Intercultural Communication Rita Cooper and Shelby L. Cearley Assoc. of Metroplex Int’l Educators, 9 July 2007 Rita Cooper and Shelby L. Cearley Assoc. of Metroplex Int’l Educators, 9 July 2007

Introduction Today’s Presenters Rita Cooper, University of North Texas Shelby L. Cearley, Texas Tech University Overview of Presentation Today’s Presenters Rita Cooper, University of North Texas Shelby L. Cearley, Texas Tech University Overview of Presentation

What Is Culture? Culture is the values, behaviors, practices, assumptions we've learned from our membership in groups that share them. It is taught, learned and shared. Intercultural interaction occurs when people from different cultures interact with each other to the extent that both are expected to make accommodations to build relationships. Culture is the values, behaviors, practices, assumptions we've learned from our membership in groups that share them. It is taught, learned and shared. Intercultural interaction occurs when people from different cultures interact with each other to the extent that both are expected to make accommodations to build relationships.

Iceberg Model of Culture When we interact with someone from another culture, we only hear their words and see their behavior. It’s like seeing the tip of an iceberg; so much more is below the surface. Someone’s cultural values and attitudes affect what s/he says and does. When we interact with someone from another culture, we only hear their words and see their behavior. It’s like seeing the tip of an iceberg; so much more is below the surface. Someone’s cultural values and attitudes affect what s/he says and does.

Iceberg Model of Culture You must look below the surface if you want to communicate more effectively with people from other cultures.

Eye Contact US-Americans depend on direct eye contact. Why??? It is perceived as active listening, sincerity, and honesty. US-Americans depend on direct eye contact. Why??? It is perceived as active listening, sincerity, and honesty.

Rude Behavior Without a connection, they may feel "out of contact" with the other person.

Uncomfortable and Aggressive In some Arab and South Asian cultures, the gaze may seem too direct. US-Americans see a prolonged stare as a sign of aggression. In some Arab and South Asian cultures, the gaze may seem too direct. US-Americans see a prolonged stare as a sign of aggression.

Personal Space... We are all territorial. Group norms exist for all cultures. We acquire our “specific” space in early childhood. We are all territorial. Group norms exist for all cultures. We acquire our “specific” space in early childhood.

Get Info Before Going Abroad! In the Middle East, standing less than 1 foot next to someone is acceptable. In Europe & North America, 2.5 – 3 feet is acceptable. In Asia, 4 – 5 feet is acceptable due to bowing. In the Middle East, standing less than 1 foot next to someone is acceptable. In Europe & North America, 2.5 – 3 feet is acceptable. In Asia, 4 – 5 feet is acceptable due to bowing.

Intercultural Exchanges on Campus There’s more than just International Education Week! Become more visible on campus as an organization Make international events more visible on campus Make international students more visible on campus There’s more than just International Education Week! Become more visible on campus as an organization Make international events more visible on campus Make international students more visible on campus

Become More Visible on Campus Create an identifier (not a name tag) Attend campus events Join staff organizations Invite people to visit your office and vice-versa Create an identifier (not a name tag) Attend campus events Join staff organizations Invite people to visit your office and vice-versa

Become More Visible on Campus Have an int’l office representative on standing committees Incorporate int’l events and campus events calendars Have an int’l office representative at campus events Have an int’l office representative on standing committees Incorporate int’l events and campus events calendars Have an int’l office representative at campus events

Make Int’l Events More Visible Create intercultural training for increased access to campus Have regular events co-sponsored by int’l and departmental offices Give upcoming event flyers to related classes, academic units, and administrative departments Create intercultural training for increased access to campus Have regular events co-sponsored by int’l and departmental offices Give upcoming event flyers to related classes, academic units, and administrative departments

Make Int’l Events More Visible Create advertising and display in popular areas Cultivate academic contacts with those faculty with int’l/cross-cultural interests Create mailing list of those who attended previous events Create advertising and display in popular areas Cultivate academic contacts with those faculty with int’l/cross-cultural interests Create mailing list of those who attended previous events

Make Int’l Students Visible Take group of int’l students to campus- sponsored events Showcase an int’l group/organization each month Create monthly newsletter of int’l students Make int’l student groups part of your recruiting efforts Use int’l student groups to advertise events Take group of int’l students to campus- sponsored events Showcase an int’l group/organization each month Create monthly newsletter of int’l students Make int’l student groups part of your recruiting efforts Use int’l student groups to advertise events

Want More Info? Please visit our website at ate/intercultural.html. This PowerPoint presentation Links to information about intercultural communication/competence Our addresses Thank you for your attendance! Please visit our website at ate/intercultural.html. This PowerPoint presentation Links to information about intercultural communication/competence Our addresses Thank you for your attendance!