An Overview of CultureDr. Lora Helvie-Mason – COMS

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Culture

Think about it…

Why do we consider “cultural

norms” an important

concept when discussing

acculturation?

Cultural identity• The identification with and perceived

acceptance within a group that has a shared systems of symbols and meanings as well as norms for conduct.

Consider also:• Cultures within cultures• Superstitions (practices believed to

influence the course of events)

Cultures within Cultures

Subcultures

~

typically a

large number

of people.

Often

represents the

accumulation

of generations

of human

striving.

Consider

economic

status, race,

etc.

Ethnicity

~

A group of people of the same descent and heritage. They share a distinctive

culture that is passed down through

generations.

Co-Culture

~

Culture is not

defined as

superior and

subordinate.

No culture is

superior to

another.

Sub-Group

~

Membership groups that exist within a dominant culture (and depends on that culture).

Considering Race Race – a large body of people

characterized by similarity of descent.

Distinctions between and among terms have been made throughouthistory and continue to change• Chinese were considered of

color, Japanese were not, and Vietnamese were white.

Think about it…

People may be of the SAME race, but of different

cultures.

Example: Australians and South Africans

Culture Shock An individual’s first likely response when

entering a host culture as a sojourner or immigrant.

Five stages of culture shock:1. Adaptation (new and exciting – “honeymoon”)2. Acculturation (hostility toward differences)3. Assimilation (increased ability to function in new

culture)4. Adjustment (identifying the good/bad elements of

current and former culture5. Integration (“biculturalism” – coping, with

comfort, in current and former cultures)Length of time varies for each stage.

Impact of Culture Shock “Reverse” culture shock Symptoms of culture shock

• Overemphasis on health, safety, cleanliness• Depression• Fatigue• Stress Think about it…

Why would such symptoms exist? Would

they be more or less common in various

stages of culture shock?

Barriers to Intercultural Communication

ANXIETY

STEREOTYPES & PREJUDICE

ASSUMING SIMILARITY INSTEAD OF DIFFERENCE

NONVERBAL MIS-

INTERPRETATIONS

ETHNOCENTRISM

LANGUAGE

Ethnocentrism Negatively judging aspects of

another culture by the standards of one’s own culture. (My way is right…everyone else is wrong).

Can lead to rejection of knowledge and loss of interpersonal relationships.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT)

Upon interacting with a person, our chief communication goal is to reduce our uncertainty about that person.

Increased anxiety means decreased interactions Think about it…

What role does URT play in an intercultural

communication course? In study abroad?