Understanding Intercultural
Communication Second Edition
Chapter 1
Why Study Intercultural Communication?
Stella Ting-Toomey & Leeva C. Chung
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
PowerPoint Slides Designed by Alex Flecky and Noorie Baig
TODAY’S MENU
I.
Practical Reasons to Study Intercultural
Communication (ICC)
II.
What is Culture?
I. Why Study Intercultural
Communication?
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I. Some Practical Reasons to Study ICC
A.
Adjust to Global Workplace
Heterogeneity
B.
Adapt to Domestic Workforce
Diversity
C.
Engage in Creative Multicultural
Problem Solving
D.
Comprehend the Role of Technology
in Global Communication
I. Some Practical Reasons to Study ICC
E. Facilitate Better Multicultural Health
Care Communication
F. Enhance Intercultural Relationship
Satisfaction
G. Foster Global & Intrapersonal Peace
H. Deepen Cultural Self-Awareness and
Other-Awareness
cont’d.
Jeopardy Time !
~ To see some facts related to the historical
landmark of reaching 7 billion people on planet
Earth, click here.
~ To see a video called “Seven Billion: Are You
Typical?” click here.
II. What is Culture?
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II. Culture: A Learned Meaning System
Culture is: a learned meaning system
consists of patterns of …
traditions, beliefs, values,
norms, meanings, and symbols
that are passed on from one generation
to the next & are shared to varying
degrees
• by interacting members of a community.
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Culture is like an Iceberg:
Culture: An Iceberg Metaphor
Surface-level culture: Popular culture
Can you give examples of current U.S. popular culture
icons that are different from the ones listed in the
textbook?
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Culture: An Iceberg Metaphor
Intermediate-level culture: Cultural norms
How would you introduce yourself:
To your professor?
To your romantic partner’s friends?
Deep-level culture: Culturally shared traditions
How would you explain common U.S. traditions to a
visitor from another culture unfamiliar with them?
Parting Thoughts…
Culture is the widening
of the mind and spirit.
~ Jawarhalal Nehru