Developing of Cultural Identity and Perception of Foreign Cultures

Developing of Cultural Identity and Perception of Foreign Cultures PDF Author: Martin Strang
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 363834116X
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 11

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Book Description
Essay from the year 2004 in the subject Communications - Intercultural Communication, grade: High Distinction, Macquarie University (Centre for International Communication), course: Cross Cultural Communication, language: English, abstract: In this critical analysis the question of how people develop their cultural identity and perceive foreign cultures will be answered. This is done through an analysis of the following points: First, different definitions (or attempted definitions) of culture are critically regarded. Then the role of identity in cross-cultural communication is examined, with focus on the creation of cultural identities just as different communication styles related to specific identities. In the third part of this paper the roles of stereotypes in cross-cultural communications are discussed with reference to their functions in society. Finally, the topic of nonverbal communication, especially attempts to describe nonverbal communication of a specific culture, is examined. In the conclusion the results of this paper are discussed and summarised. The essay refers to the movie ‘The Quiet American’– in footnotes – to illustrate theoretical aspects with appropriate examples. Culture is a complex and constantly changing phenomenon, so definitions of culture are quite numerous and differing. Brislin (2000, p. 23) refers to the definition of Triandis, Kurowski, Tecktiel & Chan (1993, p. 219), who see culture constructed out of objective and subjective elements. These elements have been selected because in the past they made survival more probable and allowed the participants to exist in ecological niches; they are shared by people who communicate in the same language and live in the same time-place. Even though this definition is obviously general, it cannot be seen as one accepted by all researchers in cross-cultural communication. Brislin (2000, p. 30) tries to define culture by constructing a checklist consisting of twelve points in order to prove if a specific behaviour or ideal is part of one’s culture or not. This checklist can be seen as a practical tool for people dealing with cross-cultural settings, but it is hardly a theoretical definition. Raymond Williams (1962, cited in Lull, 1995, p. 130) defines culture as “a particular way of life”, which is shared by a community. The definition of Williams emphasises the dynamic character of culture which changes when we (as members of our own culture) change the way we talk, dress or work. At the same time Williams’ definition makes no distinction between “superior” or “inferior” cultures, furthermore everybody has their specific “way of life”.

Developing of Cultural Identity and Perception of Foreign Cultures

Developing of Cultural Identity and Perception of Foreign Cultures PDF Author: Martin Strang
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 363834116X
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 11

Get Book

Book Description
Essay from the year 2004 in the subject Communications - Intercultural Communication, grade: High Distinction, Macquarie University (Centre for International Communication), course: Cross Cultural Communication, language: English, abstract: In this critical analysis the question of how people develop their cultural identity and perceive foreign cultures will be answered. This is done through an analysis of the following points: First, different definitions (or attempted definitions) of culture are critically regarded. Then the role of identity in cross-cultural communication is examined, with focus on the creation of cultural identities just as different communication styles related to specific identities. In the third part of this paper the roles of stereotypes in cross-cultural communications are discussed with reference to their functions in society. Finally, the topic of nonverbal communication, especially attempts to describe nonverbal communication of a specific culture, is examined. In the conclusion the results of this paper are discussed and summarised. The essay refers to the movie ‘The Quiet American’– in footnotes – to illustrate theoretical aspects with appropriate examples. Culture is a complex and constantly changing phenomenon, so definitions of culture are quite numerous and differing. Brislin (2000, p. 23) refers to the definition of Triandis, Kurowski, Tecktiel & Chan (1993, p. 219), who see culture constructed out of objective and subjective elements. These elements have been selected because in the past they made survival more probable and allowed the participants to exist in ecological niches; they are shared by people who communicate in the same language and live in the same time-place. Even though this definition is obviously general, it cannot be seen as one accepted by all researchers in cross-cultural communication. Brislin (2000, p. 30) tries to define culture by constructing a checklist consisting of twelve points in order to prove if a specific behaviour or ideal is part of one’s culture or not. This checklist can be seen as a practical tool for people dealing with cross-cultural settings, but it is hardly a theoretical definition. Raymond Williams (1962, cited in Lull, 1995, p. 130) defines culture as “a particular way of life”, which is shared by a community. The definition of Williams emphasises the dynamic character of culture which changes when we (as members of our own culture) change the way we talk, dress or work. At the same time Williams’ definition makes no distinction between “superior” or “inferior” cultures, furthermore everybody has their specific “way of life”.

Cultural Humility

Cultural Humility PDF Author: Joshua N. Hook
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN: 9781433827778
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book offers a clear, easily adaptable model for understanding and working with cultural differences in therapy.

Culture and Identity in Study Abroad Contexts

Culture and Identity in Study Abroad Contexts PDF Author: Marie-Claire Patron
Publisher: Peter Lang
ISBN: 9783039110827
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Book Description
This book examines the effects of a study abroad experience on students' culture and identity and the impact of these effects on their readjustment to their home culture. It explores issues of culture and identity from the perspective of French students studying in Australia. Issues of perceived cultural proximity between France and Australia, a relative lack of prior knowledge of the host country before the period of study and the impact of distance all influence aspects of these students' experiences. Employing long-term and cross-sectional studies focusing on culture shock, reverse culture shock and cultural identity issues, the author investigates the cyclical journey of French academic sojourners and examines the impact of the acculturation and repatriation processes and the language experiences on their perceptions of cultural identity. Once the students had traversed the difficult stages of culture shock and reached the stage of full recovery (adjustment), they no longer wished to go home. What impact has this process had on the returnees who faced the insularity of their home society once they returned home? Is the French community beginning to acknowledge the start of a brain-drain of the educated French overseas? What are the implications for borderless higher education? What value should be placed on pre-departure preparation from participating institutions and the individuals themselves, both on a linguistic and a psychological level? This book poses questions relating to these issues.

