Intercultural Communication Competence (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on intercultural communication competence, its components, ethics, and examples from South Africa.

Intercultural communication competence

The ability to communicate effectively across cultures by integrating knowledge about other cultures (cognitive), willingness to engage (affective), and practical interaction skills (behavioral).

Cognitive component

Knowledge about another culture (its people, norms, and practices) that enables competent intercultural interaction.

Affective component

Willingness and motivation to approach and engage with people from different cultures.

Behavioral component

The actual skills and actions used to interact competently in a new cultural setting.

Apprehension

Fear or hesitation in intercultural situations; overcoming it improves intercultural communication competence.

Ethnocentrism

Judging other cultures by the standards and values of one's own culture.

Nonverbal communication

Communication through gestures, expressions, and other nonverbal cues; often central in intercultural interactions.

Direct communicator style

A direct, explicit verbal style common in some Western cultures that says what is meant plainly.

Clash of communicator style

Conflict that arises when interacting cultures have different communication styles (e.g., direct vs. indirect).

Pass (South Africa)

A government permit historically required for movement outside townships by Black South Africans under apartheid.

Township

Desig nated, segregated areas where racial groups lived under apartheid; often separated by race.

Nelson Mandela

Leader of the ANC, imprisoned for 27 years, and the first Black president of South Africa (1994).

ANC (African National Congress)

The political party that led the anti-apartheid movement and won South Africa's first multiracial elections in 1994.

South African handshake

A handshake tradition in South Africa that includes a finger snap at the end, taught to visitors before traveling.

Nine official languages of South Africa

South Africa recognizes nine official languages, illustrating its linguistic diversity.

Confucianism

Eastern ethical philosophy; core virtues include benevolence, integrity, propriety, morality, trust, and loyalty.

Hinduism

Eastern ethical framework with life aims including the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, righteousness, and enlightenment.

Ubuntu

African philosophy of shared humanity and interdependence; ethics are shaped by the community and others’ actions.

Utilitarian principle

The ethical choice that yields the greatest good for the greatest number.

Rights principle

Ethical behavior respects the rights and autonomy of others.

Fairness (justice) principle

Ethical behavior that is fair, non-discriminatory, and consistently applied to all individuals.

Common good principle

Actions should contribute to the welfare of the community and comply with social policies and laws.

Virtues approach

Ethical behavior guided by culturally valued virtues, such as honesty and integrity, that a society aspires to.

Dietary considerations

Being attentive to cultural or religious dietary rules (e.g., halal, kosher, avoiding pork) when hosting or engaging with intercultural groups.