Book Review: Understanding Intercultural Communication
Kaylyn Hausmann
Intercultural Communication (GLST 650)
March 4th, 2022
2
TABLE COF ONTENTS
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………...3
REVIEW TAND HESIS……………………………………………..3-4
APPLICATION FOR URRENT CHRISTIAN MINISTRY C ……………… 5-6
C ………………………………………………….….7ONCLUSION
3
Introduction
Understanding intercultural Intelligence by Chung and Stell Ting-Toomey (2012) is a
compelling and informative literature that covers a plethorea of topics surrounding intercultural
intelligence. The text describes what intercultural communication is in the real world and as it
applies to workforce relationships, healthcare, globalization, self-awareness, and enhancing
interpersonal relationships. For the lay person, intercultural communication may appear
unnecessary but for those who hunger for knowledge and for building bridges in various
contexts, this book sheds light on multiple topics and contexts.
Synthesis and review
Overall, the text is intelligent and certainly requires time to read and digest due to the
highly packed content and high level of writing. This is not a book that is easy to comprehend
due to the amount of research and information provided on each topic. However the text,
regardless of the level of difficulty, is credible and discusses important topics that can easily be
overlooked form a lense of ethnocentristim. One who reads this would need to have a desire to
understand other cultures to fully grasp it’s concepts and have the potential for application. One
aspect of the book that I appreciated is the various stories included from real people to explain
each chapter’s concepts. The illustrations of the topics in real life shed light on how easy
communication can be misinterpreted or misrepresented when translated or shifted to other
countries. It helped me to understand the concepts in a greater way and to want to use the
information in my own endevearos, especially related to ministry. I also valued the personal
questionaires included within each chapter that allowed the reader to apply the information to
4
their person life and experiences. It provided me with more opportunity for the information to
come alive. My only suggestion for change if I were to offer any recommendations to the author
is to omit information that could cause cognitive overload, expecially when introduces concepts
that are abstract or complex. I believe this would help readers gain a a better understanding of
intercultural communication and increasing one’s chances of retention for future references.
Application for Ministry
One important principle discussed in the text that can be used in Christian ministry is
becoming culturally aware of cultural values regarding communication and solving problems.
Often, the concern is not the message but how the message is delivered. When communicating
the gospel and addressing sin for example, one culture may receive the news best when the
message is delivered indirectly versus a hostile or direct approach for requiring repentance to
receive the forgiveness of sins. For example, Chung and Stell Ting-Toomey (2012) states that
“some cultural groups (e.g., German and Swiss work teams) may believe that addressing a
workplace problem directly and assertively can be stimulating and spark further new ideas. Other
cultural groups (e.g., Chinese and Korean work teams) may believe that approaching a conflict
issue indirectly and tact-fully can facilitate a more harmonious communication process.”
Especially when ministering globally, or even interacting with those in our neighborhoods from
different backgrounds, one can study another culture’s preferred means of communication (either
directly or indirectly) and adjust the delivery for the sake of the message and/or correction being
received. I had to learn this principle through experience and failure and have found that it does
make a difference with others as we are relational beings and have a need to feel valued and
5
loved. Thus, if our approach is too direct, or not direct enough, it may not be an effective
approach to get the point across.
Another principle that is highly impactful in Christian ministry is the use of verbal and
nonverbal communication. When I think of nonverbal communication being 60% of all that is
communicated, I re-evaluate my perspective on small things that really are grand. For example,
body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and personal space are all apart of nonverbal
communication that are intertwines with verbal communication. Sometimes, I find that this part
is hard in application because it requires a high level of CQ knowledge of another’s culture
preferences, but it also requires effort on the part of the minster. In regards to Christian ministry,
respecting opposite-sex personal space when warranted is important. I recently had an
experience with a Chinese man who preferred a hug from a distance, which I respected and
understood the importance for personal space with his cultural preferences. Now, on the other
hand, I have a spiritual father who embraces his spiritual children with hugs that express his love
and protection. I have embraced both, but, knowing that some people behave not only on cultural
preferences but also trauma from the past. The author states that “intercultural communication
involves the simultaneous encoding and decoding of verbal and non- verbal messages in the
exchange process” (Chung and Stell Ting-Toomey 2012). I believe this process is ongoing and
there is always room for growth. No two situations are alike nor always going to be perfect, but
the key is effort. Another form of nonverbal communication is the use of dress. In the past, I
chose to dress casually when attending church not realizing that it was a reflection of my own
attitude towards the occasion. Now, I am not saying that dressing up is always necessary,
however, it does communicate to others and to God how you love yourself, others, and the house
of God. Since I am traveling and ministering in other churches now, I am intentional with my
6
choice of clothing to communicate a message of love, respect, and honor to God, myself, and to
the church. Women in the bible are admonished to dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9). I do not want
to hinder any indivudal from receiving the message of the Lord and believe that nonverbal
communication works in conjunction with verbal communication.
Equally important and one concept from the text applicable to Chrsitian ministry is being
intentional to remove biases when interacting with cultures that are different from our own. In
contrast, we should strive to understand, assimilate, and find common ground among those from
different cultural backgrounds. This requires one coming outside of their comfort zone,
recognizing their own biases about a subculture, and being intentional to change mindsets that
are not helpful for the edification, comfort, and encouragement of others (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
As per Chung and Stell Ting-Toomey 2012, “ask anyone: “Have you ever been mistreated or
stereotyped by others?” and the answer would be “Yes!” However, if we ask the same person
whether they are prejudiced or carry prejudicial feelings, we may get a resounding “No!” I find
this interesting that we all have stereotyped in one way or another. I can remember the times I
have stereotyped against pastors for operating in ministry a certain way and judging their
personality, not realizing that I was doing this from my own belief that people should operate in
transparency the way I did. It was interesting to see how my biases came out in ministry and
finally chose to address this issue head on so that I could interact with others more effectively,
but most importantly love them even if we looked different or sounded different. There is a unity
that takes place when we choose to accept one another’s differences including intercultural
differences and personalities for ministry use. I believe this action is only impactful when done
so genuinely and not forcefully. The word of God says “out of the overflow of the heart, the
mouth speaks” (Matthew 15:18). Therefore, we should remove prejudices and biases from heart
7
and fill it with the love of God knowing that he has created diverse cultures, personalities, and
types of ministrty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the text is insightful for intercultural communication and ministry. Just as
when you read the word of God, one must be a doer of the word and not a hearer only, I belive
this book has the power to increase one’s CQ knowledge and toolbox when communicating and
interacting with others. To recap, important takeaways include practicing verbal and nonverbal
communication, recognizing and removing biases from our belief system when interacting with
individuals from different cultures, and begin intentional to resovle conflict and deliver our
messages in love and in the manner in which cultural values are practiced. I am able to apply
these principles currently to ministry and I am grateful for the knowledge provided within the
text to do so.
8
Bibliography
Ting-Toomey, Stella, and Leeva C Chung. 2012. Understanding Intercultural Communication.
2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
