NUFS 144 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Intercultural Communication, Acculturation, Iceberg

• School: SJSU
• Department: Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging Department
• Course: NUFS 144
• Professor: Dana Billings

Document Summary

Intercultural communications encompass language and context in which words are interpreted including gestures; posture; spatial relations; concepts of time; status of persons; individual role within a group and setting. An iceberg analogy describes how a person"s cultural heritage can impact communication. Beneath the surface - degree of acculturation or assimilation, socioeconomic status health conditions, religion educational background, group membership, sexual orientation or political affiliation. Most people are comfortable conversing with those who are culturally similar to themselves. When the response is not as expected communication can break down. Interpersonal relations are based on personal communication preferences group interactions commonly depend on cultural or social norms. Misinterpretations at the cultural or social levels of communication are more likely to occur because they are more generalized. The challenge is to increase familiarity with cultural communication behaviors. Also, remain aware of personal cues and move quickly to an interpersonal relationship. Communication uses codes to represent objects, ideas or behaviors.