Communication assignment
Communication
between cultures
9th Edition
Chapter 8
Verbal Messages:
Exchanging Ideas through Language
© Cengage 2017
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Chapter 8: Verbal Messages: Exchanging Ideas through Language
Key Ideas
The world Stage: Global Interdependence
Communication and Culture Defined
Venturing into a new culture
Ethical Issues
Intercultural Communication Challenges
©2017 Cengage
Chapter 2: Communication and Culture: The Voice and the Echo
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Key Ideas
Functions of language
Language and meaning
Language and culture
Using language
Interpreting and translating
Communication technology and language
Language and intercultural competence
© Cengage 2012
Chapter 8 Verbal Messages: Exchanging Ideas Through Language
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Functions of language
Social interaction
Social cohesion
Expressions of identity
© Cengage 2012
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Language and meaning
Language is a set of symbols that a cultural group has agreed to use to create meaning.
The symbols and their meanings are often arbitrary
Language variations
Accent
Dialect
Argot
Slang
© Cengage 2012
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Language and meaning
Conversational taboos
Cultural restrictions related to the discussion of certain topics or use of certain words
Generally related to topics of sex, the supernatural, excretion and death
© Cengage 2012
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Language and culture
Synergy between language and culture
Language is dominant in shaping worldview and perception of reality
A culture’s language vocabulary emphasizes what is important
© Cengage 2012
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Using Language
Using Language – how language to influence perceptions
Spanish
Male orientation in Mexican society evident in gendered nouns and pronouns
Separate verb conjunctions help Mexicans express formality which is important in the culture
© Cengage 2012
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Using Language
Northeast Asian cultures (e.g. China, Korea, Japan)
High context cultures
Employ language in an indirect manner to promote harmony
Politeness takes precedence over truth
Importance of formality and hierarchy
Opposite of western culture’s view of communication as a way to increase self-esteem
© Cengage 2012
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Using Language
Arabic
Language unites and defines greater Arab community
Language is a function of history
Language posses emotional content
Indirectness is used to ensure smooth relations
Repetition and exaggeration is used to appeal to emotions
Focus on the present and uncertainty about the future
© Cengage 2012
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Using Language
English
“I”” is used frequently in conversation
Language is used to protect your own face rather than the faces of others
Communication is used to promote individuality
Americans prefer to be on a first name basis quickly with titles rarely used
© Cengage 2012
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Interpreting and translating
Interpretation - changing oral or signed messages from one language into another
Translation – changing written or signed messages from one language to another
Translation requires an extensive awareness of cultural factors
© Cengage 2012
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Interpreting and translating
Working with interpreters and translators
Language knowledge
Dialect knowledge
Specialized technology
Cultural knowledge
© Cengage 2012
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Communication technology and language
The digital age has greatly enhanced the ability of people around to world to easily and quickly “connect” with others through a variety of media
Interacting through the Internet requires the use of a common language
English continues to be the most common language among Internet users
Language can also play a role in the selection of which social media outlet a culture favors
© Cengage 2012
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Language and intercultural competence
Improving intercultural interactions
Being mindful
Speech rate
Vocabulary
Attend to nonverbal behaviors
Checking
Second language benefits
Communicate with people
Shows people you’re interested in them
Provides insight into the emotions and values of a culture
© Cengage 2012
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