Intrulturl mmunitin in a Vluntring tivity

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Intrulturl mmunitin in a Vluntring tivity

Pre-Wedding Preparations for the Japanese and American Couple

Introduction
Intercultural communication is the communication that includes two varying cultures and it may
involve vertical and horizontal cultures (Hall 2013). In vertical cultures, people view themselves as
not equal with others while equality is emphasized in horizontal cultures. The following paper seeks
to discuss intercultural communication using pre-wedding preparations for the Japanese and
American couple as the reference point. The paper intends to illustrate differences that exist when
two cultures meet in public gathering and the application of anxiety and uncertainty management.

Observations in the Volunteering Event at the Church Compound

In many cultures and church or religions arrangements, wedding are preceded by pre-wedding or
fundraising (Hall 2013). In many churches, fundraising for the wedding is done as part of the
wedding preparations. Religious institutors are therefore widely involved, though this depends on
if one is a church member or not. She following section seeks to discuss the fundraising for the
wedding celebrations involving an American husband and Japanese woman. Therefore, both
Americans from the side of the man and Japanese from Japan attended the event. In this particular
and as an ardent catholic I decided to attend with my Japanese friend to observe the aspects of
intercultural communication aspect based on three approaches. The approaches used included
behavioral, communication, and perceptual approaches. In this volunteering experience my friend
was instrumental in explaining the behavior, traits a, and communication styles from the Japanese.

Intrulturl mmunitin in a Vluntring tivity

We participated in various activities such as arrangement of chairs, welcoming guests and showing
them seating positions, and distributing food and drinks among other activities.
The first observation that I witnessed between the Japanese is that they were less reluctant to interact
with their American friends. Instead, the Japanese gathered much smaller groups and were selective
in interaction. However, the Americans on the other hand were not selective in their interaction and
they seemed to gather in bigger groups compared to their Japanese counterparts. According to my
friends, the Japanese are always reluctant to allow

strangers in their vicinity. They like first to

understand and study the environmental and the character of those close to them before allowing
closed and free interaction (Hall 2013). However, the Americans on the other hand are freer to
interact with strangers and learn their culture.
The second observation made was on communication as the Americans were more spontaneous n
their communication with the participants including their friends from Japan. On the contrary, the
Japanese preferred regulated communication with themselves and with the participants. Additionally,
when it came to public address, I realized that Americans were more open to their personal life and
their experiences. However, the few Japanese who spoke during the fundraising never shared
personal life. On the same note, Japanese were more specific on the topic they were addressing
unlike Americans who could cover various topics on the podium. According to my project partner,
Japanese apply the same communication pattern in all public places as witnessed in the event.
However, he was quick to point out that unlike Americans, Japanese feel insecure when exposing
their personal information to the public or strangers (Hall 2013). It is for this reason that they become
more defensive compared to Americans.

Intrulturl mmunitin in a Vluntring tivity

The perceptual observation was also witnessed in the evident. As we continued directing the guests
where they were required to sit, in many instances the Japanese were selective by choosing where
they wanted to sit. In the same connection, most of Japanese went from the event without eating or
drinking. The few Japanese who ate or drunk were selective on the food we were delivering to them.
Although I was briefed on such Japanese reactions by my colleague, it was strange to observe the
attitude and perceptual differences between the two cultures.
The above observation depicts a perfect example of intercultural communication between Japanese
and American culture. In the observation, Japanese seemed more conservative and defensive
compared to the Americans who attended the fundraising event.

Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory in Communication

This section briefly discusses Anxiety/Uncertainty Management theory, which is related to the above
observation in the fundraising event. Anxiety/Uncertainty Management theory asserts that when
strangers are communicating with their hosts, they tend to experience uncertainty and anxiety (Hall
2013). The anxiety management theory was introduced by William Gudykunst who argued that
strangers need to control and regulate their anxiety in order to effectively communicate with their
hosts. However, if one is not able to control the anxiety, it will be challenging to understand the
hosts behavior or prediction (Hall 2013).

William Gudykunst provides several elements that people should apply to ensure effective
communication including self-concept and awareness, motivation to interact, reaction to strangers,
categorization of strangers, and connection to strangers, situation processes, and ethical interaction

Intrulturl mmunitin in a Vluntring tivity

(Hall 2013). The application of William Gudykunsts factors in enhancing communication between
two different cultures would be instrumental in facilitating effective communication between
Americans and Japanese in the fundraising event at the church compound.

Conclusion
Effective intercultural communication requires application of various factors as described above.
Different cultures possess varying cultural behaviors, traits, and perceptions, which bring challenges
in enhancing effective communication. The observation at the fundraising event shows that some
cultures are defensive and less interactive, while others such as Americans are more social and less
defensive. However, it is agreeable that society is always diverse and people need to learn how to
interact with different cultures and enhance communication. On this note, I wish to learn more on
intercultural communication and start providing lessons on communication skills in the near future.

Intrulturl mmunitin in a Vluntring tivity

References
Hall, E. T. (2013). Understanding cultural differences. Yarmouth, Me: Intercultural Press.

Intrulturl mmunitin in a Vluntring tivity