Ch 4- Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to Others

SPCH 153

Diversity is a Value

It is inevitable.

Differences are valuable and productive.

Core of the “American way”

Describing Differences

Sex and Gender Sexual orientation Race and ethnicity Age Social class Religion and values Political orientation

Geographic location Language spoken Education Generation Family background Personal tastes Any other self

identifying characteristic

Changing Face of the Nation.

439 million people by 2050 Minorities will be majority by 2042 African-American and Asian populations will

increase 60% Hispanic population will triple. By 2023- More than half of children born will

be of a minority Working age will be majority minority 65 and older be 20%

Understanding Culture

Culture- Learned system of knowledge, behavior, attitudes, beliefs, values, and norms shared by a group of people.

Influences world view. Divides into many subcultures. Cultural relativity Six dimensions.

Six Dimensions of Culture

Individualism vs. Collectivism High vs. Low Context Masculine vs. Feminine Culture High and Low Intolerance of

Uncertainty Centralize and Decentralized Power Long and Short Term Time

Barriers to Intercultural Communication

Ethnocentrism Different communication codes. Stereotyping and prejudice Assuming similarities Assuming differences

Improving Intercultural Communication Competence

Develop knowledge. Develop motivated. Develop skill. Become other oriented. Adapt communication.