2. Chapter 7 Objectives
Explain why you should study intercultural communication
Distinguish between cultures and co-cultures
Provide examples of co-cultural strategies

3. Chapter 7 Objectives
Explain potential intercultural communication problems
Identify broad cultural characteristics
Practice strategies for improving communication with people from other cultures and co-cultures

4. What is Intercultural Communication?
The exchange of information between individuals who are unalike culturally

5. Reasons for Studying Intercultural Communication
Communication with people from other cultures & co-cultures is common
Money
Curiosity
Convergence of technologies
Immigration has changed the face of America

6. What is a Culture?
A unique combination of rituals, religious beliefs, ways of thinking, and ways of behaving that invite outsiders to see others as a unified member of a human group

7. What is a Co-Cultural Group?
A group that exists within a larger dominant culture but differs from the dominant culture in some significant characteristic

8. Communication Goals for Marginalized Groups
Assimilation goal
Attempts to fit in with dominant culture
Accommodation goal
Keeps a co-cultural identity while striving for positive relationships with dominant culture
Separation goal
Relates exclusively with its own group and avoids contact with dominant culture

9. Intercultural Communication Problems
Attribution and Perceptual Errors
Ethnocentrism
Stereotyping

10. Characteristics of Different Cultures
Individualistic
Value individual freedom, choice, uniqueness and independence
Collectivist
Value the group, family, tribe, clan and culture over the individual

11. Characteristics of Different Cultures
Low Context
Communication style emphasizes the source of the communication
Intentions overtly stated
High Context
Much of the information about the source and intentions is understood and not explicitly stated

12. Characteristics of Different Cultures
Uncertainty-accepting
Tolerate ambiguity and diversity
Uncertainty-rejecting
Less tolerant of ambiguity and diversity

13. Characteristics of Different Cultures
Implicit-rule
Implied rules for behavior are implicitly known to all members of the culture
Explicit-rule
More likely to openly discuss procedures for action and expectations for behavior

14. Characteristics of Different Cultures
Monochronic
View time as compartmentalized between task, personal, and social dimensions
Polychronic
View time as culturally based and relationally oriented

15. Strategies for Improving Intercultural Communication
Conduct a personal self-assessment
Practice supportive communication behaviors
Develop sensitivity toward diversity
Avoid stereotypes
Avoid ethnocentrism
Develop code sensitivity

16. Strategies for Improving Intercultural Communication
Seek shared codes
Use and encourage descriptive feedback
Open communication channels
Manage conflicting beliefs and practices
Learn to be reflexive