Theoretical Foundations
Intercultural communication became prominent after WWII, largely because of this institution founded in 1946.
What is the Foreign Service Institute (FSI)?
Culture shapes communication primarily by influencing this process.
What is how messages are interpreted and expressed?
This concept refers to grouping people based on identity characteristics.
What is social categorization?
Identity is shaped through these four influences.
What are language, culture, interaction, and experience?
High-context communication relies more on this than explicit wording.
What are shared background and situational cues?
The “Global Village” creates connection but also increases this risk.
What is miscommunication and stereotyping?
Name two contributors to cultural diversity.
What are migration, globalization, international business, education, mobility, etc.?
Stereotypes are most closely linked to this outcome of categorization.
What are simplified and generalized assumptions about groups?
Communication and Identity Construction (Hecht, 1993) argues identity is this.
What is created and expressed through communication?
An instrumental communication style is primarily this.
What is goal-oriented and task-focused?
Intercultural communication competence requires understanding this structural element beyond just language skills.
What are power structures and identities?
Explain how culture is both dynamic and learned.
What is culture changes over time and is transmitted through communication and socialization?
Robert E. Park’s “social distance” refers to this.
What is a lack of intimacy based on social variables?
Explain the difference between individual and collective identity.
What is personal self-definition vs. group-based belonging?
Explain how direct vs. indirect styles may cause misunderstanding.
What is direct speakers may seem rude; indirect speakers may seem unclear or evasive?
Explain why ethical reflection is necessary when applying cultural value theories.
What is the need to consider consequences and respect cultural differences rather than impose one’s own standards?
Symbols include these three broad forms.
What are language, images, and gestures?
Explain why understanding perception improves intercultural competence.
What is it helps recognize bias and improve the interpretation of others?
The “Marginal Man” describes someone experiencing this condition.
What is being stuck between two cultures?
Compare Uncertainty Avoidance with Indulgence vs. Restraint.
What is Uncertainty Avoidance concerns tolerance for ambiguity, while Indulgence vs. Restraint concerns regulation of gratification and emotional expression?
Intercultural communication differs from intracultural communication because it involves this key variable.
What is a cultural difference?
Intercultural communication = different cultural backgrounds
Intracultural communication = single cultural group
Explain one way subcultures influence communication within a society.
What is by shaping norms, values, language use, identity expression, and interaction styles within the broader culture?
Choose one stage of perception and explain how culture influences it.
What is selecting, organizing, or interpreting — and culture shapes what we notice and how we assign meaning?
Identity Negotiation Theory explains how individuals do this in interaction.
What is managing identity, meaning, and face across cultures?
Explain how culture influences both verbal and nonverbal communication.
What is culture shapes tone, word choice, silence, gestures, eye contact, and interpretation of meaning?