ICC chapters 1-3

Communication

Communication is the process of exchanging messages through verbal, nonverbal, or written means to convey meaning and create understanding between individuals.

6 characteristics of communication

Symbols, Interpretive, Transactional, Context, Process, and Involves shared messages

Symbols

meaning and message

Meaning

A perception, thought, or feeling that a person experiences and might want to communicate to others.

Message

The "package" of symbols used to create shared meanings.

Interpretive

Understanding and agreement

Understanding

Imposing similar or shared interpretations about what messages actually mean.

Agreement

When each participant not only understands the other but also holds a view that is similar.

Transactional

Actional View, Interactional View, Transactional View

Actional View

held that communication was a linear, one-way flow of ideas

Interactional View

explicitly includes the receiver in the communication process, and it recognizes that the receivers provide the senders with ongoing responses

Transactional View

which emphasizes the construction or shared creation of messages and meanings.

Context

Physical Context, Social Context, Interpersonal Context

Physical Context

includes the actual location of the interactants: indoors or outdoors, crowded or quiet

Social Context

refers to the widely shared expectations people have about the kinds of interactions that normally should occur given different kinds of social events

we realize that communication at funerals differs from that at a party

Interpersonal Context

refers to the expectations people have about the behaviors of others as a result of differences in the relationships between them

Communication among friends differs from communication among acquaintances, coworkers, or family members

Interpersonal Communication

A form of communication that involves a small number of individuals who are interacting exclusively with one another and who therefore have the ability both to adapt their messages specifically for those others and to obtain immediate interpretations from them.

Four Characteristics of Interpersonal Communication

It Involves a Small Number of People

It Involves People Interacting Exclusively with One Another

It Is Adapted to Specific Others

It Involves Immediate Interpretations

Culture

A learned set of shared interpretations about beliefs, values, norms, and social practices that affects the behaviors of a relatively large group of people.

Elements of culture

Learned

Shared Set of Interpretations

Involves Beliefs, Values, Norms, and Social Practices

Affects Behavior

Large Groups of People

Culture - Learned

Culture is not inherited biologically but is passed down through teaching and observation.

Example: A child learns how to greet elders by watching their parents show respect through handshakes or bows.

Culture - Shared Set of Interpretations

Culture provides a common way of understanding symbols, language, and behaviors within a group.

Example: A nod may mean "yes" in one culture but "no" in another. People in the same culture generally interpret gestures the same way.

Culture - Involves Beliefs, Values, Norms, and Social Practices

Beliefs, Values, Norms, and Social Practices

Beliefs

What people accept as true or false.

Example: Some cultures believe in spirits, while others focus on scientific explanations.

Values

What people see as important or desirable.

Example: In the U.S., individualism is valued, while in Japan, collectivism is emphasized.

Norms

Unwritten rules about behavior.

Example: In some cultures, making eye contact is respectful, while in others, it is seen as rude.

Social Practices

Everyday customs and traditions.

Example: Taking off shoes before entering a house in many Asian cultures.

Culture - Affects Behavior

Culture shapes how people act, from greetings to business etiquette.

Example: Some cultures use direct communication, while others use indirect communication to avoid confrontation

Culture - Large Groups of People

Culture applies to entire communities, nations, or ethnic groups, not just individuals.

Example: The concept of "family" varies across cultures—some emphasize extended families, while others focus on nuclear families.

Nation

A political and geographical entity with defined borders, government, and sovereignty.

Example: The United States, France, and Brazil are all nations with unique cultural identities.

Ethnic Group

A group of people who share a common cultural heritage, which may include language, religion, traditions, and ancestry.

Example: The Han Chinese, the Maasai of East Africa, and the Cherokee Nation are all ethnic groups.

Subculture

A smaller cultural group within a larger dominant culture that shares distinct beliefs, values, or traditions.

Example: Skateboarders, hip-hop communities, and Amish communities in the U.S. are subcultures.

Co-culture

A term used instead of "subculture" to emphasize that groups exist alongside, rather than beneath, the dominant culture.

Example: Deaf culture in the U.S. is a co-culture that has its own language (ASL) and customs.

Why Cultures Differ

history, ecology, technology and media, biology, institutional networks, interpersonal communication patterns

hana entered the biology instituation internationally

History

A culture's past experiences, conflicts, achievements, and traditions shape its identity.

Example: The history of colonialism impacts cultural attitudes in many African and South Asian nations today.

Ecology

The natural environment (climate, geography, and resources) influences how people live and develop cultural traits.

Example: In desert climates, cultures have adapted by wearing loose, light clothing and developing water conservation techniques.

