UNIT 2

Intercultural Communication

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use
this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”- Toni Robbins

In this unit, you should be able to:

● define intercultural communication;
● show sensitivity to one’s culture, gender, age, social status, and religion;
● use various strategies to prevent communication breakdown; and
● demonstrate skills to achieve effective communication.

Lesson 1 : Culture and Communication

Culture can be understood as the system of knowledge that is shared by a particular group composed of a relatively
large number of individuals.

Through communication with others, culture is created, learned, and shared. Without communication, there is no way
of preserving and transmitting cultural characteristics from one person, place, and time to another. In turn, our culture
influences the way we communicate with others. Hence, there exists a dynamic relationship between culture and
communication. This is known as intercultural communication.

To engage in intercultural communication, participants should essentially understand the concept of self-awareness.

Self-awareness is essential for better communication with others, especially with those who are different from you.
Knowing who you are and in which cultural and social group you belong will enable you to relate better to others and to
show sensitivity to them. Also, the way you communicate with others is largely influenced by your view of them.

Take a look at this example:

Will, an American, took a trip to Seoul, South Korea. Upon arriving at the home where he will stay, he entered the house
with his shoes on, and he noticed that members of his host family looked displeased.

In this situation, Will’s unawareness regarding certain customs in South Korea caused him to do something that
displeased his host family. In South Korea, it is customary to remove one’s footwear before entering a house, as not
doing so is a sign of disrespect.

Take a look at another example:

Juan and Marna attended an intimate dinner with Marna’s Chinese family.
Marna: You’re very rude.
Juan: Why? What did I do?
Marna: You did not compliment Auntie Min Yi’s cooking.
Juan: But it was really good. I ate a lot.
Marna: You have to tell her that, of course!

In this situation, Marna reminded Juan about a traditional Chinese custom of complimenting the person who cooked
their meal. Not being able to do so may send a negative signal to the one who cooked the food and may be interpreted
as being rude.
Lesson 2: Gender and Age

One’s culture is not just influenced by one’s upbringing. This can also be determined by a person’s gender and age.

1. Gender
In general, men and women differ in terms of their communication style.
In men-only conversations, some tend to dominate the conversation, and they seldom talk about their private lives. On
the other hand, in women-only conversations, they usually allow everyone to participate, and they often talk about their
personal relationships.

The following table contains characteristics and differences of communication styles between genders. However, note
that these differences do not apply to everyone because of different cultures and views on gender roles.

Men Women
In men-only conversations: In women-only conversations:
 Assertive and competitive  Polite and affectionate
 Reserved  Expressive
 Talk about different topics  Talk about one topic at length
 Need personal space  Intimate
 Purpose: To provide information  Purpose: To build or maintain relationship
Mixed Genders
 Men initiate the interaction.
 Men often interrupt the other person who is speaking. Women usually allow an interruption.
 Men use fewer adjectives compared to women.

In intercultural communication, nonverbal communication also differs significantly between genders and across cultures.
Here are some examples:

Nonverbal Communication Example

 In most Western cultures, it is normal for women
and men to hug even if they are not close friends.
Hugging  In the United States, for example, it is acceptable
to give a light hug to an acquaintance when
meeting him or her.
In Middle East cultures, public displays of affection (e.g.,
Public Display of Affection
touching, holding hands) are unacceptable.
 In most Western cultures, maintaining eye
contact can indicate rudeness especially between
people of different social hierarchies.
 In Middle East cultures, men and women are not
Eye Contact
supposed to make eye contact. However, making
an eye contact with a person of the same sex,
especially a man with another man, is a sign of
sincerity

2. Age
People of different ages or generations may have difficulty communicating with one another. A person’s age or the generation to which he or she
belongs influences the way he or she communicates with others.

