scholarly journals Intercultural Communication Systems and Discourses of Cultural Identity

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Baraldi

AbstractThe analysis of intercultural communication, which is adopted in mainstream applied linguistics and communication studies, aims to explain the meaning of cultural differences and identities in the present global world. The present analysis of intercultural communication is based on theories of cultural variability, which highlight the basic distinctions between values determining cultural differences and identities. Some studies in applied linguistics observe cultural variability as a discursive construction based on a form of epistemological essentialism, produced in the Western part of the world to give meaning to its hegemony. However, these studies share some epistemological foundations with theories of cultural variability. This paper proposes a theorization of intercultural communication, which explains cultural differences and identities as constructed in communication systems and based on their particular structural presuppositions. In this perspective, the hegemonic structure of intercultural communication is ethnocentrism, including the presuppositions of Us/Them basic distinction, positioning of individuals as members of cultural groups and normative expectations about displays of We-identities. This theorisation also provides an explanation of the discursive construction of new hybrid forms of identity, which are observed as a result of globalisation, and of the interdependence between local and global communication systems. Finally, this theorization leads to explain the meaning of intercultural dialogue, which is presented as an alternative to ethnocentrism. The open question regards the explanation of dialogue as either a new discursive construction of hegemonic Western culture or a new structure, introducing equality in participation, sensitivity for participants’ personal expressions and expectations of participants’ empowerment in local and global communication systems.

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 02002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Hackel ◽  
Andrea Gaube ◽  
MA Sabrina Lampe

The duties of German architects include the indepth design process as well as a thorough quality supervision during the construction process with the goal of the “build success“. They are reflected in the “Hands on Projects” organized by German Universities. The best results and broadest findings come out of international and interdisciplinary cooperation and projects with participants coming from the diverse cultural background and even integrating refugees into these projects. Students get in touch with different philosophies, attitudes, values, and approaches. They learn about intercultural communication and develop unique solutions. Different social and cultural background leads to different behavior. Not being aware of the cultural differences may lead to misunderstanding and irritation. Analysing the cause of these misunderstandings and getting knowledge about the cultural influence on architectural planning, communication and problem solving is one of the mayors tasks of these intercultural and interdisciplinary projects. Two case studies from Thailand and Germany published in this paper show different experiences with intercultural and interdisciplinary “Hands on Projects”.


Author(s):  
В.И. Казаренков ◽  
М.М. Карнелович

Проблема межкультурного взаимодействия приобретает особую актуальность в связи с процессом интернационализации высшего образования. В ситуации межличностного взаимодействия студенты — представители разных культур являются субъектами самопрезентации их этнической идентичности. В связи с высокой прикладной значимостью проблемы эффективного и толерантного взаимодействия студентов в условиях поликультурной образовательной среды была выдвинута и подвергнута эмпирической проверке гипотеза о связи этнической идентичности и самопрезентации студентов, являющихся представителями разных культурных групп — русской, белорусской, туркменской и индийской. Цель работы — эмпирически выявить специфические особенности взаимосвязи типа этнической идентичности и тактик самопрезентации у студентов разных культурных групп в межличностном взаимодействии. В исследовании определены содержание и направленность связи между типами этнической идентичности — позитивной, нигилистичной, индифферентной, фанатичной, эгоистичной — с защитными и ассертивными стратегиями самопредъявления студентов. Предлагается обзор программы тренинга самопрезентации, направленного на коррекцию неадаптивных способов самопредъявления и формирование эффективных стратегий самопрезентации студентов в межличностном взаимодействии с представителями иных культурных групп. Результаты исследования представляют интерес для специалистов в области кросс-культурной коммуникации, этнической психологии и психологии личности. The issue of intercultural communication is gaining relevance because of the process of higher education internationalization. In situations of interpersonal communication, students, representatives of different cultures, define themselves and their ethnic identity. The investigation of students’ efficient and tolerant interaction in the conditions of multicultural learning environments enables the authors of the research to put forward a hypothesis that students’ ethnic identity is closely related to their self-presentation in multicultural groups (Russian, Belorussian, Turkmen, and Indian). The aim of the research is to empirically single out some specific peculiarities of students’ ethnic identity and self-presentation strategies in interpersonal communication. The research defines the content and the interconnection between ethnic identity — positive, nihilist, indifferent, fanatical, selfish — and protective and assertive strategies of students’ self-presentation. The article presents an overview of a self-presentation training course aimed at the correction of nonadaptive means of self-presentation and the formation of efficient strategies of self-presentation in interpersonal communication with representatives of other cultural groups. The results of the research may be useful for specialists in the sphere of cross-cultural communication, ethnic psychology and personal psychology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44
Author(s):  
I Gusti Ayu Ratna Pramesti Dasih

