Interpersonal Communication

Competence in Culturally Rich Environments

Darlene K. Drummond, PhD.

FACT: THE U.S. IS CULTURALLY DIVERSE

GlobalizationCultureCo-CulturesIntercultural CommunicationCulture ShockWorldview

FIVEBARRIERS TO BRIDING DIFFERENCES

1. ASSUMING SUPERIORITY

ETHNOCENTRISM

The tendency to evaluate the values and beliefs of our own culture more positively than those of another culture.

2. ASSUMING SIMILARITY

3. ASSUMING DIFFERENCES

4. STEREOTYPING and PREJUDICESTEREOTYPE

To place someone in an inflexible, all-encompassing category.

PREJUDICE

A judgment based on the assumption that you already know all of the information you need to know about a person.

5. DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION CODES

STRATEGIES FOR CONNECTING WITH OTHERS

1. DEVELOP KNOWLEDGE(Seek, Ask & Listen)

2. DEVELOP MOTIVATION (Tolerate Ambiguity & Be Mindful)

3. DEVELOP SKILL(Become Other-Oriented & Adapt)

What should you do when communicating electronically?

1.Describe Your Emotional Responses in Writing

2.Ask More Questions to Clarify Meanings

3.Paraphrase More to Confirm Your Understanding

4.Be Patient!

** Relationships may take longer to develop because of diminished nonverbal cues.

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2009).Communication Principles for a Lifetime.Boston: Pearson Education.

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