COMM1100 Module 3 Topic 1
COMM1100 Module 3 Topic 1
COMM1100 Module 3 Topic 1
In the early years, the traditional snail mail took months before it
reached its destination. Now, we can instantly send a message to anyone
around the world using any messaging apps through the internet. However, it
is necessary to take consideration and be sensitive on our cultural differences
to avoid chaos in understanding each other.
Objectives
Page 1 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Culture is the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law,
customs and habits and any capabilities acquired by man as a member of society
(Taylor, 1871). It is also defined as the customary beliefs, social forms and
material traits of a racial, religious or social group, or the set of shared attitudes,
values, goals and practices that characterizes institution or organization (Merriam
Webster Dictionary).
Co-Cultures are composed of members of the same general culture who differ
in some ethnic or sociological ways from the parent culture.
Examples
Page 2 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Culture is the lens through which we see the world. Thus, as individuals,
we have the tendency to see one’s own culture as superior to all. This is called
ethnocentrism. Cultural relativism on other hand is the concept that accepts
other cultural groups as equal in value to one’s own. It tries to understand the
behavior of other groups.
❖Globalization
❖Business opportunities
❖Job opportunities
❖Sharing of views and ideas
❖Talent improvisation
❖An understanding of diverse market
Example:
A 14-year old teenager does not typically communicate the same way as
an 82-year old senior citizen. Even if they were born and raised in the
same neighborhood, their conversation could be just as ―intercultural‖ as
two people who come from opposite corners of the globe because they
are from two subcultures*.
Page 3 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Now, maybe you are asking yourself how one can communicate locally in a
multicultural context?
First, always bear in your mind that we do not only communicate thru
words. Non-verbal communication (gestures and tone of our voice) is as
important as verbal communication especially when you are engaging into a
conversation with people different from your culture. In doing that, you should
always observe cultural sensitivity. Cultural awareness is also a must in order to
have a successful communication in this context.
1. Keep an open mind. This may sound obvious, but keeping an open mind is
the most important thing you can do in relating to people of different
cultures. People simply don't do things the same way. If, of course,
someone's differences are destroying the work flow and group culture,
that is another matter. When that is not happening, an open mind is
critical.
Page 4 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
3. Practice active listening. All human beings feel more comfortable, more
valued, and more a part of a team if they are confident they are being heard.
Give people in your organization this value by actively listening to them: make
eye contact with them (or not, depending on the culture); nod and give verbal
indications you are listening. You may also find it helpful to summarize and
restate what someone has told you, particularly if this restatement echoes a
great idea or a concern.
Active listening is an entire course unto itself, but practicing these points
and simply keeping the issue in mind will boost team morale and improve your
communication immeasurably.
4. Watch your nonverbal communication. Often included with the skill of active
listening, nonverbal communication takes on special importance when it comes
to the subject of multiculturalism.
For example, many Native Americans do not make eye contact the way
people do in a typical business or corporate environment. In some cultures,
animated gestures or "talking with your hands is considered normal, in others
it is a sign
Page 5 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
There are many other factors that play a part in how we communicate. In
fact, these other factors can be even more powerful than words. The way we go
about communicating with another person—even when we do not speak the
same language—can have an enormous impact on the way we make that person
feel and the way they will respond to us.
Page 6 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Here are the differences how Americans and Japanese express their
greetings:
USA Japan
San is the most common honorific used usually between people with the
same age because this is a gender-neutral honorific.
Chan is used when you find someone endearing. It can also be used to
address babies, young children, grandparents and teenage girls. May also be
used towards cute animals, lovers, close friends, any youthful woman or even
between friends.
Page 7 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Tone is the way we speak; it may either be fast or slow, or gentle or aggressive.
Page 8 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Page 9 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Horn fingers
Looking at your watch
Page 10 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
Global Communication
Marshall McLuhan is a theorist who predicted many years ago that our
world would become a global village.
Page 11 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
At this era, people are linked physically and electronically around the
globe.
❖ Email
❖ Social media posts
❖ Press releases
❖ Books and traditional print publication
❖ Political speeches
❖ Global advertisements
❖ Journalistic news stories
Page 12 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
4. Learn the laws. What you may write freely in America without a second
thought (e.g., criticism of a government action) could land you in prison in
other countries. Even a simple action like chewing gum at a news
conference can get you hauled out of the room by law enforcement.
5. Learn how media work. The way media are controlled and operate in
the Middle East bears no resemblance to European standards. And while
paparazzi thrive in London, they may wilt across the channel in Paris.
Page 13 of 14
COMM 1100 (Purposive Communication)
1. Language
2. Personality
3. Medium of Communication
4. Culture
References
Soeftestad, L., Alinon, K., Diz, D., Fkyman, N., Kleibl, T., and Die, L. (2004),
Language, culture and communication in development cooperation.
Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Communication-at-local-and-global-levels
Comparison-of-equality-and-context_tbl5_237328286
Page 14 of 14