Ch 4- Interpersonal
Communication and Diversity:
Adapting to Others
SPCH 153
Diversity is a Value
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It is inevitable.
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Differences are valuable and
productive.
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Core of the “American way”
Describing Differences
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Sex and Gender
Sexual orientation
Race and ethnicity
Age
Social class
Religion and values
Political orientation
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Geographic location
Language spoken
Education
Generation
Family background
Personal tastes
Any other self
identifying
characteristic
Changing Face of the Nation.
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439 million people by 2050
Minorities will be majority by 2042
African-American and Asian populations will
increase 60%
Hispanic population will triple.
By 2023- More than half of children born will
be of a minority
Working age will be majority minority
65 and older be 20%
Understanding Culture
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Culture- Learned system of
knowledge, behavior, attitudes, beliefs,
values, and norms shared by a group
of people.
Influences world view.
Divides into many subcultures.
Cultural relativity
Six dimensions.
Six Dimensions of Culture
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Individualism vs. Collectivism
High vs. Low Context
Masculine vs. Feminine Culture
High and Low Intolerance of
Uncertainty
Centralize and Decentralized Power
Long and Short Term Time
Barriers to Intercultural
Communication
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Ethnocentrism
Different communication codes.
Stereotyping and prejudice
Assuming similarities
Assuming differences
Improving Intercultural
Communication Competence
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Develop knowledge.
Develop motivated.
Develop skill.
Become other oriented.
Adapt communication.