cultural communication pt.1

What is the technological imperative for studying intercultural communication?

Technology brings people from different cultures closer together and increases intercultural contact.

What is the demographic imperative?

Increasingly diverse populations require understanding across cultures.

What is the economic imperative?

Globalization and international markets demand intercultural competence.

What is the self-awareness imperative?

Studying other cultures helps us understand our own cultural identity better.

What are key components of cultural identity?

Religion, national identity, class, gender, and race.

What are the two perspectives on race?

• Biological: Based on visible physical features.

• Socio-historical: Socially constructed and constantly debated.

What is culture?

A community large enough to be self-sustaining.

What are the elements of culture?

Symbols, rituals, values, and heroes.

How is culture learned?

• Informally (through interpersonal interactions)

• Formally (through institutions)

• Through proverbs, folktales, legends, myths, art, and mass media.

What is a subculture?

A large group existing within a dominant culture, based on region, ethnicity, class, or other traits.

What is an ethnic subculture?

People of the same descent and heritage who share distinct cultural features such as language, customs, and religion.

What is a co-culture?

A term emphasizing that no culture is inherently superior; coexistence of cultures

What is a sub-group?

Smaller groups within a dominant culture based on lifestyle or occupation.

What is a microculture?

A smaller identifiable group bound by shared symbols, behaviors, and values.

What are Confucianism’s five relationships?

Ruler–subject, husband–wife, father–son, elder brother–younger brother, friend–friend.

What interpersonal effects does Confucianism have?

• Particularism

• Role of intermediaries

• Reciprocity

• In-group/out-group distinctions

• Overlap between personal and public relationships

What is uncertainty reduction theory?

Communication aims to reduce uncertainty during initial interactions.

What is ethnocentrism?

Judging other cultures based on one’s own cultural standards.

What is culture nearsightedness?

Taking one’s own culture for granted and neglecting others.

What is cultural relativism?

Beliefs and behaviors should be understood within their own cultural context.

What is a stereotype?

Overgeneralized judgments about individuals based on group membership.

What is prejudice?

Irrational hatred or suspicion toward a group.

What is profiling?

Law enforcement targeting individuals based on perceived likelihood of criminal behavior.

What are the negative effects of stereotypes?

• Reinforce false beliefs

• Lead to incorrect assumptions about individuals

• Promote ongoing bias

Define white privilege.

Unearned advantages that white people receive in a system structured by racism.

Define hate speech.

Threats or slurs directed at specific groups.

Define microaggression

Subtle or unintentional slights that cause harm.

What is sensation?

The neurological process by which we become aware of our environment.

Compare Greek vs. Chinese sensing.

• Greek: objects seen as discrete and separate.

• Chinese: harmony and interconnection.

What is field dependence?

How the perception of an object is influenced by its background.

What are the three steps of perception?

Selection, organization, and interpretation.

How do Confucianism and Taoism influence Chinese cuisine?

Emphasize balance and harmony through Yin (cool/moist) and Yang (warm/dry) foods.

What is a low-context culture?

Meaning is explicit in words; context is less important (e.g., U.S., Germany)

What is a high-context culture?

Meaning is implicit and relies on shared context (e.g., Japan, China).

List Hofstede’s original four dimensions.

• Individualism vs. Collectivism

• Power Distance

• Masculinity vs. Femininity

• Uncertainty Avoidance

What is the fifth dimension (added later) in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions?

Long-term vs. Short-term orientation.

Define individualism

ndividuals prioritize personal goals; loose social ties.

Define collectivism.

Group interests prevail; strong social cohesion.

Define power distance.

Acceptance of unequal power distribution in society.

Give examples of large and small power distance countries.

• Large: Malaysia, Guatemala, Panama

• Small: Austria, Israel

Define masculinity vs. femininity.

Distinct vs. overlapping gender roles.

Define monochronic vs. polychronic time.

• Monochronic: one task at a time (U.S.)

• Polychronic: multiple tasks simultaneously (Latin cultures)

What influenced U.S. cultural patterns?

Indigenous cultures, European Enlightenment, and frontier mentality.

According to Turner, what did the frontier mentality create?

A forward-thinking people seeking new opportunities.

What five basic cultural problems does the theory address?

• Relation to nature

• Modality of human activity

• Temporal focus

• Character of human nature

• Relationship of the individual to others

What are key U.S. worldview beliefs?

• Humans dominate nature

• Faith in science and reason

• Materialism and progress valued

How is time viewed in the U.S.?

As linear and a commodity—focused on progress and efficiency.

What is the U.S. view of human nature?

People can change (mutability), act rationally, and have potential for good.

What is the dominant relationship orientation in the U.S.?

Individualism—self-motivation, independence, and achievement.

What is the U.S. class structure based on?

Money, power, and social influence.

What is the myth of equality in the U.S.?

Equality is valued and codified but not always realized.

How is conformity expressed in U.S. culture?

Tendency to follow modern social norms and trends.

What are regional cultures?

Unique traditions, foods, and beliefs specific to geographic areas.