Multicultural and Intercultural Communication Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering verbal and nonverbal communication across multicultural contexts, euphemisms, political correctness, World Englishes models, and multimodality.

Verbal Communication

The exchange of ideas that occurs by using words, utilizing the speaker’s language through verbal symbols.

Nonverbal Communication

Any symbolic activity, aside from using language, that is used to communicate a message.

Dag

An Australian verbal cue referring to an unfashionable person.

Chuffed

A verbal cue from Great Britain meaning to be very pleased or happy about something.

Lah

A discourse particle used in Singapore with no change to semantic meaning.

Wop-wops

A verbal cue used in New Zealand to refer to the middle of nowhere.

Eh

A versatile Canadian word that can be added to a statement to turn it into a question.

Euphemisms

Words or phrases used to subtly convey sensitive information and refrain from using language considered vulgar or unpleasant that can offend others.

Nationalism (in Euphemisms)

Differences in euphemisms attributed to the customs and habits of nations, such as baseball-related terms in the United States.

Regionalism (in Euphemisms)

Euphemisms shaped by the history and culture of different regions, such as the use of 'cold turkey' or 'talk turkey' in American English.

Semantic variations

A feature where disparity in status, identity, age, or education results in different expressions, such as 'freshen up' for women.

Time variations

The evolution of euphemisms over time due to social development, such as shifting from 'out of work' to 'downsized'.

Ambiguity

The use of vague language to replace accurate language, often to conceal the cruelty of war or the negative effects of disasters.

Political Correctness

Language intended to give the least amount of offense, especially when describing groups identified by race, gender, culture, or sexual orientation.

McArthur’s Model

A model of World English published in 1987 where 'World Standard English' is at the center, surrounded by regional or national standards.

Inner Circle (Kachru’s Model)

ENL countries considered the 'norm-providers,' with the British variety traditionally seen as the oldest model.

Outer Circle (Kachru’s Model)

Countries where English developed over long periods of colonization, described as 'norm-developing.'

Expanding Circle (Kachru’s Model)

Countries without a history of long periods of colonization by those in the inner circle, described as 'norm-dependent.'

Multiculturalism

A phenomenon of cultural diversity where tolerance of different cultures exists with no one culture dominating the others.

Multicultural Texts

Literatures about people considered outside of mainstream society who have been marginalized, used to help students understand their own and other cultures.

Simplicity

A quality of an effective message requiring a clear and evident purpose to inform, persuade, or entertain.

Specificity

A quality of an effective message involving the use of concrete language and the consideration of denotative and connotative meanings to avoid abstraction.

Structure

The organized and logical flow of a message, typically including an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Stickiness

A quality where a message is memorable and compelling, usually as a result of having simplicity, specificity, and structure.

Multimodal Communication

Communication that takes advantage of multiple modes—such as visual, auditory, and textual elements—to enhance and communicate meaning.

Linguistic Mode

The use of written or spoken language to express ideas, share information, and establish understanding.

Visual Mode

The use of images, symbols, colors, illustrations, and charts to communicate or evoke emotions.

Aural Mode

Auditory communication, including speech, music, and sound effects, used to set mood and provide context.

Gestural Mode

The use of gestures or body language to help interpret and contextualize verbal messages.

Spatial Mode

The arrangement, organization, and use of space in media or environments to guide the audience’s attention.