Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings

Summary

In this third lecture, Professor Windma Carvajal explores the intricacies of local and global communication within multicultural settings. She defines culture as a system of shared values and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding for effective communication. The lecture delves into the challenges of cross-cultural communication, including generalizations, stereotypes, and perception biases, and discusses the six primary sources of miscommunication. It also highlights the significance of language registers and varieties in multicultural communication, illustrating the impact of context and social groups on language use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Culture is a system of thinking and acting taught and reinforced by a group, which includes values, behaviors, and communication preferences.
• 🌐 Cultural understanding is crucial as it influences personal preferences and communication styles, and helps in perceiving and relating to others effectively.
• 🤝 Embracing diversity and differences is essential for successful cross-cultural communication, which occurs between people with different cultural perspectives.
• 🏙️ Cross-cultural communication can happen within various contexts, including nationality, age groups, and different departments within the same organization.
• ❌ Generalizations can lead to stereotypes when applied rigidly to every individual within a cultural group, which oversimplifies and misrepresents individuals.
• 👁 Perception is highly personal and cultural, shaping how we view the world and others based on our experiences and cultural backgrounds.
• 🚫 Cross-cultural miscommunication can arise from several issues, including assumptions of similarities, language differences, non-verbal misinterpretations, preconceptions, stereotypes, and high anxiety.
• 📝 Register refers to the level of formality in language, which can be formal, non-formal, or somewhere in between, and is determined by the context and purpose of communication.
• 📚 Variety in language is associated with external factors like geographical area or social group, leading to distinct dialects or jargons within specific communities.
• 🔍 Language varieties can be a basis for judgment and inclusion or exclusion, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting linguistic diversity.
• 📖 The lecture emphasizes the importance of preparing, rehearsing, and being mentally ready to engage in effective communication across different cultural settings.

Q & A

What does the term 'culture' mean according to Stringer and Cassaday's definition in 2009?

Culture is a system of thinking and acting that is taught by and reinforced by a group of people. It includes a set of values, accommodating behaviors, and communication preferences that cultural groups instill in their members.

Why is cultural understanding important in communication?

Cultural understanding is important because it influences our personal preferences and communication styles and helps us to better relate to others. It allows us to know ourselves and others, facilitating effective interaction within and across cultures.

What is cross-cultural communication and why is it significant?

Cross-cultural communication occurs between people who may have different cultural perspectives. It is significant because it enables effective interaction and understanding despite cultural differences, which is essential in our globalized world.

Can you provide an example of how cultural differences can affect cross-cultural communication?

An example is when a Filipino, with their own set of beliefs and traditions, communicates with a foreigner who has different cultural norms. This can lead to barriers and struggles in understanding each other due to the differences in values and manners.

What are the three main issues that can surround cross-cultural communication?

The three main issues are generalizations, stereotypes, and perception. These can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications if not properly managed.

What is the difference between a generalization and a stereotype in the context of cultural communication?

A generalization is a pattern of communication used by most people in a cultural group, while a stereotype is an oversimplified characteristic applied to everyone in the group, often leading to hasty and sweeping judgments.

How does the concept of 'register' in language affect multicultural communication?

Register refers to the level of formality in language use, which is determined by the context, purpose, and setting. It affects multicultural communication by dictating the appropriate style and formality needed for effective and respectful interaction.

What are the characteristics of a formal register in language use?

A formal register is characterized by the absence of contractions and slang, the use of the third person point of view, avoidance of passive voice, slang, idioms, exaggeration, and cliches. It also involves complete sentences and a direct approach to the subject matter.

What are the six primary sources of cross-cultural communication miscommunication according to Barna (1997)?

The six primary sources are: assumption of similarities, language differences, non-verbal misinterpretation, preconceptions and stereotypes, tendency to evaluate, and high anxiety.

How can understanding 'varieties' and 'registers' improve communication in multicultural settings?

Understanding varieties and registers allows individuals to adapt their language and communication style to different cultural contexts, enhancing mutual understanding and reducing the risk of miscommunication.

Can you explain the concept of 'variety' in language and its relation to multicultural communication?

Variety refers to a specific set of linguistic items, such as sounds, words, or grammatical features, associated with external factors like geographical area or social group. Recognizing and respecting these varieties in multicultural communication helps in avoiding judgment and fostering inclusion.