5 Definition of Terms

Accomodation

It is the means by which co-culture members maintain their cultural identity while striving to establish relationships with members of the dominant culture.

Assimilation

It is the means by which co-culture members attempt to fit in with members of the dominant culture.

Co-cultures

It refers to a group of people who differ in some ethnic or sociological way from the parent culture.

Collectivistic Cultures

It refers to cultures in which group goals are stressed.

Cultural Imperialism

It is the expansion of dominion of one culture over another culture.

Cultural Pluralism

It is the adherence to the principle of cultural relativism.

Cultural Relativism

It refers to the acceptance of other cultural groups as equal in value to one's own.

Culturally Confused

It refers to the lack of understanding of cultural differences.

Culture

It is a system of knowledge, beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that are acquired, shared, and used by members during daily living.

Diversity

It refers to the recognition and valuing of differences such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, religion, education, marital status, sexual orientation and income.

Ethnocentrism

It is the tendency to see one's own culture as superior to all others.

Globalization

It refers to the increasing economic, political, and cultural integration and interdependence of diverse cultures.

High-context Communication

It is a tradition-bound communication system which depends on indirectness.

High-power-distance Cultures

It pertains to the cultures based on power differences in which subordinates defer to superiors.

Individualistic Cultures

It pertains to the cultures in which individual goals are stressed.

Intercultural Communication

It is the way of interpreting and sharing meanings with individuals from different cultures.

Interethnic Communication

It refers to the interaction with individuals of different ethnic origins.

International Communication

It refers to the communication between persons representing different nations.

Intracultural Communication

It refers to the interaction with members of the same racial or ethnic group or co-culture as yours.

Interracial Communication

It is the way of interpreting and sharing meanings with individuals from different races.

Low-context Communication

It is a system that encourages directness in communication.

Low-power-distance Cultures

It pertains to the cultures that believe that power should be used only when legitimate.

Masculine Cultures

It pertains to the cultures that value aggressiveness, strength, and material symbols of success.

Melting-pot Philosophy

– It is the view that different cultures should be assimilated into the dominant culture.

Multiculturalism

It refers to the engagement with and respect toward people from distinctly different cultures.

Prejudice

It is a positive or negative prejudgment.

Separation

It is the means co-culture members use to resist interacting with members of the dominant culture.