The process of social interaction in the community is very close to communication and culture because of the harmonious reciprocal relationship. Culture and communication influence each other. Cultural differences will have the potential to cause uncertainty and anxiety disorders, so that the possibility of cultural shock occurs. The existence of a shift in the value of diversity, an important role of intercultural communication in bridging the obstacles to understanding society can be explained by intercultural interactions so as not to cause misunderstandings. This article analyzes the role of intercultural communication in religious interactions at Pura Bukit Kampung Anyar Karangasem using qualitative research methods. The results showed that: first, the historical background of the conquest of the Karangasem Kingdom over Lombok. Second, the process of adaptation and intercultural interaction carried out by Hindus and Sasak Bayan ethnic people creates religious social beliefs. Third, intercultural communication has implications for socio-religious interactions, such as: implications for religious values, implications for socializing activities, implications for the value of solidarity, and implications for the value of tolerance.


2018 ◽  
pp. 93-106
Author(s):  
Anna Dudziak

Intercultural communication involves verbal and nonverbal messages. The communication process is conducted not only by means of verbal messages but also by other elements that constitute body language. This process becomes significantly more complicated when cultural contexts are also taken into account. A message which is unambiguously understood and interpreted by the representatives of one culture may have quite a different interpretation in other cultures. It is therefore highly important to take cultural context into consideration during business talks. Being ignorant of this aspect can significantly impact the results of negotiations. Are we doomed to failure caused by cultural differentiation, then? Is the cultural aspect of communication an insurmountable barrier? Certainly not. It is obvious in talks with foreigners that one cannot avoid mistakes and misunderstandings resulting from the inaccurate interpretation of words and gestures. During a time of globalization, mergers and takeovers, intercultural communication is unavoidable. Every new intercultural dialogue brings new experiences and reduces the risk of faux pas based on cultural differences.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-101
Author(s):  
Michaela Čiefová

Abstract Objective: The main intention of the present paper is, on the one hand, to provide a summary of the characteristics of Slovak culture by applying chosen theories and models. On the other hand, we attempt to underline the significance of bilateral Austro-Slovak relations in relation to the economy or migration tendencies. We assume that, based on geographical proximity and the above stated bilateral relations, intercultural encounters are relatively frequent as well. Therefore, certain perception of Slovaks from the Austrian point of view is likely to exist. Methodology: Our work is based on relevant scientific sources, as well as on our own empirical research reposing in the analysis of an online questionnaire. Findings: Overall, findings of our empirical research may be considered rather positive, as no negative or hostile responses concerning Slovak culture were reported. Furthermore, none of the participants experienced a conflict with a Slovak counterpart that could clearly be ascribed to cultural differences. Value Added: We believe that the conclusions presented in this paper might be helpful not only for managers operating on the international level or businessmen intending to do business with their Slovak partners, for scholars engaged in similar topics but also for anyone interested in intercultural communication and cultural differences.


PERSPEKTIF ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rehia K.I.Barus Irfan Simatupang Friska Rizki Noviyanti

Mix marriage as regulated in Article 57 Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning marriage that is committed by a couple with different nationality. The Nationality of the Republic of Indonesia in Law Number 12 of 2006, is explained that children as the result of mix marriage can have double nationalities but limited. The process of communication that is using in the mixing marriage is the process of intercultural communication. In establishment of an interpersonal communication between eastern culture and western culture. This communication takes place not just for a day or two, but takes place during the stay of foreign citizens and citizens relations with in Indonesia. The patterns of children's education is one of the problems that often occur in mixed marriages. Most of the mixing marriage used the foreign pattern of their child's education. This is because foreigners want their children get an education equivalent to the education of the country of origin may be obtained. The results showed that the process of intercultural communication can be well-established and effective among the four mixed marriage couples. Overall informants seeks to honor and respect for cultural differences in their marriage.They tried to blend and merge with the cultur of their partner.Changes in view of the world (religion,values,and behaviors) on minorities and chose to follow the beliefs of the dominant partner.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-63
Author(s):  
Abdul Wahid Ibrahim Tocalo

Rhetorical move analyses of research article (RA) abstracts have established variations across disciplines and cultures. However, there is still a need for more explorations on Applied Linguistics discipline. Comparing native and other group of non-native speakers of English, such as Filipino users of the language, has also been a neglect in research as far as the researcher’s knowledge is concerned. Hence, this study investigated the rhetorical moves in the RA abstracts of American and Filipino writers who are published in two journals related to Applied Linguistics field. The study also explored the lexical verbs underlying each move in all the abstracts. Each abstract was then segmented into moves. Findings revealed that the moves Situating the Research (STR), Presenting the Research (PTR), and Discussing the Research (DTR) were obligatorily used by both groups of writers, while the moves Describing the Methodology (DTM) and Summarizing the Findings (STF) were obligatory only among Filipinos and optional among Americans. Filipino writers appear to develop their own conventions deviating from Americans who are considered native speakers and norm providers. The results also amplify the existence of cultural differences even in abstract writing. Further, the study details lists of lexical verbs that may be used to realize a rhetorical intent of each move. Hence, academic writing instructions may be informed by the rhetorical and linguistic realizations unveiled in this study. Directions for future research are likewise provided.


