SECTION A: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION QUESTION
1 Discuss the following challenges in intercultural relationships:
1.1 Negative stereotypes (5)
A negative stereotype is a stereotype (widely held belief) about an individual or group
which displays them in a poor light and is normally entirely unrepresentative of the
actual situation. Negative stereotypes are traits and characteristics, negatively valenced
and attributed to a social group and to its individual members. Negative stereotypes are
harmful to people of color because assumptions, rather than personalized information,
can justify the denial of educational, employment, housing and other opportunities.
Negative stereotypes can create barriers in intercultural relationships. These
stereotypes are often based on generalizations and can lead to prejudice and
discrimination. Overcoming negative stereotypes requires open-mindedness, empathy,
and education to challenge and debunk these stereotypes.
1.2 Anxiety (5)
Intercultural relationships can be accompanied by anxiety due to differences in
language, customs, and values. This anxiety can hinder effective communication and
understanding. Building cultural competence, seeking cultural immersion experiences,
and practicing active listening can help reduce anxiety and promote better intercultural
relationships.
1.3 Affirming another person’s cultural identity (5)
Affirming another person's cultural identity is crucial in intercultural relationships. It
involves recognizing and respecting their cultural background, traditions, and beliefs.
This can be challenging when there are differences in cultural norms and practices.
Active engagement, curiosity, and willingness to learn about and appreciate each
other's cultures can help affirm cultural identities and strengthen intercultural
relationships.
Not only recognizing that other person might have diff beliefs, values but accepting that
these characteristics are valid and important aspect of other person's identity. Often
difficult for majority group individuals.
QUESTION 2
Discuss the following strategies used by co-cultural groups:
2.1 Non-assertive assimilative strategies (5)
Non-Assertive Assimilative Strategies: Co-cultural groups may adopt non-assertive
assimilative strategies to fit into the dominant culture. This involves downplaying or
suppressing their own cultural identity to conform to the norms and values of the
, dominant culture. While this strategy may help individuals navigate certain situations, it
can also lead to cultural loss and identity conflicts.
2.2 Non-Assertive Accommodation strategies (5)
Non-Assertive Accommodation Strategies: Non-assertive accommodation strategies
involve adapting to the dominant culture while still maintaining some aspects of one's
own cultural identity. This strategy aims to find a balance between assimilation and
cultural preservation. It requires negotiation, compromise, and flexibility to navigate
intercultural spaces.
2.3 Non-Assertive separation strategies (5)
Non-Assertive Separation Strategies: In some cases, co-cultural groups may choose
non-assertive separation strategies to maintain their cultural identity and distance
themselves from the dominant culture. This can involve creating separate communities,
spaces, or organizations that prioritize their own cultural practices and values. While
separation can provide a sense of belonging and cultural preservation, it may also limit
opportunities for intercultural understanding and collaboration.
SECTION B: DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain the objective of development support communication (DSC). (3)
The main objective of the development support communication specialist is to integrate
all aspects of development for the community in which they are involved UNISA
(2008:153). Therefore, a holistic approach should be adopted by the DSC specialist. For
instance, as a DSC specialist for the community of Diepsloot, you need to have
knowledge and understanding of the needs of this community in order to come up with
appropriate programmes that respond to its needs.
1.2 Development support communication is envisaged as operating at two main
levels. List and explain the two main levels. (2X2=4)
Development support communication operates on two levels, namely, the micro and
macro levels.
The task of the development support communication (DSC) expert at the micro
level is to construct appropriate messages and strategies for the community at
hand (University of South Africa 2008:153). The project entails the creation of
posters and other symbols that convey relevant messages to the community.
