Bible Studies

TOPIC 4: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Effective intercultural communication occurs when people with different cultural backgrounds understand each otherÐŽ¦s way of life well enough to exchange messages and ideas successfully.

To do that we have to be able to

1) Know the nature of communication and how people communicate

2) Know how communication can become effective

3) Know what the role of communication is, in regards to maintenance of social relationships

4) Know the place of gender roles in the communication process

5) Know how to achieve intercultural understanding

CONCEPTS (17)

Identity ÐŽV it is the sense of who we are, and that is brought about by socialisation, the process by which we learn about the norms & values of our society, developing unique personalities. Our understanding of self is strongly influenced by the society and culture we belong to.

Communication ÐŽV the successful exchange of messages and ideas.

Stereotypes ÐŽV a simplified judgement and representation of the characteristics, often negative about a group of people.

Customs ÐŽV established ways of thinking and acting.

Mores ÐŽV moral rules or ways of behaving that most members of society believe are essential for maintaining standards of decency. Understanding the purpose and effect of these rules is essential if intercultural communication is to occur.

Values ÐŽV ideas about what is good, right, wise or beneficial. Usually shared in a group, to ensure uniform morals, principles and standards of behaviour.

Socialisation ÐŽV the process by which we learn to become a member of society, by internalising the norms and values of society and learning to perform social roles.

Acculturation ÐŽV the learning process where knowledge is transferred from one culture to another. It may occur when someone comes into direct contact with another culture or has secondary contact through the media.

Enculturation ÐŽV Learning how to use the accepted patterns of cultural behaviour that your culture prescribes gives fill membership to your society.. That is to say, to be a full member of a culture or subculture, individuals have to learn to use correctly, formally and informally, the patterns of cultural behaviour prescribed by that culture. Raises questions whether an expatriate may ever be fully accepted into another culture.

Globalisation ÐŽV the emergence of a global culture through the existence of world information systems and the spread of global patterns of consumerism; the growth of transnational corporations; spread of world tourism; emergence of global sports and the growth of global military and economic systems. It involves a consciousness of the world as a single place.

Continuity ÐŽV a state of being continuous with little change. The values, beliefs and traditions of a culture give a society stability.

Conflict ÐŽV when people attempt intercultural communication without being aware of cultural relativism, conflict is a distinct possibility. Social interaction in which individuals or groups of people struggle with one another in pursuit of an object of value or ideal.

Cooperation ÐŽV social interaction in which individuals or groups of people engage in join action to promote common interests or shared goals.

Cultural heritage ÐŽV the shared understandings that a society upholds, this common knowledge is passed on from generation to generation. Cultural heritage helps form a personÐŽ¦s identity. Norms and Values elements of cultural heritage.

Multiculturalism ÐŽV a society that consists of people from a variety of cultural backgrounds can be described as multiculturalism.

Cultural Diversity ÐŽVTradition that distinguishes it from other cultures. Acknowledgement and celebration of this fact can only mean better intercultural communication.

Cultural relativism ÐŽV the idea that concepts are socially constructed and vary cross culturally.

1) HOW DO PEOPLE COMMUNICATE?

Communication

o is the transfer of messages (information and/or ideas)

o can be verbal or non verbal.

Verbal

The medium for verbal communication is language, spoken or written. The meaning of a message conveyed using spoken language is also influenced by factors such as tone, volume, levels of formality, speed and pauses.

Voices tell us a lot about people. Spoken language contains two types of communication: the ÐŽ§textЎЁ (which is the words themselves)

and

ÐŽ§Vocal paralanguageЎЁ (The tone, pitch, accent, confidence & emotion of the text)

It is possible to alter the meaning of a statement or a question considerably by changing your tone of voice. The tone used changes the emotional meaning. In an intercultural conversation, the sounds or short words you utter to show that you are listening to what the other person is saying becomes very important.

Non verbal communication includes

o Body Language (ie. Facial expressions and expressive movements)

o Gestures

o Clothing

o Hairstyles

o Eye contact

o Personal Space

o Patterns