Application

BRAINSTORMING: Work with a group, exchange ideas, share information and challenge your stock
knowledge. Write examples of the different forms of intercultural communication. Interracial
Communication International Communication Interethnic Communication Intercultural Communication
1. Interracial Communication
Interracial communication occurs between individuals of different racial backgrounds within the same
culture, focusing on the dynamics influenced by race.
Examples:
 Workplace Interaction: A White manager and a Black employee discuss career progression in
an organization. They may discuss their different experiences and perspec Engagement tives on
diversity initiatives.
 Community: A Latino and an Asian community leader collaborate on local environmental
projects, sharing cultural values and historical challenges related to their racial identities.
 Healthcare Setting: A biracial patient speaks with a healthcare provider about experiences with
racial bias in medical settings, affecting how they trust and communicate with practitioners.

2. International Communication
International communication happens across national borders, where people from different countries
interact, often influenced by language, political contexts, and cultural norms.
Examples:
 Business Negotiation: An American company negotiates a contract with a Japanese firm,
adapting communication styles to be respectful of Japan’s indirect approach to conflict and
negotiation.
 Diplomatic Relations: An ambassador from Brazil communicates with the UN delegates to
convey the country's stance on climate policies, adjusting the messaging based on the different
political and cultural sensitivities of member nations.
 Educational Exchange Program: Students from various countries participate in an online
academic program, navigating cultural assumptions about learning, language barriers, and time
zone differences.

3. Interethnic Communication
Interethnic communication involves interactions between individuals of different ethnic groups within the
same national or cultural context. It often focuses on shared heritage, traditions, and mutual influences.
Examples:
  Family Interaction: A Greek-American family welcomes a soon-to-be family member from an
Italian-American background, navigating conversations about different but shared Mediterranean
cultural values around family and food.
 Public Forums: In a diverse city, African-American and Caribbean-American groups hold a
dialogue about shared challenges and differences in how they experience and celebrate cultural
identity.
 Social Organizations: Hispanic and Native American community members work together to
advocate for more representation in local government, bringing their respective cultural
perspectives to highlight their common goals and unique needs.

4. Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication is a broader term that encompasses all interactions where cultural
backgrounds are distinct, including race, nationality, language, and ethnicity.
Examples:
 Customer Service: A call center employee in India helps an elderly American customer with
technical issues, using polite, culturally adapted phrases to bridge language and age differences.
 Hospitality Industry: A hotel in Dubai hosts guests from many cultures, with staff trained to
understand and respect diverse customs around greetings, personal space, and dietary restrictions.
 Art Collaboration: An international film festival brings together filmmakers from various
cultural backgrounds who discuss storytelling techniques and themes that are culturally specific
but resonate globally.

These examples illustrate how communication styles, assumptions, and practices can vary and adapt
based on the specific intercultural context. Each scenario emphasizes the importance of cultural
sensitivity and understanding in bridging diverse perspectives.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE
In this module, you will be deepened with knowledge about cultural diversity in the context of local and
global communication. You may have encountered in your readings some benefits and challenges brought
about by local and global communication. Find a partner and share ideas on the task given to you. Fill out
the Venn Diagram to show the benefits and challenges of communication in multi-cultural settings
BENEFITS | CHALLENGES| COMMUNICATION IN MULTI-CULTURAL SETTINGS

For a Venn Diagram in this context, we can organize local and global communication by identifying
unique benefits and challenges for each, then placing shared aspects of communication in multi-cultural
settings in the middle section. Here’s a breakdown of what might go into each category:

Benefits of Communication in Multi-Cultural Settings

Local Communication Benefits
 Enhanced Community Cohesion: Helps build close-knit, diverse communities by fostering
mutual respect and understanding.
 Accessibility and Convenience: Common language, customs, and proximity make it easier to
address community-specific needs.
 Immediate Feedback and Responsiveness: Allows for more face-to-face communication,
leading to immediate feedback and clarity.
Global Communication Benefits
 Broadened Perspectives: Increases awareness and understanding of global issues, cultures, and
perspectives.
 Economic Growth and Innovation: Fosters global partnerships, trade, and innovations through
shared ideas and collaborative efforts.
 Increased Cultural Sensitivity: Encourages cultural awareness and sensitivity by learning about
and adapting to different cultural norms and practices.
Shared Benefits (Middle of the Venn Diagram)
 Learning and Growth Opportunities: Provides opportunities to learn from different cultures,
enhancing personal and professional growth.
 Enhanced Problem-Solving: Diverse perspectives lead to more creative and inclusive solutions
to problems.
 Improved Communication Skills: Develops cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability,
and empathy.