Technology and Media

Advances in technology and media affect how cultures communicate, interact, and evolve.

Example: The internet allows global cultural exchange, influencing fashion, music, and language.

Biology

Though culture is learned, biological factors like genetics and health conditions can impact cultural beliefs and practices.

Example: Some cultures develop dietary customs based on genetic predispositions, such as lactose intolerance being more common in East Asia.

Institutional Networks

Large organizations such as governments, education systems, and religions shape cultural norms and values.

Example: In countries with free public education, literacy rates and attitudes toward learning are shaped by state policies.

Interpersonal Communication Patterns

The ways people interact and express themselves vary by culture and shape societal expectations.

Example: In some cultures, direct communication is valued, while in others, indirect communication is preferred

Intercultural Communication

A symbolic, interpretive, transactional, contextual process in which people from different cultures create shared meanings.

Intracultural Communication

Communication between individuals within the same culture.

Example: Two Americans discussing their weekend plans.

Interethnic Communication

Communication between different ethnic groups within the same nation or society.

Example: A conversation between an African American and a Mexican American about cultural traditions.

Interracial Communication

Communication between people of different racial backgrounds.

Example: A Black person and a White person discussing race relations in their country.

Cross-Cultural Communication

Comparing communication styles between cultures rather than direct interaction.

Example: A researcher studying differences in business etiquette between Japan and Germany

International Communication

Communication between nations and governments, often through diplomacy or media.

Example: A United Nations meeting where delegates from multiple countries discuss global policies.

Multiculturalism

A belief that multiple cultures should be respected and maintained within a society.

Example: Canada officially embraces multiculturalism by supporting bilingual education and cultural celebrations.

Diversity

The presence of multiple cultural, ethnic, and social groups within a society.

Example: The U.S. workforce includes people of different races, religions, and backgrounds.

competent intercultural communication

Appropriate and effective

Appropriate

Communication that fits the cultural context and expectations.

Example: Using indirect communication in Japan rather than being too blunt.

Effective

Achieves the desired outcome without misinterpretation.

Example: A business deal that succeeds because both sides understand cultural negotiation styles.

Explain each of the basic components of intercultural competence

Context

Appropriate and Effectiveness

Knowledge, Motivations, and Skills

Context

Cultural competence depends on where and how communication happens.

Example: Greeting someone formally in a workplace but casually with friends.

Standpoint Theory

A person's understanding of the world is shaped by their social and cultural position.

Example: A person from a minority group may view society differently than someone from the dominant culture.

Knowledge

Culture-general information: Broad knowledge about how cultures work.

Culture-specific information: Deep understanding of one particular culture

Motivations

Feelings: Interest and curiosity about other cultures

Intentions: Willingness to adapt and learn.

Skills

The ability to apply cultural knowledge in real-life interactions.

The BASIC tool

Don't Overthink Everything, Instead Trust Reasonable Thoughts Instinctively.

Display of Respect

The ability to show respect and positive regard for other people and their cultures

Example: Bowing in Japan or maintaining eye contact in Western cultures.

Orientation to Knowledge

The recognition that individuals' experiences shape what they know

Example: Understanding that punctuality means different things in different cultures.

Empathy

The capacity to behave as though you understand the world as others do

Example: Understanding why some cultures value group success over individual achievement.

Interaction Management

Skill in regulating conversations and taking turns

Example: Ensuring that everyone speaks in a group discussion, even those from cultures that value silence.

Task Role Behavior

Behaviors that involve the initiation of ideas related to group problem-solving activities

Example: Prioritizing efficiency in a workplace while considering cultural expectations.

Relational Role Behavior

Behaviors associated with interpersonal harmony and mediation

Example: In some cultures, building trust before business is crucial

Tolerance for Ambiguity

The ability to react to new and ambiguous situations with little visible discomfort

Example: Accepting that different cultures have different rules for personal space.

Interaction Posture

The ability to respond to others in descriptive, nonevaluative, and nonjudgmental ways

Example: Saying, "That's interesting! Tell me more about it" instead of dismissing a different viewpoint.

D-I-E

Description, Interpretation, Evaluation

Descriptive Statements

What actually happened? (Factual)

Kathryn arrived 10 minutes after the start of the class.

Interpretations

Explain behavior

Kathryn doesn't care much about this particular class.

Kathryn is new on campus this semester and is misinformed about the starting time for the class.

Evaluations

Is it good or bad? (Judgment)

I like a student who chooses to be enthusiastic only about classes she really likes.

I am really offended by that attitude.