Language and communication

Question 1

Name the features which make up language.

Answer 1

1. lexicon
2. syntax and grammar
3. phonology
4. semantics
5. pragmatics

Question 2

Explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.

Answer 2

According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, people with different native language think differently because of differences in language.
This view is challenged by Breugelmans and Poortinga who showed that the Raramundi can recognize a concept their language doesn’t have a word for.

Question 3

What features of communication are important for intercultural competence?

Answer 3

1. messages.
2. encoding.
3. signals.
4. channels.
5. decoding.

Question 4

What are the obstacles to intercultural communication?

Answer 4

1. assumption of similarities. 2. language differences. 3. non-verbal misinterpretation. 4. stereotypes. 5. different evaluations. 6. stress/anxiety. 7. uncertainty /ambiguity.

Question 5

Explain cultural intelligence CQ.

Answer 5

Cultural intelligence refers to intercultural effectiveness. It includes cultural judgement and decision making, cultural adaption and task performance in culturally diverse settings.

Question 6

Name the tools used in intercultural competence assessment.

Answer 6

Intercultural adjustment potential scale ICAPS, multicultural personality questionnaire MPQ and CQ.