Challenges of Communication in Multi-Cultural Settings

Local Communication Challenges
 Misunderstandings Due to Assumptions: Cultural assumptions within a local setting can lead to
stereotyping or misunderstandings.
 Resistance to Change: People may resist adopting new ideas or practices that don’t align with
their cultural norms.
 Language Barriers in Diverse Communities: Even locally, linguistic diversity can pose
challenges to smooth communication.
Global Communication Challenges
 Language and Translation Issues: Language differences can lead to misunderstandings, and
misinterpretations can arise in translation.
 Cultural Misinterpretations: Nonverbal cues, traditions, and etiquette vary widely, increasing
the risk of miscommunication.
 Technological and Time Zone Barriers: Differences in technology access, time zones, and
connectivity issues can hinder real-time communication.
Shared Challenges (Middle of the Venn Diagram)
 Risk of Stereotyping: There’s a risk of making generalizations about other cultures, leading to
bias and reducing effective communication.
 Conflicting Values: Differing cultural values can create tension or disagreement, affecting
collaboration and understanding.
 Adapting Communication Styles: Adjusting one’s communication style to respect cultural
differences can be challenging and may lead to misinterpretation.

This Venn Diagram structure captures both the advantages and hurdles in multi-cultural communication,
helping to understand its complexity and potential for growth in both local and global contexts.
Feedback
With your knowledge on local and global communication, how will you communicate effectively across
cultures? Complete the statements below.

1. I consider cultural differences and individual backgrounds when interacting to avoid

misunderstandings.
2. I show respect by being open-minded, listening actively, and valuing others'
perspectives.
3. I deal with conflicts by focusing on common goals and using constructive dialogue to
address misunderstandings.
4. I can sense when persons are uncomfortable or confused and adapt my communication
style accordingly.
5. I am sensitive to the concerns of others by acknowledging their feelings and cultural
norms.
6. I interact with people by being open, approachable, and willing to learn about their
cultural practices.
7. I consider cultural contexts when making decisions or sharing opinions to ensure my
message is respectful and clear.
8. I understand and appreciate the unique values and beliefs that others bring to the
conversation.
9. I develop awareness by learning about different cultures and reflecting on my own
biases.
10. I am willing to increase my cultural knowledge and adaptability to communicate more
effectively.
11. I accept that cultural differences can lead to different viewpoints and ways of doing
things.
12. I discuss things with an open mind, valuing each person’s input and avoiding
assumptions.
13. I explain when I sense there may be a misunderstanding, providing clarity in a respectful
manner.
14. I know when to step back and listen, especially when others need space to express
themselves.
15. I go with the idea of embracing diversity as a strength, allowing it to enhance and enrich
our communication.
With a partner, compose a dialog that observes any of the concepts that follow. Give the dialog a
label or a name. Present your output before the class. Your output shall be graded using the
rubric below.
1. Local varieties
2. American vs. British English
3. Registers of English
Title: Bridging Local Varieties in the Workplace
By: [Your Names Here]

Setting:
An office in a diverse city where employees from different cultural backgrounds are working together on
a community outreach project. Sofia, originally from Spain, is discussing plans with Liam, who grew up
in the United States, to ensure the project is inclusive.

Characters:
 Sofia: Project Coordinator from Spain
 Liam: Community Relations Manager from the United States

Dialog:
Sofia: (smiling) Hey, Liam! I’ve been thinking about our community outreach project. I want to make
sure we’re incorporating everyone’s needs. But I noticed that some cultural aspects may need extra
consideration.
Liam: Absolutely, Sofia. I’m glad you brought it up! What do you have in mind?
Sofia: Well, in Spain, people tend to prefer group discussions and open forums, but I noticed that some of
our team members here are more comfortable with one-on-one conversations. I don’t want anyone to feel
left out.
Liam: That’s a great observation. You’re right—some people here are more reserved in group settings.
Maybe we could give options for both group and one-on-one interactions?
Sofia: Exactly! And I think we should also keep language in mind. When I speak with our Spanish-
speaking community members, I notice they appreciate when I use some Spanish phrases, even if we
mostly speak in English. Maybe we could encourage some cultural greetings or expressions for different
groups?
Liam: That sounds wonderful. It shows respect and makes people feel valued. Let’s make a list of
common phrases for each group. I can help with some basics in Spanish, and you can do the same for
English phrases.
Sofia: Perfect! I also realized that scheduling can be tricky. In Spain, we often have longer lunches, but
I’ve noticed the work culture here is more focused on shorter breaks. Should we adjust the event schedule
so it’s a mix of both?
Liam: Good point! That way, everyone feels comfortable. Let’s add a mix of short breaks and a longer
one. I think the local community will appreciate us trying to accommodate different preferences.
Sofia: Thank you, Liam. I feel like we’re creating something truly inclusive by considering everyone’s
local cultural preferences.
Liam: I couldn’t agree more. This is exactly how we build a stronger, more respectful workplace and
community. Let’s finalize these changes and make this project a success!

End of Dialog
Concepts Observed:
 Adapting communication styles to accommodate cultural preferences (language, greetings)
 Recognizing and respecting local varieties in work styles (group vs. individual interactions)
 Adjusting scheduling to respect different cultural norms (breaks and meeting lengths)

This dialog demonstrates an understanding of local cultural varieties and how to bridge them effectively
in a multicultural workplace.