test 1 review Flashcards
What is Spencer-Oatleys definition of culture?
Culture refers to the collective knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, customs, and social norms that characterize a particular group of people.
Spencer-Oatey emphasizes that culture is shared, learned, and dynamic.
What are the key characteristics of culture?
It includes values, beliefs, communication styles, practices, and behaviors.
Culture is acquired through socialization and manifests in both visible (language, clothing) and invisible aspects (beliefs, values).
What are inadequate conceptions of culture?
Misconceptions include viewing culture as solely a national characteristic or assuming it is fixed and unchanging. Culture is more complex, involving multiple layers (individual, group, national) and is constantly evolving.
What are levels of analysis, and fallacies to avoid according to Spencer-Oatley?
Understanding culture requires examining different levels (individual, societal) and avoiding fallacies such as stereotyping or overgeneralizing cultural behaviors.
What are related terms to culture, as described by Spencer-Oatey?
Spencer-Oatey differentiates between culture and related concepts such as identity, norms, and values, emphasizing that culture shapes but does not strictly define individuals.
What revolutions of language does Edward T. Hall discuss in Power of Hidden Differences?
Hall discusses how language and communication evolve across cultures, including both verbal and non-verbal forms. The “hidden” aspects of language involve non-verbal cues that are not immediately apparent but are critical in communication.
What is chronemics?
The study of how cultures perceive and use time.
Some cultures (e.g., Canada, the USA) follow monochronic time (linear, structured), valuing punctuality and schedules.
In contrast, other cultures (e.g., Portugal) operate on polychronic time (flexible, adaptable), where relationships and interactions are prioritized over strict time management.
What is proxemics?
The use and perception of personal space in communication.
Northern European and North American cultures tend to maintain a larger “personal bubble,” while
Southern European, South American, and African cultures may prefer closer proximity.
What is context (high v low)?
Hall distinguishes between high-context and low-context cultures.
In high-context cultures (e.g., Japan, China), communication relies heavily on context, non-verbal cues, and implicit understanding.
In low-context cultures (e.g., USA, Germany), communication is direct, with most information explicitly stated in words.
What are manifest vs tacit-acquired cultures, as defined by Hall?
Manifest cultures involve learned, conscious behaviors and norms, while tacit-acquired cultures encompass unconscious, deeply ingrained habits that individuals may not be aware of but still practice.
What is intercultural training, as defined by Pusch?
The process of educating individuals to understand, respect, and adapt to cultural differences, fostering effective communication across cultures.
What was the Marshall Plan?
Implications of the Marshall Plan: Post-World War II, the Marshall Plan saw American officials working in Europe, highlighting the need for intercultural communication as they struggled to connect with local communities.
Describe the evolution of types of training in intercultural training.
Early intercultural training started at the Foreign Service Institute in America, directed by Edward T. Hall.
It evolved from lecture-based methods to practical, experiential learning, role-playing, and exercises like contrast-culture training and cultural assimilators.
What is barnga?
An intercultural training game where participants experience communication challenges by engaging in activities that simulate cultural misunderstandings, fostering awareness and adaptation skills.
What are the three types of mental programming, as stated by Hofstede?
Three Types of Mental Programming:
Universal: Common human nature shared by all humans.
Collective: Cultural aspects shared within a group or society.
Individual: Unique characteristics distinguishing one person from another.
