Understanding Intercultural Communication Second Edition Chapter 1 Why Study Intercultural Communication? Stella Ting-Toomey & Leeva C. Chung OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS . PowerPoint Slides Designed by Alex Flecky and Noorie Baig

TODAY’S MENU Practical Reasons to Study Intercultural Communication (ICC) What is Culture?

I. Why Study Intercultural Communication?

I. Some Practical Reasons to Study ICC A. Adjust to Global Workplace Heterogeneity B. Adapt to Domestic Workforce Diversity C. Engage in Creative Multicultural Problem Solving D. Comprehend the Role of Technology in Global Communication

I. Some Practical Reasons to Study ICC cont’d. E. Facilitate Better Multicultural Health Care Communication F. Enhance Intercultural Relationship Satisfaction G. Foster Global & Intrapersonal Peace H. Deepen Cultural Self-Awareness and Other-Awareness

Jeopardy Time ! ~ To see some facts related to the historical landmark of reaching 7 billion people on planet Earth, click here. ~ To see a video called “Seven Billion: Are You Typical?” click here. Link for facts related to reaching 7 billion: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/age-of-man/face-interactive Link for video 7 Billion: Are You Typical?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B2xOvKFFz4

II. What is Culture?

II. Culture: A Learned Meaning System Culture is: a learned meaning system consists of patterns of … traditions, beliefs, values, norms, meanings, and symbols that are passed on from one generation to the next & are shared to varying degrees by interacting members of a community.

Culture is like an Iceberg:

Culture: An Iceberg Metaphor Surface-level culture: Popular culture Can you give examples of current U.S. popular culture icons that are different from the ones listed in the textbook?

Culture: An Iceberg Metaphor Intermediate-level culture: Cultural norms How would you introduce yourself: To your professor? To your romantic partner’s friends? Deep-level culture: Culturally shared traditions How would you explain common U.S. traditions to a visitor from another culture unfamiliar with them?

Culture is the widening Parting Thoughts… Culture is the widening of the mind and spirit. ~ Jawarhalal Nehru