Intercultural Communication - Essay Example

Intercultural Communication Table of Contents Introduction 3 Evidence 4 Relevance to the Learning Outcomes 5 Evidence 2 6 Relevance to the LearningOutcomes 7 Evidence 3 (Britain Compared to UAE) 7 Relevance to the Learning Outcomes 9 Evidence 4 10 Relevance to the Learning Outcomes 12 Relevance of Intercultural Communication to the World of Business 14 Conclusion 15 References 16 Bibliography 18 Introduction The paper is presented is the form of a reflective commentary with respect to four evidences from the course of our semester. Our course was related to the learning of various aspects of the intercultural communication. This reflective commentary will focus on various learning outcomes that I gathered during the course on intercultural communication. The four evidences comprise of certain pictures and text exerts collected during the course. The pictures that I collected are demonstrating the intermingling of various cultures and the texts are from certain PowerPoint presentations on the concept of intercultural communication. What I have learned during the course on intercultural communication is that in today’s world of growing contacts in every part has resulted in effective communication among the people of different languages and cultures. In this present scenario, communication has got to be as positive as possible without any possibilities of breakdowns and misunderstandings. I believe that research on the characteristics of languages and similarities and differences in cultures will provide a definite outcome (Nasreen, “Some Views about Intercultural Communication”). Evidence 1 The above pictures show the eating styles of two different cultures: the Western and the Arabic. In the Arabic countries, people dine in a different style than that of the people in England. In Arab countries, a carpet is first put on the floor where the people wish to dine. Then cushions are set on the carpet for the people to sit on. Instead of cushions, at times small stools are used for the purpose of sitting. Then placing the plates, glasses, cups and dishes on the carpet, they start dining (Fairfax Country Public School, “Arabic Upper Levels > Scientific and Creative Advancement”). In England, people eat in continental style where knives are placed in the right side and fork in the left. Moreover, there are number of eating etiquettes that they follow while dining in England. These etiquettes are taken as a rule of eating in England and the people put much emphasis to the table manners during dining (Barrow, “Acceptable Behaviour in England”). Relevance to the Learning Outcomes During our semester, I came across students of various cultures and groups and developed friendship with them in due course of time. When we used to have dinner in any of our Arabic friends’ place, we used to dine in the floor in their traditional manner. The dining style of my English friends was not new as this was considered as the standard style in the world. By intermingling with students belonging to various cultures, I have discovered several styles and now I can easily address those differences. One interesting fact that I discovered between these two cultures is that in Arabian culture, family members usually do not have their meal until their family head (normally father) returns home. Whereas in English culture, normally family members eat on their wish and in fact, in certain cases they stay away from their parents and meet once in every two months. Evidence 2 In the above picture, we can see that different groups of people from different parts of the world are enjoying their day out in the same location. In the picture, we can see people from different countries such as Arab countries, Asian countries and Western countries. As mentioned by Montaigne (1580) “the most universal quality is diversity”. To deal in this diversified environment, the most essential tool is the communication. Under communication, both verbal as well as non-verbal communication with gestures is important. Above all, communication should result in building up effective relationship among various cultural groups (LeBaron, “Communication Tools for Understanding Cultural Differences”). Relevance to the Learning Outcomes Throughout our semester, I have understood the importance of intercultural communication skills in the phase of dealing with other students. I think that communication is the most effective way to deal with students of various cultural backgrounds. At the beginning we used to utilise the trait of non-verbal gestures in communicating to a great degree. But with the passage of time, the process became easier and now I am capable of communicating efficiently with friends belonging to different culture. Evidence 3 (Britain Compared to UAE) The above evidence is from the demonstration of the cultural difference between Britain and UAE. Among many notable differences between the two cultures, one is that the Western culture believes in institutions and organisations while the Arabs have faith in persons (guided by God). The Western people want to modernise whereas the Arabs endeavour to find ways to adopt modern behaviour modes without disturbing their traditional values (The Telegraph, “National Cultural Profiles – United Arab Emirates”). Various studies about the cultural identities can be effectively used in communication in an intercultural environment. The studies involve linguistics, verbal communication, semiotics, non-verbal communication and so on (Buffalo State College, “Verbal and Nonverbal Communication”). Relevance to the Learning Outcomes The cultural difference between the two nations is distinctly visible in the dress codes which they wear in the normal courses of their lives. In the pictures above, we can easily describe the differences. The picture in the left is that of the UK girls and on the right, an Arabic girl. The UK girls are highly advanced in their dressing sense whereas the Arabic girls are normally more accustomed to their traditional believes. In our class, the difference could be distinctly observed. So far I have