Running Head: Historical Examination of Intercultural Communication 1

Matt Haake

Historical Examination of Intercultural Communication

October 30, 2017

Ottawa University
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1. Why would it be important to examine the role of history in Intercultural

Communication?

It is extremely important to examine the role of history in intercultural communication

because people act with certain motives depending on their history. What I mean by this is that

when talking to someone who was born or raised in a different culture than you may have

experienced something extremely different from you in terms of history. Different forms of

communication are dependent on the relationship with each individual, therefore in order to

communicate efficiently knowing the history of each person is pertinent to intercultural

communication.

I compare a lot of my examples to real people in real situations because thats how these

concepts are to be used. Examining the role of history in intercultural communication would be

useful when two people from completely opposite backgrounds are trying to communicate. For

example, someone from the United States greets someone differently than someone from China

would. These also are important to know because it sets the tone for the entire conversation.

2. What are hidden histories and how might hidden histories affect intercultural

interactions?

Hidden histories are the histories that are hidden from or forgotten by the mainstream

representations of past events. Speaking out is an important step in the construction of

personal and cultural identities. Telling everyones personal narratives offers us an entry into

history therefore we are able to come to terms with the events of what has happened in

history.

Hidden histories help us understand the identity of the individual or group, which is how

it affects intercultural interactions. For example, the movie Twilight is filled with history
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between werewolves and vampires. The two groups do not like each other and there is a rich

hidden history of why the two are not getting along.

3. Compare and contrast family histories with national histories.

Family histories determines your culture, your language, what foods you eat, what

holidays you celebrate. Family history influences the way you think and your outlook on life.

Although they are not normally written down, they are passed along through oral

conversation from one generation to the next.

National histories are typically events and figures that are important to the people of the

nation or development of the area. For example, the history of the US begins with the

founding fathers and their contributions to the rules and laws we live by every day. National

history gives us a shared notion of who we are and solidifies our sense of nationhood

(Martin 69). Another concept or aspiration of national history that is similar to family pride is

patriotism, which brings people together to symbolize a greater good of involvement.

4. How is the history of the LGBT community relevant to intercultural communication?

Its not. The world has been conformed to think that just because you claim yourself as

special or different then you should be treated with caution Im here to tell you thats not

true. The LGBT community has been relentless in ensuring they arent deprived of the

same freedoms that any other person is. The difference is that now the freedoms are equal

there are still people outraged with thinking they need to rub it in everyone elses face.

For example, public display of affection is a heavy topic when talking about LGBT

because although there is a right to do that, many see it as socially unacceptable.

However, the truth is any PDA is viewed as unpleasing to the eye from a social
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standpoint. The LGBT community has had an impact on intercultural communication by

changing the status quo.

5. How can we negotiate histories in interactions?

Intercultural interactions help us learn about and respect the cultural identity of another

person (Perspectives). Narratives of how our history is recorded adds multiple aspects to how

we interpret, record, and react to certain claims. In order to negotiate histories in interactions

you must balance the past, present and future to understand how to learn.

Since history is beyond explaining how relevant as a part of who we are, we are

extremely unique. Thus, negotiating histories in interactions, we must dig deep through our

culture, gender, ethnicity, and nearly everything we involve ourselves in.

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Works Cited

LGBT Rights. (n.d.) Retrieved November 5, 2017, form https://www.hrw.org/topic/lgbt-rights

Martin, J., & Nakayama, T. (n.d.) Experiencing Intercultural Communication an Introduction

(6th ed.). Retrieved November 5, 2017, from

http://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/1260325334/cfi/6/2!/4/2/2/@0.00:0.00

Perspectives. (2012, May 18). Retrieved November 5, 2017, from

http://reginatekulve.blogspot.com/2012/05/historys-role-in-intercultural.html