GPCOM NOTES

Lesson 3 and Lesson 4

Local and Global Communication in Multicultural

Settings
Definition

Local (Noun)
Merriam Webster
- a local person or thing
Cambridge
-  Person who lives in the particular small area

Global (adjective)
Merriam Webster
- relating to, or involving the entire world
Cambridge
- relating to the whole world

Multicultural (adjective)
Merriam Webster
- relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures

Multicultural (adjective)
Cambridge

Relating to a number of different cultures, esp. to the traditions of people of

different religions and races.

Intercultural Communication

Forms of Intercultural Communication (Jandt,1998)

1. Interracial Communication
 Interracial communication is a genre of communication study
that embraces the interactions between people representing
different historical races. As such it encompasses the encounters
between people in a practical sense—the ordinary engagement
of human beings from various racial, cultural, linguistic, and
ethnic backgrounds with each other in the quite human activity
of social interaction
 Interethnic Communication
 The concept of ethnic origin is an attempt to classify people, not
according to their current nationality, but according to
commonalities in their social background.

2. International Communication
 (Also referred to as the study of global communication or transnational
communication) is the communication practice that occurs across
international borders.
 The need for international communication was due to the increasing
effects and influences of globalization. As a field of study, international
communication is a branch of communication studies, concerned with
the scope of "government-to-government", "business-to-business", and
"people-to-people" interactions at a global level.

3. Intracultural Communication
 Is a meaningful exchange between members of the same social
group or of groups with similar cultural properties.
 Culture and communication are closely related. The more people
share in common, the easier their connections. Discomfort and
unease in interpersonal or inter‐ and intra‐group relationships
result from sociocultural differences.
 That is, we are naturally more comfortable dealing with people
who are similar to ourselves and more anxious when dealing with
people who are different. Communicating cross‐culturally
requires self/other awareness, empathy skills, and adaptability.

Communication styles among cultures;

High – context communication is a tradition – linked communication

system which adheres to being indirect.
 High-context cultures are those in which the rules of
communication are primarily transmitted through the use of
contextual elements (i.e., body language, a person's status, and
tone of voice) and are not explicitly stated.
 Asian, African, Arab, central European and Latin American
cultures are generally considered to be high-context cultures.

Low – context communication is a system that works on

straightforward communication.
 A low-context culture relies on explicit communication. In low-
context communication, more of the information in a message is
spelled out and defined. Cultures with western European roots,
 such as the United States and Australia, are generally considered
to be low-context cultures.
High Context
--- Association
Relationships build slowly and
depend on trust. Productivity
depends on relationships and the
group process. An individual’s
identity is rooted in groups (family,
culture, work). Social structure and
authority are centralized.
---- Interaction
Nonverbal elements such as voice
tone, gestures, facial expression and
eye movement are significant. Verbal
messages are indirect, and
communication is seen as an art form
or way of engaging someone.
---- Territoriality
Space is communal. People stand
close to each other and share the
same space.
----- Temporality
Everything has its own time, and
time is not easily scheduled. Change
is slow, and time is a process that
belongs to others and nature.
---- Learning
Multiple sources of information are
used. Thinking proceeds from general
to specific. Learning occurs by
observing others as they model or
demonstrate and then practicing.
Groups are preferred, and accuracy is
valued.
Improving Intercultural Communication Competence
Low Context
Relationships begin and end quickly.
Productivity depends on procedures
and paying attention to the goal. The
identity of individuals is rooted in
themselves and their
accomplishments. Social structure is
decentralized.
---- Interaction
Nonverbal elements are not
significant. Verbal messages are
explicit, and communication is seen
as a way of exchanging information,
ideas and opinions.
---- Territoriality
Space is compartmentalized. Privacy
is important, so people stand farther
apart.
----- Temporality
Events and tasks are scheduled and
to be done at particular times.
Change is fast, and time is a
commodity to be spent or saved.
One’s time is one’s own.
---- Learning
One source of information is used.
Thinking proceeds from specific to
general. Learning occurs by following
the explicit directions and
explanations of others. Individual
orientation is preferred, and speed is
valued.
 Recognize the validity and differences of communication styles among
people.
Learn to eliminate person biases and prejudices.
Strive to acquire communication skills necessary in a multicultural
world.

Lesson 4: Varieties and Registers of Spoken and

Written Language.

**** Please refer to your book ****