COMM 10 > MODULE 6 > Flashcards

MODULE 6 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is verbal communication?

A

Verbal communication is the reception, storage, retrieval, manipulation, and generation of linguistic symbols.

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2
Q

What causes communicative misunderstandings in verbal communication?

A

Misunderstandings occur when the listener interprets a message differently from what the speaker intended.

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3
Q

According to Hua (2014) what are two main factors causing misunderstanding in verbal communication?

A
  1. Inadequate linguistic proficiency 2. Pragmatic mismatch, which results in pragmatic failure.
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4
Q

What does linguistic proficiency refer to in communication?

A

Linguistic proficiency issues involve problems in understanding vocabulary, mishearing, or difficulties with syntax and grammar.

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5
Q

What is pragmatic mismatch in communication?

A

Pragmatic mismatch occurs when there is a difference between what is said (literal meaning), how it is said (intent), and the effect it has on the listener.

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6
Q

What are the three levels of speech act meaning?

A
  1. Locutionary act – the actual words said 2. Illocutionary act – the speaker’s intent 3. Perlocutionary act – the listener’s response or effect of the speech.
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7
Q

Can you give an example of a pragmatic mismatch?

A

Someone says ‘It’s warm in here,’ intending to hint at tension. The listener interprets it literally and opens a window, missing the speaker’s intended meaning.

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8
Q

What is pragmalinguistic failure?

A

A pragmalinguistic failure happens when a second language speaker’s utterance does not match the native speaker’s meaning of it.

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9
Q

What is sociopragmatic failure?

A

Sociopragmatic failure occurs when hidden rules about politeness, social distance, directness, or sincerity are not followed due to incomplete understanding.

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10
Q

According to Hua, when does pragmatic failure occur?

A

Pragmatic failure occurs when there is a mismatch in cultural schemas, stereotypes, or in the contextualization and framing of meaning between communicators.

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11
Q

What do Baldwin et al. (2014) say causes misunderstandings in intercultural communication?

A

Misunderstandings arise from differences in systems of meanings governed by semantics and pragmatics.

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12
Q

What is semantics in language studies?

A

Semantics studies the meanings of words, including the rules governing speech acts.

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13
Q

How do differences in semantics and pragmatics affect communication?

A

They result in different communication styles and can cause misunderstandings in intercultural communication.

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14
Q

Summarize verbal communication challenges in intercultural contexts.

A

Verbal communication misunderstandings arise from linguistic problems, pragmatic mismatches, cultural differences, and differences in semantic and pragmatic meaning systems.

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15
Q

What characterizes low-context verbal communication?

A

Low-context communication uses explicit verbal codes. Speakers express themselves in direct, detailed, and clear language without assuming prior knowledge of the audience.

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16
Q

What characterizes high-context verbal communication?

A

High-context communication uses implicit verbal codes. People talk less and meanings are often between the lines. Direct speech may be considered inappropriate or offensive.

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17
Q

What is the difference between direct and indirect communication styles?

A

Direct communication expresses true intentions and ideas openly. Indirect communication uses restraint, figurative speech, and layered statements to soften the message.

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18
Q

Give an example of a direct communication style.

A

The dugri speech of Israeli Jews, which goes straight to the point, is pragmatic, assertive, and ensures clarity.

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19
Q

Give an example of an indirect communication style.

A

The Arab musayra style accommodates the conversational partner, fosters harmony, and is non-confrontational, courteous, and based on collectivist ideals of honor and hospitality.

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20
Q

What is a self-enhancing verbal communication style?

A

A self-enhancing style is assertive and openly states one’s abilities and accomplishments.

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21
Q

What is a self-effacing verbal communication style?

A

A self-effacing style shows verbal restraint, modesty, and hesitation when talking about personal achievements.

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22
Q

What is an elaborate verbal communication style?

A

Elaborate verbal communication uses expressive and animated language to convey messages.

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23
Q

What is an understated verbal communication style?

A

Understated verbal communication relies on silence and minimal expression to convey messages.

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24
Q

Why is understanding different speech codes important in intercultural communication?

A

Acknowledging that speech codes are culturally distinctive helps interpret verbal communication accurately, considering the psychological and sociological uniqueness of each culture.