Understanding Culture

Understanding Culture PDF Author: Robert S. Wyer
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 1136642919
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 528

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Book Description
This volume contains contributions from 24 internationally known scholars covering a broad spectrum of interests in cross-cultural theory and research. This breadth is reflected in the diversity of the topics covered in the volume, which include theoretical approaches to cross-cultural research, the dimensions of national cultures and their measurement, ecological and economic foundations of culture, cognitive, perceptual and emotional manifestations of culture, and bicultural and intercultural processes. In addition to the individual chapters, the volume contains a dialog among 14 experts in the field on a number of issues of concern in cross-cultural research, including the relation of psychological studies of culture to national development and national policies, the relationship between macro structures of a society and shared cognitions, the integration of structural and process models into a coherent theory of culture, how personal experiences and cultural traditions give rise to intra-cultural variation, whether culture can be validly measured by self-reports, the new challenges that confront cultural psychology, and whether psychology should strive to eliminate culture as an explanatory variable.

Intercultural Communication Competence

Intercultural Communication Competence PDF Author: Richard L. Wiseman
Publisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN:
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
Bringing together current research, theories and methods from leading scholars in the field, this volume is a state-of-the-art study of intercultural communication competence and effectiveness. In the first part, contributors analyze the conceptual decisions made in intercultural communication competence research by examining decisions regarding conceptualization, operationalization, research design and sampling. The second part presents four different theoretical orientations while illustrating how each person's theoretical bias directs the focus of research. Lastly, both quantitative and qualitative research approaches used in studying intercultural communication competence are examined.

Handbook of Intercultural Communication

Handbook of Intercultural Communication PDF Author: Helga Kotthoff
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
ISBN: 3110198584
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 582

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Book Description
In today’s globalized world of international contact and multicultural interaction, effective intercultural communication is increasingly seen as a pre-requisite for social harmony and organisational success. This handbook takes a ?problem-solving? approach to the various issues that arise in real-life intercultural interaction. The editors have brought together experts from a range of disciplines, including linguistics, psychology and anthropology, to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on the field, whilst simultaneously anchoring it in Applied Linguistics. Key features: provides a state-of-the-art description of different areas in the context of intercultural communication presents a critical appraisal of the relevance of the field offers solutions of everyday language-related problems international handbook with contributions from renown experts in the field

The Cultural Mindset

The Cultural Mindset PDF Author: Afsaneh Nahavandi
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1544381530
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 722

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Book Description
The phenomenon of global organizations reminds us that cross-cultural management is more prevalent than ever. While it may not be possible to develop in-depth knowledge of all cultures, a person can develop a way of thinking where they integrate culture in all of their deliberations, decisions, and behaviors. Such an approach is transformative and involves adopting a cultural mindset, understanding culture’s power as a frame of reference, and developing a new way of thinking. The book The Cultural Mindset is based on Dr. Nahavandi’s years of teaching, researching, and consulting with many businesses on cross-cultural issues. Built around a think-know-do model, the text enables readers to adopt a cultural mindset that will effectively guide their thinking and behavior as future managers. Through case studies and self-assessments, the book allows students to develop a broader view of culture that is beyond learning skills and competencies. Additionally, by focusing on culture in general, the book allows readers to address both national cultural issues, such as how to work in another country or manage a multi-national team, and diversity issues, such as the glass ceiling or discrimination in the workplace. The key underlying theme for both topics is how culture, national or group-related, impacts our perspective – what we value, how we think, how we behave, and how we manage people effectively. Each chapter will include a focus on both informational and transformational learning through: Cases and examples that will question assumptions and emphasize applicability Self-assessments to make the concepts personal and relevant, and encourage self-reflection Examples to help students understand those concepts Specific exercises and/or reflections to help students apply information to their own personal and professional life

Aspects of Culture in Second Language Acquisition and Foreign Language Learning

Aspects of Culture in Second Language Acquisition and Foreign Language Learning PDF Author: Janusz Arabski
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642202012
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 286

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Book Description
In recent years language learning has been increasingly viewed by some SLA researchers as an essentially social-psychological process in which the role of a wider sociocultural context should not be marginalized. This volume offers a valuable contribution to this growing body of research by providing theoretical considerations and empirical research data on themes such as the development of intercultural communicative competence, the role of English as a lingua franca in intercultural communication, and the place of cultural factors in SLA theorizing, research, second/foreign language teaching and teacher training. The volume also contains contributions which share the linguistic interest in the culture-related concepts and constructs such as time, modesty, politeness, and respect, discussing the culture-dependent differences in conceptualization and their reflection in particular language forms and linguistic devices.

To Be a Minority Teacher in a Foreign Culture

To Be a Minority Teacher in a Foreign Culture PDF Author: Mary Gutman
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031255844
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 499

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Book Description
This open access book offers in depth knowledge on the challenges and opportunities offered by the inclusion of minority teachers in mainstream educational settings from an international perspective. It aims to be a unique and important contribution for scholars, policy-makers, and practitioners considering the complexities brought about by global trends into national/local educational systems and settings. It will also serve to guide future research, policy, and practice in this important field of inquiry. The work will contribute answers to questions such as: How do immigrant/minority teachers experience their work in mainstream educational settings?; How do mainstream shareholders experience the inclusion of immigrant/minority teachers in mainstream educational settings?; What is the effect of the successful (and/or unsuccessful) integration of minority teachers and teacher educators into mainstream education settings?.

Mental Health

Mental Health PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : African Americans
Languages : en
Pages : 28

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Book Description