COMS 3370 Chapter 4: Chapter 4 - Identity and Intercultural Communication - Summary Form

• School: SHSU
• Department: Communication Studies
• Course: COMS 3370
• Professor: Melinda Weathers

Document Summary

In chapter four, the author explores some significant concepts of identity in an intercultural communication. The reading claims that the identification process is not smooth" since an individual can only identify himself or herself by communicating with others. Besides, identities are dynamic and multiple because they can develop in various ways in different societies. However, anytime the created identities conflict with an individual"s perception of his or her origin, there is a need to renegotiate them through social resistance. The author explores the challenges of living on the border between particular cultures. The discussion is facilitated with the following sub-topics: understanding identity, social and cultural identities, identity development, and multicultural identity. Understanding identity explores various ways people create the perception of themselves and others. In this case, the author argues that identities are developed through communication and in spurts. The statement means that individuals have to interact with other people to identify themselves in a particular society.