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25
What is nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication includes all actions during communication that do not use words, such as facial expressions, eye gaze, posture, use of space, and tone of voice.
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Why is nonverbal communication important in intercultural interactions?
Nonverbal communication conveys messages beyond words, provides cues about emotions and intentions, and is crucial to understanding the full meaning in intercultural contexts.
27
What are the five basic functions of nonverbal communication?
1. Express internal states (emotions, attitudes) 2. Construct identities (appearance, comportment, clothing) 3. Regulate interaction (e.g., nodding) 4. Repeat the message (gestures for emphasis) 5. Substitute for words (pointing, silence)
28
Are nonverbal behaviors universal or culturally conditioned?
While some facial expressions (happiness, sadness, anger, grief) are universal, culture significantly influences nonverbal behavior by setting norms and expectations for what is appropriate.
29
What are cultural displays in nonverbal communication?
Cultural displays are culturally specific nonverbal behaviors shaped by rules learned from childhood about how to express and manage emotions in different situations.
30
Can nonverbal communication be intentional and unintentional?
Yes. It can be intentional, serving as a substitute for verbal messages, or unintentional, conveying impressions and motivations beyond what is explicitly said.
31
Why did Edward T. Hall call nonverbal behavior the 'hidden dimension' of communication?
Because nonverbal cues carry meaning that is not explicitly stated, and missing these nuances can result in losing significant parts of the message.
32
Why is nonverbal communication challenging to decode?
Nonverbal behavior is ambiguous, context-dependent, shaped by multiple factors (culture, age, gender, education, personal preferences), and includes both universal and culturally distinctive expressions.
33
What risks occur if nonverbal behaviors are assessed without considering culture?
Misinterpreting nonverbal actions can lead to stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and miscommunication in intercultural interactions.
34
How do nonverbal codes help in intercultural communication?
Nonverbal codes highlight similarities and differences in behavior, allowing adjustment of actions to foster positive relationships and better understanding across cultures.
35
What are the nine main nonverbal codes?
Appearance, proxemics (use of space), chronemics (use of time), gestures, haptics (touch), oculesics (eye behavior), vocalics (tone and voice), olfactics (smell), and silence.
36
What does the nonverbal code 'Appearance' refer to?
Appearance refers to physical looks, including age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, education, economic status, lifestyle, and attitude. It can influence how people judge and act toward others.
37
What are universal elements of appearance?
Across cultures, appearance is used to judge beauty, and cultures may decorate the body with adornments such as tattoos.
38
What is proxemics in nonverbal communication?
Proxemics refers to the use of interpersonal space and distance in communication, signaling familiarity, strangeness, openness, collaboration, or aggression.
39
How does culture influence proxemics?
Cultures differ in personal space, territory, and meanings assigned to proxemic behavior. Space use is relational, contextual, and negotiated.
40
What is chronemics?
Chronemics is the study of meanings and communication of time, including punctuality, pace, and cultural concepts of time.
41
What are the two main cultural concepts of time?
Monochronic (M-time): linear, sequential, time is scarce and structured. Polychronic (P-time): flexible, leisurely pace, multitasking and relational focus.
42
What is kinesics?
Kinesics includes posture, gestures, and facial expressions, which differ across cultures and convey meaning.
43
What are gestures in kinesics?
Gestures are hand movements used to signal speech and convey verbal meanings, varying in meaning, extensiveness, and intensity by culture.
44
What are the three types of facial face in kinesics?
1. Assigned face – social identity 2. Regulated face – controlled expressions 3. Reflexive face – natural or spontaneous expressions
45
What are the six ways facial expressions can be managed?
1. Outright expressing 2. Amplifying 3. Demulsifying (minimizing) 4. Masking 5. Combining expressions 6. Neutralizing
46
What is haptics in nonverbal communication?
Haptics refers to tactile communication or touch, which varies in type, amount, location, and social context, conveying emotions like anger, love, or gratitude.
47
Give examples of culturally specific haptic behaviors.
French: la bise (cheek peck), Philippines: beso. Touches in the workplace are usually professional. Violating touch norms can cause social faux pas.
48
What is oculesics?
Oculesics is the study of messages sent by the eyes, including eye contact, blinks, movements, and pupil dilation.
49
How does culture influence eye contact?
Some cultures value direct eye contact (e.g., Americans), while others see it as aggressive or inappropriate (e.g., Arab countries for women).
50
What is vocalics or paralanguage?
Vocalics refers to nonverbal elements of the voice, including vocal qualities, characterizers, and vocal segregates, which convey emotions, agreement, disbelief, or interest.
51
What are examples of vocal qualities?
Volume, rate, pitch, tempo, resonance, pronunciation, and tone.
52
What are examples of vocal characterizers?
Laughing, crying, moaning, whining, yawning.
53
What are examples of vocal segregates?
Mono- or poly-syllabic sounds like 'uh-huh', 'ssh', 'um', 'hmmm' that convey emotions or agreement.
54
What is olfactics in nonverbal communication?
Olfactics is the study of communication via smell, influenced by culture through diet, rituals, geography, and use of perfumes.
55
What role does silence play in communication?
Silence is culturally determined, communicates awkwardness, regulates social distance, impression-formation, social control, and negotiation of roles and power.
