Chapter 4, part 2

Communicating Across Cultures

Religion

This is usually a very important part of a person’s life

Religion greatly impacts peoples’ decisions and actions; from government to clothing

Class

Class – socially defined positions based on birth, wealth, jobs, etc

Underclass Working classMiddle classUpper class Pg 53

People tend to stay in same social class despite struggling to move up

Geographic Region

Where you live has an impact on how you think, perceive yourself and others, act and behave

You look at others in terms of where you live and how others in your are do things

Does this change if you move to a different geographic region? 100% change?

Urban / Suburban / Rural Location

Urban: characterized by constantly moving up the ladder and an emphasis on material items

Suburbanites: more land and less crime than urban areas; want for a community feeling

Rural: focus is on practicality and simplicity; more blue collar than white collar

Exceptionality

The part of the population who falls above or below the “average”

Persons with mental or physical disabilities

Persons who are extremely gifted or talented, either mentally or physically

Either above or below, they will stand out and be looked at as “different”

Multiple Microcultures / Multiculturalism

Most people belong to several microcultures – think about your life…

Multiculturalism: the recognition that numerous different cultures can exist in the same place and benefit each other

Participation in several groups is normal to the human experience; often overlap

Axioms about Intercultural Communication

1. Differences are to be expected

2. Relationships play a communication role

3. Personal speaking styles influence communication

4. Reducing uncertainly is usually necessary

5. Misunderstandings are to be expected

6. Communicative behavior varies between people