gathered various competencies about intercultural communication and have also discovered ways as to how will I utilise these competencies in the international business environment in the future. Intercultural competencies are not only essential for studying in the UK but it also adheres to the international business perspective in a broader way. Evidence 4 The above evidence shows the prevalence of intercultural groups in the United States. With respect to the figures of past and present years, the data for the future has been estimated. The objective for such inclusion in the paper is to show the prevalence of diversity in a certain nation. It has been demonstrated by the data of the United States. In a diversified culture, it is quite essential that we communicate in the right manner to our co-workers belonging to various cultures. Benefits of Intercultural Communication Therefore, let us observe how the theoretical perspective of intercultural communication is related to forming values. The benefits of effective intercultural communications are formation of healthier communities, reduced conflict and personal growth through tolerance. We have learnt throughout the course about the ways and means of utilising the benefits in this global village of today’s world (Jensen, “The Practice of Intercultural Communication”). Relevance to the Learning Outcomes Prior to finding the key benefits of intercultural communication, we were taught the five main dimensions of cultural diversity based on which we found the difference of values between the American culture and the Chinese culture. The five dimensions are the following: Individualism-Collectivism High context-Low context Values Orientation Power Distance Uncertainty Orientation We applied these theories of intercultural communication and found the following differences between values of American and Chinese people. United States China Independence, self-concern Obedient to parents Personal Privacy Hard Work Suspicion of government Tolerance of others Acceptance by peers Harmony Acknowledgement of God Humility Relevance of Intercultural Communication to the World of Business The issues of intercultural communication affect mostly the sector of business. The various aspects that we have learned during the course of our semester on intercultural communication will definitely help us in the future when we will work in the international environment. With the emergence of global companies and multinational corporations, it will not be fruitful to do a business without the trait of intercultural communication. I have been immensely overwhelmed with gathering of knowledge regarding the concept throughout the course. I believe that understanding of certain factors of culture such as attitudes, beliefs, values and behaviours are essential for dealing with cross-cultural people in the business. Moreover, effective intercultural communication in the international business environment helps in defining communication strategy, talking about business and training representatives for the purpose of achieving success (Gitimu, “Intercultural Communication: Its Importance to Various Career Fields and Perspective by Various Authors”). Conclusion Throughout my course on the intercultural communication, I have been learning a lot of interesting aspects of the global society. The research is still not over and I will continue to gather knowledge about the field. This was just the initial step towards learning the vitality of intercultural communication. The evidences that I have provided are from various pictures and texts collected during the course of my studies. The overall discussion about the topic has been backed up by relevant sources collected through secondary research on the topic. In my near future, if I get a chance to enhance my knowledge about the perspectives of intercultural communication, I will definitely grab the chance. Nowadays, gathering knowledge about the topic is not so difficult considering its popularity. The particular research concerned could have been presented in a more lucid manner had there been no limitations of the resources. References Barrow, Mandy. “Acceptable Behaviour in England”. January 12, 2011. Project Britain, 2009. Buffalo State College. “Verbal and Nonverbal Communication”. January 12, 2011. UAE Communication, 2000. Fairfax Country Public School. “Arabic Upper Levels > Scientific and Creative Advancement”. January 12, 2011. Forlang, 2010. Gitimu, Priscilla, N. “Intercultural Communication: It’s Importance to Various Career Fields and Perspective by Various Authors”. January 12, 2011. Southern Illinois University Carbondale, No Date. Jensen, Iben. “The Practice of Intercultural Communication”. January 12, 2011. University of Roskilde, 2001. LeBaron, Michelle. “Communication Tools for Understanding Cultural Differences”. January 12, 2011. Beyond Intractability, 2003. Montaigne, Michel De. “Quoted in Tracy Novinger”. Intercultural Communication, 1580. (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2001). Nasreen, Taslima. “Some Views about Intercultural Comunication”. January 12, 2011. Intercultural, No Date. The Telegraph. “National Cultural Profiles – United Arab Emirates”. January 12, 2011. UK News, 2011. Bibliography Archer, L. & Fitch, Kristine L. “Communication in Latin American multinational organizations”. International and Intercultural Communication Annual, 1994. Collier, Mary Jane. “Cultural and Intercultural Communication Competence: Current Approaches and Directions for Future Research”. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 1989. Cushman, Donald P. & King, Sarah Sanderson. Communication and High-Speed Management SUNY Press, 1995. Gudykunst, William B. Theorizing About Intercultural Communication Sage, 2005. Kanter, Rosabeth Moss. “Transcending Business Boundaries: 12,000 World Managers View Change”. January 12, 2011. Harvard Business Review, 1991. Neulip, James William. Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach Sage, 2008. Wiseman, Richard Lee. & Shuter, Robert. Communicating In Multinational Organizations Sage, 1994. Read More