Author(s):  
В.И. Казаренков ◽  
В. Бовэнь

В статье раскрыты целесообразность и прогностическая ценность изучения проблемы доверия в межкультурном взаимодействии. На основе анализа теоретических концепций обосновывается, что уровень выраженности доверия к представителям иных культурных групп выступает предиктором социально-перцептивных процессов в общении и опосредует выбор субъектом соответствующей стратегии межличностного взаимодействия в процессах межкультурной коммуникации. Представлены результаты эмпирического исследования, в котором выявляется содержание критериев доверия и недоверия студентов китайской, африканской и латиноамериканской общностей к сверстникам — представителям иных культурных групп. Эмпирически подтверждается предположение о существовании связей между доверием, недоверием и стратегиями взаимодействия иностранных студентов со сверстниками — представителями других культур. Анализируются обнаруженные корреляционные взаимосвязи между содержательными критериями доверия (недоверия) и манипулятивной, альтероцентрической, конформной, диалогической, индифферентной, авторитарной стратегиями интеракций во взаимоотношениях студентов с ровесниками — представителями других культурных групп. Полученные результаты косвенно свидетельствуют о том, что механизмы аттракции, выражающиеся в приязни, симпатии, дружелюбии, а также механизмы идентификации и рефлексии выступают в качестве предикторов отношений иностранных студентов к представителям иных культур, помогают преодолевать межгрупповые предубеждения и служат профилактикой манипулирования друг другом. Результаты исследования углубляют научные представления о проблеме доверия — недоверия в межэтнических отношениях, представляют практическую ценность для социальных психологов, специалистов в области кросс-культурной психологии при разработке профилактических и коррекционных мероприятий, направленных на повышение эффективности и коммуникативной культуры взаимодействия представителей разных социальных общностей. The article focuses on the feasibility and prognostic value of the investigation of interpersonal interaction. The analysis of theoretical concepts enables the authors to prove that the level of trust between people from different cultural groups can function as a predictor of social perception and can influence people’s choice of strategies of interpersonal interaction in situations of intercultural communication. The article presents the results of empirical research aimed at the investigation of criteria of trust and mistrust between students of Chinese, African and Latin-American communities and their peers belonging to other cultural groups. The empirical study proves that there is a correlation between trust, mistrust and the strategies of interaction foreign students use when communicating with their peers from different cultures. The article analyses the correlation between the criteria of trust (mistrust) and manipulative, alterocentric, conformal, dialogical, indifferent, and authoritarian interaction strategies employed by students for intercultural communication with their peers. The results indirectly demonstrate that the mechanisms of attraction expressed through friendliness, empathy and affection, as well as the mechanisms of identification and reflection serve as predictors of foreign students’ attitude to representatives of other cultures, help to overcome prejudices in intercultural communication, help to prevent interpersonal manipulation. The results of the research extend scholarly understanding of the issue of trust and mistrust in interethnic interaction and have a high practical value for social psychologists, specialists in the sphere of cross-cultural psychology, for specialists developing preventive and corrective measures aimed at the enhancement of the efficiency of interpersonal interaction between representatives of different social groups.


Author(s):  
O.G. Vakarenko ◽  
◽  
◽  

Paper devoted to the topical issues of scientific periodicals functioning in Ukraine in the world of the global communication system development. The important feature of the world informational space development current stage is the unification of scientific periodicals work principle. The publishing platforms are providing such journals with virtual editions, worldwide open-access materials use licenses, general declaration on the scientific ethics. Such processes demand scientific periodicals to consolidate their efforts, understand the common goal and define the specific challenges to address the constant exhaustive work.


2009 ◽  
pp. 1630-1652
Author(s):  
Felix B. Tan ◽  
Helen J. Lin ◽  
Cathy Urquhart

With the increasing popularity of electronic commerce, businesses are starting to recognise that developing a good virtual community can help to generate more profits. Virtual communities can be an instrument for building relationships with customers, and retaining customers’ loyalty. Of interest are the similarities and differences in the design preferences of virtual communities across cultural groups. This paper, therefore, examined the design preferences of virtual communities in two cultural groups. The design preferences studied are Web design, tools used, and types of virtual communities preferred. Content analysis was employed to study 20 of the most popular Chinese and U.S. virtual communities. The study found that there are differences in the preference for the type of virtual communities and the tools used by Chinese and U.S. communities. The findings challenge aspects of Web site design across these cultural groups thought to be dissimilar based on prior research, indicating that designers of virtual communities must treat cultural differences with caution. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.


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