Intercultural

Communication 2
The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity
Stage 1: Denial. The individual does not recognize
cultural differences.
• An individual in the denial stage might be heard
saying:
“All cities are the same; they all have tall buildings, fast
food chains, and coffee shops.”
• Stage 2: Defense. The individual starts to recognize
cultural differences and is intimidated by them,
resulting in either a superior view on own culture or an
unjustified high regard for the new one.
• An individual in the defense stage might be heard
saying:
• “This culture does not view life the way we do; our
culture is certainly better.”
• “Their ways are better than my own; I wish I were one of
them.”
• Stage 3: Minimization. Although individuals see
cultural differences, they bank more on the
universality of ideas rather than on cultural
differences.
• An individual in the minimization stage might be
heard saying:
• “Once we see through the cultural differences, we
really are just the same!”
Stage 4: Acceptance. The individual begins to
appreciate important cultural differences in
behaviors and eventually in values.
• An individual in the acceptance stage might be heard
saying:
“These people and I have different values and
experiences, and I think we can learn from one
another.”
• Stage 5: Adaptation. The individual is very open
to world views when accepting new
perspectives.
• An individual in the adaptation stage might be
heard saying:
“To address our issue, I have to adjust my approach
to consider both my own and my counterpart’s
background.”
Stage 6: Integration. Individuals start to go
beyond their own cultures and see themselves
and their actions based on multifarious cultural
viewpoints.
• An individual in the integration stage might be
heard saying:
• “I can look at things from the perspective of
various cultures.”
 Consider these:
• Avoid stereotypes, i.e., generalizations about a
certain group.
• Challenge gender norms; avoid using “he” and
“man” to refer to a general group of people. To
remedy this, you may use plural pronouns or
rewrite a sentence to avoid using pronouns. The
use of his/her is also acceptable.
• Do not talk down on younger people and
the elderly.
• Be sensitive to the religious practices of
others.
• Be polite at all times; do not belittle
people you perceive to be on a lower
social class than you.
 Create a dialogue about the picture
assigned (to your group). Be sure to show
intercultural sensitivity in your dialogue.
Be ready to present your output in front.
Slide Title
Product A Product B
 Assignment:
1. Answer Exercise II & III on page 22
2. Enumerate and discuss the Different
Types of Speech Context.