Culture & Identity
What do we call the shared values, beliefs, customs, practices, and meanings learned by members of a group?
What is culture?
What do we call communication between people whose cultural backgrounds may influence how they interpret messages?
Intercultural communication.
What do we call the ability to understand or consider another person's feelings and perspective?
Empathy
Your classmate speaks with an accent you are unfamiliar with. What is the most respectful way to respond?
Listen attentively and ask for clarification politely if necessary, without mocking or criticizing the person's accent.
Can two people from the same country have different cultural backgrounds? Why?
Yes. People may differ in regional identity, language, religion or worldview, family traditions, generation, and personal experiences.
What type of communication involves gestures, facial expressions, posture, eye contact, and personal space?
Nonverbal communication
You hear someone make a negative generalization about an entire cultural group. What should you do before accepting or repeating the claim?
Question the generalization, verify information using credible sources, and avoid stereotyping or making assumptions about individuals.
A student avoids direct eye contact while speaking to a teacher. Does this automatically mean the student is being dishonest or disrespectful? Explain.
No. Eye contact norms differ across individuals and contexts. A person's behavior should not be judged based on one cue alone.
What is ethnocentrism, and why can it become a barrier to intercultural communication?
Ethnocentrism is judging other cultures using the standards of one's own culture, often viewing one's own as superior. It can lead to prejudice, misunderstanding, and unfair judgments.
Why might silence be interpreted differently by people from different cultural backgrounds?
Silence may communicate respect, reflection, discomfort, disagreement, or other meanings depending on the individual and context.
A student shares a classmate's private conversation online without permission. What ethical principle has been violated?
Privacy and confidentiality, as well as respect and responsible communication.
A joke is funny to one group but offensive to another. What should the speaker consider when deciding how to respond?
The audience, cultural context, impact of the joke, intent, power relationships, and whether an apology or correction is needed.