Intercultural communication ethics is a huge part of ethics, and is one that is frequently misunderstood. The authors described it as the ability to protect and preserve any given culture (p.155). There are so many different cultures within our society today, so it is essential that our common day practices reflect and transform in order to move at the same pace our society is. With our society growing and being more open to other cultures besides the majority, it is important that there is common ground for everyone to follow. The idea that "difference is the norm" is one of the most important aspects of intercultural ethics (p.158). Learning about differences in culture is one of the best ways to be an exceptional communicator. If we don't continue learning and/or aren't open to learning, we are hindering the process of communication ethics.
What the majority of us are most comfortable with is what we were raised into. This made complete sense to me because I went to a high school that was private and Catholic. Students from my HS would go to events at St. Cloud State and they wouldn't understand why some people wouldn't eat certain foods, or why some people would be wearing a hijab. But, instead of being judgmental, they should've been more open to learning about other cultures. When there is too much "routine" in one's daily practices, i.e. my high school, then it is easier to form cliques that aren't open to others. Although the authors reiterate that it is uncommon for one to become an "indweller" of a another culture, it is what we should attempt to do. By understanding the whys and hows of another culture, we can further understand what the goals are of communication (p.169). Understanding others and their motives would make us more effective communicators overall.
I agree with the statement that learning about different cultures is a great way to becoming an exceptional communicator. There are so many different ques that we take for granted that would make us better communicators. I liked how the chapter real makes every main topic conncet. For example the realtionship between culture and culture shock is easily illustrated.
ReplyDeleteYour point about "difference is the norm" being an important aspect of intercultural communication ethics is exactly right. When we are trying to communicate with people from a cultural background different from our own we need to learn about their background in order to communicate effectively. Your point about too much routine leading to exclusion was good as well. I had never thought about routine leading to exclusionary behaviors but you are right -- routine can pose a problem when it comes to accepting those who are different.
ReplyDeleteI think your comment about how they could have been more respectful and wanting to learn about the new cultures is really interesting. I really like the distinction that you make between too much of the routine (which I think is good in general) and how that can have adverse side effects when it comes to discovering new cultures. I am not quite sure if cliches fall into the category of intercultural communication, since you are within the same culture, yet you have totally different norms. That topic would be interesting to study.
ReplyDeleteAnn, I can completely understand where you are coming from being that I too, went to a private high school. I feel as if many people who went to my school were very sheltered and not open to learning about other cultures. Because as the book said, what we are brought up to be, is what we think is right. However, that is clearly not right, and we need to be open to learning about others as the previous chapters in our book said. I liked how you said that learning is a great way to become an exceptional communicator, because this is so true and if we were all the same the world would be so boring! With the world getting smaller due to technology advances and faster travel times, it is necessary in our day and age to not be judgmental of others and have good intercultural communication ethics.
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