Purposive Communication 1 Midterms Lesson 3 - Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings

Meaning

is culturally constructed.

Context shifts with culture.

The same word or gesture can carry a different meaning depending on the listener’s cultural background.

Generations add another layer.

Vocabulary and language barriers between generations make miscommunications even more likely.

Language Barrier

Different vocabulary and word meaning across cultures create confusion.

Personality Barrier

Individual style – directness, volume, formality – varies person to person.

Medium Barrier

The channel used to communicate can change how a message lands.

Cultural Barrier

Share beliefs and norms shape how words and gestures are interpreted.

Formal (Language Register)

Used in academic/professional writing; strict grammar rules (e.g., essays, business letters, reports)

Informal (Language Register)

Casual, used with people we know well (e.g., personal emails, texts, diaries, blogs)

Neutral (Language Register)

Non-emotional, fact-based; neither formal nor informal. (e.g., review articles, technical writing)

Joo’s Five Styles of Spoken English

Model of Spoken Register by Martin Joo (1961). It consists of Frozen, Formal, Consultative, Casual, Intimate.

Frozen Style

Unchanging, ritual language (e.g., Pledge of Allegiance)

Formal Style

One-way, no interruptions, technical vocabulary (e.g., presentations)

Consultative Style

Two-way, background info given, back-channel cues (e.g., teacher-student, doctor-patient)

Casual Style

In-group, slang, ellipsis, interruptions common (e.g., friends)

Intimate Style

Private, non-verbal, intonation over wording (e.g., family, close friends)