Lecture Notes: Culture and Communication

Introduction to Culture

• Definition of culture: Learned and shared set of symbols, language, values, and norms used to distinguish one group of people from another.
• Culture is not genetically predisposed; it is learned from family, community, and peers.

Key Components of Culture

1. Symbols

   • Important symbols represent specific ideas and meanings within a culture.
   • Examples in American culture:
     • Flag: Represents national pride.
     • Baseball: Symbolizes American pastimes.
     • Apple Pie: Represents traditional values and nostalgia.

2. Language

   • Main language in the U.S. is English, but various dialects and shorthands exist within different groups.
   • Every culture has a shared language that helps in understanding and communication.

3. Values

   • Common values in American culture include:
     • Liberty: Emphasis on freedom.
     • Justice: Fair and equitable justice system ideals.
     • Equality: Aspiring for equal opportunities regardless of race or religion.

4. Norms

   • Social norms dictate what is considered normal behavior.
   • Examples:
     • Meat consumption is prevalent.
     • Driving on the right side of the road.
     • Living in single-family homes.

Co-Cultures

• Cultures exist within cultures, known as co-cultures.
• Co-cultures can be based on interests, regional differences, or groups (e.g., sports teams, hobbies).
• In-groups vs. Out-groups:
  • In-groups: Groups individuals identify with (e.g., friends, hobbies).
  • Out-groups: Groups individuals do not identify with.

What Culture is Not

• Culture is not the same as ethnicity, race, or nationality; it is learned and shared.
• Ethnocentrism: The belief one's culture is superior to others.
• Example of ethnocentrism in maps:
  • Mercator Projection Map shows an ethnocentric view, placing Europe at the center and misrepresenting sizes of countries.
  • Gall-Peters Projection Map offers a more accurate representation.

Influence of Culture on Communication

1. Individualism vs. Collectivism

   • U.S. tends towards individualism, valuing personal achievement.
   • Other cultures may focus on group cohesion.

2. Attention to Context

   • U.S. is a low-context culture; communication is direct and literal.
   • Other cultures may rely more on context and nonverbal cues.

3. Deference to Power

   • U.S. is a low power distance culture; questioning authority is common.
   • Other cultures may have high power distance, where authority is respected and not questioned.

4. Comfort with Ambiguity

   • U.S. culture prefers certainty; other cultures may be comfortable with ambiguity.

5. Achievement vs. Nurturing

   • U.S. culture emphasizes achievement, while other cultures may value nurturing.

6. View of Time

   • U.S. has a monochronic view of time (punctuality and deadlines).
   • Other cultures may have a more fluid approach to time.

Conclusion

• Acknowledging and appreciating cultural differences is crucial for effective communication.
• Understanding culture as an undercurrent in communication contexts can enhance intercultural competency.
• Questions regarding intercultural communication can be directed to the lecturer via email.