Culture in Communication

1. What is the difference between high-power distance cultures and low-power distance cultures?

In high power culture, power is only given to the social elitists of a certain society.  In a low power culture, the power is evenly distributed between all citizens.                     

                       

2. What is the difference between masculine and feminine culture?

A masculine society is highly aggressive, and value material success and strength.  Feminine cultures highly value modesty, relationships and the quality of life.                 

                       

                       

3. Give 3 examples of stereotypes that you see on an everyday basis.

                       

a)      Women vs. men—the battle of the sexes.

                       

b)      People with blond hair are automatically more stupid. “Dumb blonde jokes”

                       

c)      racial profiling-stereotypes based of the color of your skin

                       

                       

4. Name 5 reasons for the current cultural emphasis in communication today.

                       

a)      Demographic changes

                       

b)      Increased awareness of cultural differences

                       

c)      Increased economic independence

                       

d)     Advances in communication and technology

                       

e)      Different cultures have different communication competence.

 

                       

5. Give an example of a high-context situation.

“Where is the bathroom?”  “It’s in the back of the store”(not specifically stated)               

                       

6. Name ten high ambiguity tolerant cultures (countries).


The United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Mexico, the Philippines, Guatemala, Venezuela, the Arab region, Panama

                       

                        
Creative Critical Thinking

1. Give an example of interpersonal communication.

“Hi, what do you think of that restaurant?” “It was very good! I would highly recommend it.”                

 

2. What is the difference between a high-context and a low-context culture?

High context culture is when the information of is in context.  In low context, most of the information is explicitly stated.( specifically stated)            

 

3. Name 5 of the ten high ambiguity tolerant cultures. (5 points)

Singapore, Ireland, Great Britain, the US, and Sweden                   

4. Give an example of a low-context situation.

“Where is the bathroom?”  “Take a left at the first isle, and take a right at the chips display.”                    

 

5. Define Face Saving.

A frequent source of intercultural misunderstanding that can be traced to the distinction between high and low context cultures.              

 

6. What is the importance of Culture in communication today?

Culture is very important in how we communicate because of increased awareness of cultural differences, economic independence, advances in technology, and demographic changes.                     

 

7. What is the difference between sex and gender?

Sex is the biological difference between the male and female.  It is found in genes.  Gender refers to one’s identity and who they consider themselves as.  It is more of a psychological issue.

                       

 

8. Give an example of a feminine culture.


Two people compromise on a school project.

                       

                        
The Self in Culture


1) Initial Response: How do you define your Self-Concept and Self-Awareness within your culture? Are you 'Ethnocentric'? What is your emotional response to outside cultures?

                       

My self-concept is knowing who I am and why I am here on earth.  My self-awareness is being aware of my surroundings.  I would say I am a little ethnocentric because I think that everyone believes that their culture is more superior than others.  However, I am also open to learning about different cultures and I always enjoy learning about new things.

 

2) Follow-up Feedback: Encouragement is am important part of discussion enhancement. Why did you choose to encourage the response of your chosen classmate? What is it about their response that made you choose them for your follow-up?