DPR2604 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE SEPTEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1: STUDY UNIT 1 - INTRODUCTION TO INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
1.1 What is intercultural communication?
Intercultural communication is the interaction between people from different cultural
backgrounds (Martin et al., 2013). In the "One-Voice" Project scenario, intercultural
communication occurs when Sarah (American), Sipho (Xhosa), and Linh (Vietnamese)
interact during their strategy meeting, each bringing their own cultural backgrounds,
communication styles, and expectations to the conversation.
1.2 Building blocks of intercultural communication
According to Martin et al. (2013), intercultural communication is built on four key
elements: culture, communication, power, and context. Each of these building blocks is
evident in the scenario.
1.2.1 Culture
Culture refers to "learned patterns of perceptions, values and behaviours, shared by a
group of people that are dynamic and heterogeneous" (Martin et al., 2013, p.22).
Examples from the scenario:
Sarah's American cultural background is evident in her direct, assertive communication
style. She expects everyone to "be blunt and assertive" when expressing their opinions,
reflecting American cultural values that prize directness and open debate.
DUE SEPTEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1: STUDY UNIT 1 - INTRODUCTION TO INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
1.1 What is intercultural communication?
Intercultural communication is the interaction between people from different cultural
backgrounds (Martin et al., 2013). In the "One-Voice" Project scenario, intercultural
communication occurs when Sarah (American), Sipho (Xhosa), and Linh (Vietnamese)
interact during their strategy meeting, each bringing their own cultural backgrounds,
communication styles, and expectations to the conversation.
1.2 Building blocks of intercultural communication
According to Martin et al. (2013), intercultural communication is built on four key
elements: culture, communication, power, and context. Each of these building blocks is
evident in the scenario.
1.2.1 Culture
Culture refers to "learned patterns of perceptions, values and behaviours, shared by a
group of people that are dynamic and heterogeneous" (Martin et al., 2013, p.22).
Examples from the scenario:
Sarah's American cultural background is evident in her direct, assertive communication
style. She expects everyone to "be blunt and assertive" when expressing their opinions,
reflecting American cultural values that prize directness and open debate.
