Competence in Intercultural Communication - Essay Example

Brake-down Introduction Render definitions of intercultural communication- cite journals, websites and experts Explain the importance of it in terms of everyday communication and international communication Point out the potentially problematic outcomes of intercultural communication Paragraph I Characteristics of competitive communicators- in relation to basic relationships and new ones Empathy, cognitive complexity, self-monitoring- explain the concept of each Ways to learn- suggestions for individual improvement Studies to back up claims Paragraph II The components of intercultural communication competence- according to experts Why is it important to possess this competence Limiting factors - language, ethnicity, nationality, religion, social class- discuss each briefly Paragraph III The applications of intercultural communication competence Business, science, education, mass media, entertainment, tourism Examples of possible conflicting situations in terms of proxemics, gestures, and body language Cultural differences across the globe- incorporate processes of globalization into discussion Conclusion Answer the topic claim- Competence in intercultural communication helps communication in general Summarize the relations between general and intercultural communication Restate possible obstacles- avoiding stereotypes and generalizations Emphasize the need for competence Introduction Larry Samovar, Richard Porter and Edwin McDaniel, authors of the book “ Intercultural Communication: A Reader” define intercultural communication as something that “occurs whenever a person from one culture sends a message to be processed by a person from a different culture.” (Samovar, 2009, p. 8) This simple definition is, however, much more complex and requires great understanding of two key concepts deployed here- communication and culture. It is widely accepted by scholars and experts that those two terms could sometimes be exclusive. Johan le Roux writes in Intercultural Education Journal that “intercultural factors create the potential for numerous communication problems and intercultural conflicts.” (Le Roux, 2002) Portland based Intercultural Communication Institute (ICI) has been working on fostering awareness and appreciation of cultural differences in both, international and domestic arenas for decades. The Institute is founded on a belief that “education and training in the areas of intercultural communication can improve competence in dealing with cultural differences and thereby minimize destructive conflict among national, ethnic and other cultural groups.” (ICI website, 2007) Samovar gives a great example of miscommunication that occurred in a very dangerous situation. He talks about a meeting hled in January of 1991 between Secretary of State of the United States James Baker and Foreign Minister of Iraq Tariq Aziz on the eve of the Gulf War. Secretary Baker clearly said that the US will attack Iraq if they don’t withdraw from Kuwait. Iraqi delegation misjudged his words and focused on his calm tone of voice. Their conclusion was that “ the Americans will not attack. They are weak. They are calm. They are not angry. They are only talking.” (Samovar, 2009, p. 18) Americans did attack and the miscommunication might have contributed to the outcome of the war. This example points out clearly the importance of being competent in communication overall, as well as in intercultural one. Competent Communicators While different scholars describe a competent communicators in different ways, the consensus on the issue is that there is no ideal way to communicate. As stated in Griffin’s “A First Look at Communication Theory” communication is “the management of messages with the objective of creating meaning” (Griffin, 2005), and, therefore, variety of styles can be effective in achieving the said objective. Competent communicators can be characterized as people who possess a wide range of behaviors, who are able to choose appropriate behaviors depending on the context and goals, who can understand and read the other person and who can show empathy for others. The communication studies use words to better describe these skills such are empathy, cognitive complexity and self-monitoring. Empathy is nothing less than being able to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes and fully understand their situation and viewpoint. Cognitive complexity deals with analyzing behaviors of others, using different angles to approach others and, then, adjust your behavior. Self-monitoring is along the same line with cognitive complexity, but it focuses on one self. (Fullerton University) Becoming a competent communicator can be obtained in a variety of ways. Taking a class, wanting to be competent in this regard and practicing learned skills are just a few. The research on competent communication, unearthed that being effective communicator can be beneficial to one’s marriage or college grades.(Fullerton University) Intercultural Communication Competence Richard Wiseman asserts in his 2003 book “Intercultural Communication Competence” that there are three components to competence. He lists them as knowledge, motivation and skills. Wiseman defines knowledge in this context as information necessary to interact appropriately and effectively. Motivation is the positive affect toward the other culture, which in turn, translates into already mentioned empathy. Finally, skills are defined as behaviors necessary to interact in an effective manner. (Wiseman, 2003, p. 191-208) As stated previously intercultural communication describes a range of possible communication issues that naturally appear in interactions of individuals from different religious, social, ethnic and educational backgrounds. A simple fact that Brazilians offer a hug as a greeting, while Indians prefer a handshake, can be very valuable in making proper decision how to interact with those individuals. Also, native slang used in international communication is to be avoided since a saying common to the US might not be understood in a same way by a person from a different culture. These examples, simple yet illustrative, point out the importance of being aware of all limiting factors in intercultural communication. Those factors range from the obvious ones like language or religion, through ethnicity or nationality, to more complex ones such as social class, sexual orientation or age. In the Real World Intercultural communication competence plays an important role in many areas. As the processes of globalization are plowing through our globe, intercultural contacts are becoming more and more frequent and more and more influential. These contacts according to Journal of Intercultural Communication, based in Sweden, take place in all areas of life, most importantly in business, education, science, mass media, tourism and entertainment. (Journal of Intercultural Communication Research) Of all of the above, business is the area where these contacts are most important. Communication design website says: “Intercultural communication is the base for any international business and hence it has to be made effective.” ( communication-design. net) With many companies and corporations wanting to become global it is of great essence for those to educate their employees about different cultures and different manners of communication. This means not just language differences but, also, cultures as a whole. Business people are increasingly learning now about various aspects of prospective cultures, including gestures and body language of clients with different backgrounds. Summary Answering the claim posed as a purpose of this essay, it is necessary to say that yes, intercultural communication helps communication in general. It helps polish and broaden the skills one already has in communication that occurs within same cultures. Acquiring competence in communicating with different people from different cultures is the necessity in our modern times, and it will only become more desirable. Many misunderstandings in communication can be prevented if both participants in the process are well educated about ways how to interact. Finally, I would like to emphasize one possible negative outcome of becoming knowledgeable and competent in this regard. It is really important to draw a line between learning about a culture as a whole and understanding each individual. If that line is non-existent, stereotypes and generalizations might emerge and pose another problem. References Samovar L., Porter, R., McDaniel, E.(2009): Intercultural Communication: A Reader . Boston. Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Le Roux, J.(2002). Effective Educators are Culturally Competent Communicators. Intercultural Education Journal. Vol.13. No.1. Carfax Publishing Journal of Intercultural Communication Research. www.immi.se. Retrieved on December 2, 2010 from http://www.immi.se/intercultural/ Wiseman, R. (2003). Intercultural Communication Competence. Thousand Oaks: Sage Communication design. www.communication-design.net. Retrieved on December 1, 2010 from http://www.communication-design.net/index.html Intercultural Communication Institute (2007). www.intercultural.org. Retrieved December 1, 2010 from http://www.intercultural.org/about.php Griffin, E.(2005). A First at Communication Theory, 6th ed. Boston. McGraw- Hill Fullerton University. (2010). www.fullerton.edu. Retrieved on December 2, 2010 from commfaculty.fullerton.edu/.../COMMUNICATION.PPTtextbooklecture_ary.ppt Read More