[Date]
COM2603
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
,COM2603 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
SECTION 1
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
QUESTION 1
Explain the concept of ‘global village’ and discuss the role of technology in
facilitating human communication. (10)
QUESTION 2
Discuss the view of communication as symbolic and provide two examples of
symbolic communication from your own culture. (5)
QUESTION 3
Provide an explanation of Individualism and Collectivism and give relevant
examples. (5)
QUESTION 4
Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow. On a bursting
Johannesburg Street, a group of friends from various countries gather around a
vibrant graffiti wall adorned with references to international music, films, and TV
shows. They engage in animated conversations, blending languages and dialects, as
they exchange recommendations, critique artistic choices, and enthusiastically
celebrate the universality of their shared cultural experiences.
4.1 What is popular culture? (5)
4.2 Define cultural imperialism and give one example thereof. (5) Sub-total: [30]
22
, SECTION 1
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
QUESTION 1
Explain the concept of ‘global village’ and discuss the role of technology in
facilitating human communication. (10)
The concept of the 'global village,' coined by Marshall McLuhan in the 1960s,
refers to the idea that advancements in communication technology have effectively
reduced the distances between people, creating a world where individuals can
connect and interact as if they were living in a small, closely-knit village. This
concept highlights how technology has shrunk the world, making it possible for
people from different parts of the globe to communicate instantly, share
information, and engage in cultural exchanges.
Role of Technology in Facilitating Human Communication:
1. Instant Communication: Technology such as the internet, smartphones,
and social media platforms has enabled instantaneous communication.
People can now send messages, make video calls, and share multimedia
content with others across the world in real-time.
2. Accessibility of Information: The internet has made vast amounts of
information accessible to anyone with a connection. This democratization of
information allows people to learn about different cultures, languages, and
perspectives, fostering greater understanding and empathy.
3. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users
to connect with friends, family, and strangers, share their experiences, and
engage in discussions on a global scale. Social media also plays a crucial
COM2603
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
,COM2603 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
SECTION 1
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
QUESTION 1
Explain the concept of ‘global village’ and discuss the role of technology in
facilitating human communication. (10)
QUESTION 2
Discuss the view of communication as symbolic and provide two examples of
symbolic communication from your own culture. (5)
QUESTION 3
Provide an explanation of Individualism and Collectivism and give relevant
examples. (5)
QUESTION 4
Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow. On a bursting
Johannesburg Street, a group of friends from various countries gather around a
vibrant graffiti wall adorned with references to international music, films, and TV
shows. They engage in animated conversations, blending languages and dialects, as
they exchange recommendations, critique artistic choices, and enthusiastically
celebrate the universality of their shared cultural experiences.
4.1 What is popular culture? (5)
4.2 Define cultural imperialism and give one example thereof. (5) Sub-total: [30]
22
, SECTION 1
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
QUESTION 1
Explain the concept of ‘global village’ and discuss the role of technology in
facilitating human communication. (10)
The concept of the 'global village,' coined by Marshall McLuhan in the 1960s,
refers to the idea that advancements in communication technology have effectively
reduced the distances between people, creating a world where individuals can
connect and interact as if they were living in a small, closely-knit village. This
concept highlights how technology has shrunk the world, making it possible for
people from different parts of the globe to communicate instantly, share
information, and engage in cultural exchanges.
Role of Technology in Facilitating Human Communication:
1. Instant Communication: Technology such as the internet, smartphones,
and social media platforms has enabled instantaneous communication.
People can now send messages, make video calls, and share multimedia
content with others across the world in real-time.
2. Accessibility of Information: The internet has made vast amounts of
information accessible to anyone with a connection. This democratization of
information allows people to learn about different cultures, languages, and
perspectives, fostering greater understanding and empathy.
3. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users
to connect with friends, family, and strangers, share their experiences, and
engage in discussions on a global scale. Social media also plays a crucial