The macro level involves the processes of planning and organising development
programmes aimed at a specific community (University of South Africa
2008:153). The programmes in question should address the specific needs of the
community that the DSC specialist is deployed to serve
1.2 Discuss the role of the development support communication practitioner as a
mediator and provide a relevant example. (3)
1 Discuss the following challenges in intercultural relationships:
1.1 Negative stereotypes (5)
A negative stereotype is a stereotype (widely held belief) about an individual or group
which displays them in a poor light and is normally entirely unrepresentative of the
actual situation. Negative stereotypes are traits and characteristics, negatively valenced
and attributed to a social group and to its individual members. Negative stereotypes are
harmful to people of color because assumptions, rather than personalized information,
can justify the denial of educational, employment, housing and other opportunities.
Negative stereotypes can create barriers in intercultural relationships. These
stereotypes are often based on generalizations and can lead to prejudice and
discrimination. Overcoming negative stereotypes requires open-mindedness, empathy,
and education to challenge and debunk these stereotypes.
1.2 Anxiety (5)
Intercultural relationships can be accompanied by anxiety due to differences in
language, customs, and values. This anxiety can hinder effective communication and
understanding. Building cultural competence, seeking cultural immersion experiences,
and practicing active listening can help reduce anxiety and promote better intercultural
relationships.
1.3 Affirming another person’s cultural identity (5)
Affirming another person's cultural identity is crucial in intercultural relationships. It
involves recognizing and respecting their cultural background, traditions, and beliefs.
This can be challenging when there are differences in cultural norms and practices.
Active engagement, curiosity, and willingness to learn about and appreciate each
other's cultures can help affirm cultural identities and strengthen intercultural
relationships.
Not only recognizing that other person might have diff beliefs, values but accepting that
these characteristics are valid and important aspect of other person's identity. Often
difficult for majority group individuals.
QUESTION 2
Discuss the following strategies used by co-cultural groups:
2.1 Non-assertive assimilative strategies (5)
Non-Assertive Assimilative Strategies: Co-cultural groups may adopt non-assertive
assimilative strategies to fit into the dominant culture. This involves downplaying or
suppressing their own cultural identity to conform to the norms and values of the
, dominant culture. While this strategy may help individuals navigate certain situations, it
can also lead to cultural loss and identity conflicts.
2.2 Non-Assertive Accommodation strategies (5)
Non-Assertive Accommodation Strategies: Non-assertive accommodation strategies
involve adapting to the dominant culture while still maintaining some aspects of one's
own cultural identity. This strategy aims to find a balance between assimilation and
cultural preservation. It requires negotiation, compromise, and flexibility to navigate
intercultural spaces.
2.3 Non-Assertive separation strategies (5)
Non-Assertive Separation Strategies: In some cases, co-cultural groups may choose
non-assertive separation strategies to maintain their cultural identity and distance
themselves from the dominant culture. This can involve creating separate communities,
spaces, or organizations that prioritize their own cultural practices and values. While
separation can provide a sense of belonging and cultural preservation, it may also limit
opportunities for intercultural understanding and collaboration.
SECTION B: DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain the objective of development support communication (DSC). (3)
The main objective of the development support communication specialist is to integrate
all aspects of development for the community in which they are involved UNISA
(2008:153). Therefore, a holistic approach should be adopted by the DSC specialist. For
instance, as a DSC specialist for the community of Diepsloot, you need to have
knowledge and understanding of the needs of this community in order to come up with
appropriate programmes that respond to its needs.
1.2 Development support communication is envisaged as operating at two main
levels. List and explain the two main levels. (2X2=4)
Development support communication operates on two levels, namely, the micro and
macro levels.
The task of the development support communication (DSC) expert at the micro
level is to construct appropriate messages and strategies for the community at
hand (University of South Africa 2008:153). The project entails the creation of
posters and other symbols that convey relevant messages to the community.
The macro level involves the processes of planning and organising development
programmes aimed at a specific community (University of South Africa
2008:153). The programmes in question should address the specific needs of the
community that the DSC specialist is deployed to serve
1.2 Discuss the role of the development support communication practitioner as a
mediator and provide a relevant example. (3)
