2: Culture and Communication

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When you think of intercultural communication, perhaps you don’t think about the next-door neighbor who just moved in from another state or the person who works as a firefighter when you work in retail. But, these are just a few of the people that you communicate with interculturally. Examining cultural differences can help us understand others and expand our communication horizons.

In this chapter, we will look at the impact of culture on behavior (2.1), cultural differences (2.2), barriers to intercultural communication (2.3), and ways to become competent intercultural communicators (2.4). Section 2.5 presents an intercultural communication activity.

2.1: The Impact of Culture on Behavior
Some of the most significant aspects of identity and behavior are shaped by our culture. Learning about the cultural impact on communication can lead to an appreciation of the diversity of our society and provide tools to improve understanding and cooperation.
2.2: Understanding Cultural Differences
Hofstede and Hall have studied how values and behavior are influenced by our culture. Dr. Charles Tidwell provides insight about cultural differences in nonverbal communication
2.3: Barriers to Intercultural Communication
To understand how to communicate more effectively in intercultural situations, we need to understand some of the barriers that may stand in the way.
2.4: Cultural Communication Competence
Hofstede, Hall, and Tidwell's insights are particularly helpful in understanding broad cultural differences. However, we are also engaged in intercultural communication when we are communicating with people of different races, ages, and genders than our own. In this section, we will share thought on co-cultural communication and explain the meaning of intercultural communication competence.
2.5: Intercultural Communication Activity and Review