Ch 2: Interpersonal Communication in a Changing World

Question 1

salience (34)

Answer 1

the significance attached to a particular person or phenomenon

Question 2

intercultural communication (33)

Answer 2

communication that occurs when members of two or more cultures or other groups exchange messages (both verbal and nonverbal) in a manner that is influenced by their different cultural perceptions and symbol systems

Question 3

“Rather than classifying some exchanges as intercultural and others as free from cultural influences, it’s more accurate to talk about degrees of cultural significance (Lustig & Koester, 2005). Encounters can fit along a spectrum of ‘interculturalness.’” (33)

Answer 3

ie, international versus national travel

Question 4

low-context culture (36)

Answer 4

a culture that uses language primarily to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas as clearly and logically as possible

Question 5

high-context culture (36)

Answer 5

a culture that relies heavily on verbal and nonverbal cues to maintain social harmony

Question 6

low-context communicators (36)

Answer 6

“To low-context communicators, the meaning of a statement lies in the words spoken”.

Question 7

high-context communicators (36)

Answer 7

“Rather than upsetting others by speaking directly, communicators in these societies learn to discover meaning from the context in which a message is delivered: the nonverbal behaviors of the speaker, the history of the relationship, and the general social rules that govern interaction between people”. (36)

Question 8

high-context cultures

Answer 8

India, China, most Asian and Middle Eastern cultures (“can be offended by the bluntness of low-context communication styles” (37))

Question 9

low-context cultures

Answer 9

Germany, United States, Canada, Northern Europe, Israel (“grow impatient with ‘beating around the bush’” (37))

Question 10

“the value of a single word is less important” in a…

Answer 10

low-context culture

Question 11

nurturing culture (41)

Answer 11

a culture that regards the support of relationships as an especially important goal. Also termed “feminine” culture

Question 12

achievement culture (41)

Answer 12

a culture that places a high value on the achievement of material success and a focus on the task at hand. Also termed “masculine” culture