Culture’s Impacts on Communication, Essay Example

Introduction

Culture is a dynamic, shifting set of staring that orient us to particular ways. Every one has multiple cultures which dictate what is normal. Intercultural communication not only dictates on how particular cultural group think and talk but also on how they act upon and relate to other cultural groups. It is vital to note importance of understanding opportunities and challenges in association with this phenomenon. Some of the importance involve; openness i.e. tolerance for ambiguity and open-mindedness; Resilience traits i.e. having an internal locus of control, resistance, tolerance for ambiguity and resourcefulness.

Definition and Differentiation of High Context and Low Context Cultures

High context and low context culture is the degree to which speakers use non-verbal cues to covey their messages. In high context culture everything is spelt in message itself i.e. stands alone more easily without depending on the knowledge of context while in low context culture people say what they mean and mean what they say i.e. infer but not speak. Roles, language, nonverbal and time triggered by Context, personality, culture and moods highly influence communication across societies in the world. When others do not meet our standards we consider them inferior and different. This is widely pronounced across cultural groups of the world.

Dangers of Ethnocentrism and Stereotyping With Recommended Remedies

Danger of ethnocentrism and stereotyping involve conflict, isolation and lack of mutual bonding among people across the societies.  Scholars have suggested several measures to overcome ethnocentrism and stereotyping i.e.

• The development of intercultural communication sensitivity and multiculturalism.
• Communicating sensitivity and multiculturalism as a possible measure to overcome ethnocentrism.
• Explaining ethnocentrism, race and superiority as well as defining stereotypes within our social institutions.
• Openly and honestly discussing stereotypes across societal groups.
• Persuading government and private organization to overcome ethnocentrism in their operations.

Conclusion   

We may mistake difference for evidence of bad faith or lack of common sense without realizing common sense is also cultural. There is a need of fostering open-mindedness among societal groups in order to curb ethnocentrism and stereotyping in intercultural communication.

Works Cited

Patrice, Flichy. Dynamics of Modern Communication: The Shaping of New Communication Technologies (Media Culture and Society Series). London: Sage publications limited, 1995

Taylor, Cox. Cultural Diversity in Organization: Theory Research and Practice. San Francisco: Berrett-koehler Publishers, 1994