Chapter 7

Intercultural Communication
 Overview
• Definition of Intercultural communication
• Importance of intercultural communication
• Culture
• Dominant and non-dominant cultures
• Intercultural problems
• Characteristics of Different Cultures
• Improving intercultural communication
Intercultural
communication
The interaction and exchange of information
between people from different cultural
backgrounds
Importance of
Intercultural
Communication
1. Exposure to other cultures
is increasingly common
2. Economics
3. Curiosity about others
4. Technology convergence
5. Globalization/multicultures
in one area
A unique combination of rituals,
religious beliefs, ways of thinking, and
way of behaving that unify a group of
people based on nationality, religion,
tribes, or for a cause
A culture (cont’d)

Dominant Culture
• Power & influence

Non-Dominant Culture
• Exists within larger culture
• Differs from dominant culture
Goals of Non-Dominant
Cultural
Communication

• Assimilation
• Accommodation
• Separation
Intercultural Communication Problems

1. Ethnocentrism
• Cultural relativism

2. Stereotyping

3. Prejudice
Characteristics of
Different Cultures

• Individualistic vs. collectivist

• Uncertainty-accepting vs.
uncertainty-rejecting
• On-time versus sometime
Improving Intercultural
Communication
1. Personal self-assessment
2. Supportive communication
behaviors
3. Sensitivity toward diversity
4. Avoid stereotypes
5. Avoid ethnocentrism
6. Develop code sensitivity
7. Seek shared codes
Improving Intercultural
Communication (cont’d)

8. Descriptive feedback
9. Open communication
channels
10. Manage conflicting beliefs
and practices