and Community

Technology and computers are changing the traditional definition of a community Fear that communicating solely with like-minded

people may lead to the polarization of opinions Do we commit ourselves emotionally

to our online relationships and alliances or keep them superficial?

digital divide information gap

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Practice Intercultural Communication

Refrain from formulating expectationsRecognize how faulty

education can impede understandingMake a commitment to develop

intercultural communication skills

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High Power Distance vs. Low Power Distance High power distance cultures

Power viewed as a fact of life Subordinates defer to superiors

Low power distance cultures Power should be used when legitimate Subordinates contradict their bosses