Down Second Avenue
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction to intercultural communication p. ii 2. Seven cultural variables p. iii 2.1 Language p. iv 2.2 Non-verbal communication p. v 2.3 Cultural world-view p. vi 2.4 Perception p. vii 2.5 Values and attitudes p. viii 2.6 Prejudice p. ix 2.7 Stereotypes p. x 3. Conclusion p. xi 4. Sources consulted p. xii
Introduction to intercultural communication
The main characteristic of intercultural communication is the difference between the communicator and the recipient. This includes any difference, from cultural backgrounds to different settings: interpersonal, small group, organizational and mass communication.
The communicator is influenced by cultural variables related to his/her culture. The message is encoded by the communicator. The recipient is influenced by cultural variables related to his/her culture and background. The message has to be interpreted by the recipient, where it undergoes a transformation when it is decoded. Language
Language is often the most problematic of the cultural variables. It is the primary means of transmitting one's beliefs, values, norms, world-view, etc. to others. Language influences perception and transmits meaning.
Words don't have the same meaning to all cultural groups and our understanding of language differ. In Western societies language is applied completely different than in Eastern societies. In Western societies speech is used to express ideas and thoughts as logically as possible. In Eastern societies words are inseparable from the total communication context. The participants and the nature of their relationship are also important.
The link between language and culture is very strong. Difficulties and misunderstandings arise due to mistranslation during the translation process.
Our language reflects our own culture that moulds our patterns of thought. It's usually processed through
1. Introduction to intercultural communication p. ii 2. Seven cultural variables p. iii 2.1 Language p. iv 2.2 Non-verbal communication p. v 2.3 Cultural world-view p. vi 2.4 Perception p. vii 2.5 Values and attitudes p. viii 2.6 Prejudice p. ix 2.7 Stereotypes p. x 3. Conclusion p. xi 4. Sources consulted p. xii
Introduction to intercultural communication
The main characteristic of intercultural communication is the difference between the communicator and the recipient. This includes any difference, from cultural backgrounds to different settings: interpersonal, small group, organizational and mass communication.
The communicator is influenced by cultural variables related to his/her culture. The message is encoded by the communicator. The recipient is influenced by cultural variables related to his/her culture and background. The message has to be interpreted by the recipient, where it undergoes a transformation when it is decoded. Language
Language is often the most problematic of the cultural variables. It is the primary means of transmitting one's beliefs, values, norms, world-view, etc. to others. Language influences perception and transmits meaning.
Words don't have the same meaning to all cultural groups and our understanding of language differ. In Western societies language is applied completely different than in Eastern societies. In Western societies speech is used to express ideas and thoughts as logically as possible. In Eastern societies words are inseparable from the total communication context. The participants and the nature of their relationship are also important.
The link between language and culture is very strong. Difficulties and misunderstandings arise due to mistranslation during the translation process.
Our language reflects our own culture that moulds our patterns of thought. It's usually processed through