Age-related communication also reflects culture. In Filipino culture, for example, pagmamano and Filipino expressions such as po and opo are
taught to children at an early age as a sign of politeness and respect to the elders. In Turkish culture, kissing the right hand is a common way of
greeting the elders.
Lesson 3: Social Status and Religion Here are some examples of religion as an influence in culture:

We live in a community composed of people with diverse Religion Beliefs

social status and religious beliefs. It is important that we Buddhism  Anger is considered to
become sensitive in terms of communicating with those who be one of the three
have different beliefs and principles as we do. poisons (the other two
are greed and
Intercultural communication occurs not just between people ignorance)
who are of different nationalities or age. It can also occur Islam  Forbids eating of food
when people differ in social status and religious beliefs. that are considered
haram, such as pork
 Women wear a scarf
1. Social Status
or hijab over their
Differences in social status may affect the way we
head.
communicate with others. These differences can influence the
Hinduism  Cows are considered
way a person chooses his or her peers.
sacred animals.
 Believe in karma; good
There are two elements of social class:
deeds are rewarded
a. Ascribed social class is determined at birth through
characteristics such as age, sex, race, and family background.
b. Achieved social class is acquired through a person’s ability, With these in mind, the foundation of intercultural
talent, skill, and perseverance. This can be seen in their communication in terms of social status and religion lies in
educational attainment or occupation. respect for each other’s’ differences. Always be mindful of
what another person will feel when speaking about their
Here are some examples of evidence of social status in some position in society or religious beliefs.
cultures:

Here are some examples of evidence of social status in some Lesson 4: Effective Communication Skills
cultures:
Recognizing the different barriers to effective communication
A person of lower status is introduced to a person of higher
is important to be able to avoid communication breakdown.
status in a formal business setting.
Here are some barriers that may cause breakdown in
communication.
In many Western and Eastern cultures, it is usually a custom
that a person with a higher rank is introduced formally in a
formal business setting. They are expected to show proper 1. Barriers in Communication
courtesy such as giving a firm handshake or allowing the Here are some reasons why breakdown in communication
person of higher rank to sit first before sitting down. In occurs.
Japanese business culture where titles are very important,
people exchange business cards that clearly state their ranks a. Language barriers - These manifest when two
even before they shake hands or bow. individuals do not have a common language, have
an unfamiliar accent, or use unfamiliar words or
Bowing as an indicator of status expressions, jargon, and idioms.

Bowing in Japan also indicates status. A person with lower Example:

status must bow lower than the person with higher status. An Australian speaking to a Filipino for directions to the LRT
station
2. Religion
Communication between persons belonging to different b. Cultural barriers - These are evident when there is
religions may be a common source of intercultural conflict. difficulty in communication due to differing
This usually arises when the participants engaged in a principles, views, and beliefs. This is also applicable
conversation impose one’s religious views on others who may to those who are insensitive to other people’s
not share those views. Being aware of religious differences heritage.
and being open to the religious views of others foster
understanding and Example:
mutual respect. A Catholic person who does not accept a person’s belief in
the existence of zombies and ghosts
 c. Be specific. For others to understand your message
c. Physical barriers - These are hindrances to better easily, try expressing yourself directly to the other
communication caused by environmental factors person by using simple and direct words, and by
such as noise, lighting, and distance between the using appropriate facial expressions and gestures.
receiver and speaker.
d. Ask for repetition or clarification. Clarifying or
Example: repeating the meaning of what the other person says
Two friends who are talking when they are two rows away should be done politely. Use the expressions such as
from each other “Can you please repeat what you said?”, “What did
you say, again?”, and “What do you mean?”
d. Prejudging - This happens when a person believes he
or she understood what the speaker means even e. Check your understanding. Make sure that you
before the message is completely expressed. It can understand the meaning of what the other person
also happen when the receiver immediately judges says or that he or she comprehends what you mean.
the message as unimportant. You may ask “So,are you saying that . . . ?” to verify
Example: what you know based on what they said; and “So, do
Members of a paintball team ignoring their leader because he you have questions regarding this?” or “Was my
was very bossy and arrogant, but the leader’s advice is explanation clear?” to verify if they understand what
actually sound and helpful you said.

e. Information overload – This happens when one f. Do not jump to conclusions. Always try to listen to
gives too much information at a time. what the other person says before giving a verdict
about the message. At the same time, allow the
Example: speaker to express his or her ideas freely before
A professor giving a three-hour nonstop physics lecture on accepting or rejecting his or ideas.
magnets and solenoids

3. Ways to Achieve Effective Communication

f. Lack of interest and attention - This happens when a
Effective communication is more than just the transmission of
person gives information that does not interest
information from one person to another. It takes place only
others or a person does not give attention to either
when the information is shared and mutually understood.
the speaker or his or her message.