56
Why is understanding verbal and nonverbal communication codes important in intercultural communication?
They help individuals recognize cultural diversity, guide actions, and promote intercultural understanding.
57
Should culture be seen as a monolithic concept?
No. Culture is not monolithic; there are variations and co-cultures within nations, and communication behaviors differ among ethnolinguistic groups.
58
What should analysis of intercultural communication be sensitive to?
It should consider both inter-cultural (between cultures) and intra-cultural (within a culture) nuances to accurately interpret communication behaviors.
59
What are some major issues in intercultural communication beyond misunderstandings?
Anxiety, ethnocentrism, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, which can negatively impact relationships and cause intercultural conflicts.
60
What is anxiety in intercultural communication?
A state of worry, fear, or insecurity when interacting with people from a different culture, often leading to overthinking and awkward behavior.
61
How does assuming similarity between cultures cause problems?
Assuming similarity can lead to ignoring important cultural differences and imposing one’s own cultural norms on others, preventing meaningful intercultural relationships.
62
What is ethnocentrism?
Judging another culture by the standards of one’s own culture and believing in the superiority of one’s own culture.
63
Give an example of ethnocentrism.
Assuming resting under a shade at mid-day is laziness, when in tropical countries it is a sensible way to avoid heat.
64
What are stereotypes?
Widely held beliefs about a group of people that generalize attributes, often ignoring individual nuances.
65
What is prejudice?
A negative attitude toward a cultural group based on little or no experience, arising from stereotypes.
66
What is discrimination in intercultural communication?
Behavior resulting from prejudice or stereotyping that excludes, avoids, or distances oneself from other cultural groups, often linked to power.
67
What is Gudykunst’s Anxiety-Uncertainty Management Theory (AUMT)?
A theory suggesting that intercultural communication challenges arise from the degree of strangeness between communicators, which can be managed by mindfulness.
68
What does mindfulness in intercultural communication involve according to AUMT?
Openness to new cultural experiences, awareness of cultural distinctions, sensitivity to context, acceptance of multiple perspectives, and grounding in the present.
69
How should ethnocentrism
stereotyping
70
What is intercultural praxis according to Sorrells (2016)?
A way of life, thought process, analysis, and action that allows individuals to navigate and negotiate complex intercultural paths.
71
What are the six entry points for intercultural praxis according to Sorrells (2016)?
Inquiry, Framing, Positioning, Dialogue, Reflection, and Action.
72
What is inquiry in intercultural praxis?
Inquiry involves taking an interest in and committing to learning about other cultures, motivating engagement with others.
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What is framing in intercultural praxis?
Framing is recognizing that our perspectives are shaped by our personal frames, and educating ourselves about local and global forces influencing intercultural interactions.
74
What is positioning in intercultural praxis?
Positioning acknowledges how geographic, social, and political locations affect access to resources, shaping lived realities and whose voices are dominant or silent.
75
What is dialogue in intercultural praxis?
Dialogue allows us to stretch ourselves to creatively engage with different perspectives, ways of thinking, and beliefs, even without full understanding or agreement.
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What is reflection in intercultural praxis?
Reflection is the capacity for introspection and the ability to modify one’s views and behavior based on that introspection.
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What is action in intercultural praxis?
Action involves taking steps to promote a socially just, equitable, and peaceful world, beyond just modifying thoughts and feelings.
78
What makes intercultural communication unique compared to other types of communication?
It involves interaction between people whose cultural perceptions and symbol systems differ enough to influence the communication event.
79
What are 'contact zones' in intercultural communication?
According to Pratt (1992), contact zones are social spaces where disparate cultures meet, clash, and grapple, often in asymmetrical relationships of dominance and subordination.
80
How can power differences affect intercultural experiences?
Power differences can lead to inclusion or exclusion, and intercultural interactions often involve tension between differences and similarities, strangeness and familiarity, dominance and subordination.
81
What is the main task for actors in intercultural interactions according to Ting-Toomey and Chung (2012)?
Actors must constantly negotiate a common meaning to guide responses and actions across cultural differences.
82
What is the concept of 'third space' or 'third culture' in intercultural communication?
Third space refers to a negotiated space where people from different cultures adjust their cultural identities and co-create shared meanings.
83
Who coined the term 'third space' and what does it mean?
Homi Bhabha (1994) coined 'third space' to describe the 'in-between' space where cultural meanings and identities are negotiated and re-imagined.
84
What skills are needed to create a third space?
Empathy, attentiveness to other perspectives, consideration of others’ need to understand and be understood, and willingness to co-create shared meaning.
85
How does the third space challenge 'othering'?
It shifts focus from 'us versus them' to finding commonality and building shared understanding ('ours').
86
How is third space practically created in intercultural communication?
It is created when people from different cultural backgrounds negotiate meanings together in the same setting.
COMM 10
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