1. 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

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

3. I. Why Study Intercultural Communication?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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:
Link for video 7 Billion: Are You Typical?:

7. II. What is Culture?

8. 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.

9. Culture is like an Iceberg:

10. 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?

11. 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?

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