The following are some ways on how you can achieve

Example:
effective communication.
A child watching television while his mother talks to him
about spending less time on television
a. Be focused. One way to stay focused is to have a
specific purpose for speaking or listening. If you are
It is important to deal with communication barriers so you
the speaker, determine your purpose for speaking
can have smooth and effective communication. and clearly express yourself to achieve it. If you are
the listener, ascertain the speaker’s purpose through
2. Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown his or her verbal and nonverbal cues.
Below are some communication strategies that you can use
to avoid communication breakdown. b. Speak intelligibly. This refers to using appropriate
a. Use time-gaining expressions to have more time to speaking volume (or loudness) and rate (or the pace
think. Fillers such as “Go on,” “Let me see,” and “Tell at which you speak), good enunciation (or the
me more . . .” express that the speaker would like to distinctness of the sound of spoken words), proper
think of a response or continue a conversation. word stress, and correct or acceptable
pronunciation.
b. Give positive remarks or comments. Comments
c. Listen with your ears and eyes. Remember that
such as “I understand,” “Sounds good,” and “I see
nonverbal communication is as important as verbal
what you mean” express interest in the flow of the communication. Pay attention to the speaker’s
conversation. This means that the person would like verbal as well as nonverbal cues.
to continue the conversation.
 d. Minimize distractions. Block out any form of
interference, or adjust to different forms of
distractio

A. Identify the term that would best complete each sentence below.

1. ___________________ is the system of knowledge that is shared by a particular group composed of a relatively large number of
individuals.
2. ___________________ is communication between individuals who have different cultures.
3. Through ___________________ with others, culture is created, learned, and shared.
4. There exists a dynamic ___________________ between culture and communication.
5. To engage in intercultural communication, participants should essentially understand the concept of ___________________.
6. Knowing who you are and in which cultural and social group you belong will enable you to relate better to others and to show
___________________ to them.

7. When you identify yourself as being part of a particular culture, you should share certain ___________________ with members of
that group.
8.-9. Without communication, there is no way of ___________________ and ___________________ cultural characteristics from
one person, place, and time to another.
10. The way you communicate with others is largely influenced by your ___________________ of them.

Read the following scenarios carefully. Determine whether the situation calls for gender or age sensitivity.

_________________1. Alanna is trying to tell her grandmother about the new teen show she loves watching, but her grandmother
seems to be having trouble understanding the appeal.
_________________2. Tina’s dad asked her to teach him how to use their new smart TV, but the controls are so complicated that he
is getting frustrated.
_________________3. Harvey overheard a few of his male classmates making fun of one of their female classmates’ body. He
interrupted them to point out that they were being very mean.
_________________4. Jeff is usually very loud and tactless, but in front of his friends’ parents he speaks in a more modulated and
respectful tone.
_________________5. Christopher and Kate are discussing the new bill criminalizing catcalling.
_________________6. Jonah gets very bored waiting for his girlfriend, Gail, to finish shopping for makeup. She reminds him that
she’s always very patient when waiting for him to finish looking at imitation basketball jerseys.
_________________7. Callie works part-time as a cashier at a convenience store. An elderly man is having trouble getting his money
from his wallet, and a long line is starting to form behind him.
_________________8. Harold is a fan of a lot of female k-pop stars, but he makes fun of his sister Ina for liking the “girly-looking’
male stars. She points out that he’s just jealous that they’re popular even if they’re “girly.”
_________________9. Carl and Gina, who entered the company at the same time and have the same job, were also promoted at the
same time. However, upon talking to each other, they realized that Carl was getting paid more for the same job. He decides to
accompany Gina to protest the pay disparity.
_________________10. Lolo Joshua is close to his teenage grandchildren because he is understanding of their problems and
acknowledges that they are going through things he didn’t have to experience when he was their age.

A. Read the following sentences carefully. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.
1. Individuals are more likely to interact with others of _________________ social standing as them.
2. __________________ social class is acquired through a person’s ability, talent, skill, and perseverance.
3. _________________ social class is determined at birth through characteristics such as age, sex, race, and family background.
4. Intercultural conflict usually arises when the participants engaged in a conversation
_________________ one’s religious views on others who may not share those views.
5. The foundation of intercultural communication in terms of social status and religion lies in ________________ for each others’
differences.