, COM2603
SECTION 1
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
QUESTION 1
1.1 Describe the following characteristics of culture, by using examples
from the scenario above
1.1.1 Culture is shared:
Culture is a shared system of beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that
are passed down from generation to generation within a specific group or
society. In the scenario, the behavior of showing respect to older
managers by Kenyan customers demonstrates a shared cultural norm
within Kenyan society. This behavior is ingrained in the collective
consciousness of the Kenyan people and is considered a cultural
expectation.
1.1.2 Culture is dynamic and heterogeneous
Culture is dynamic and heterogeneous: The scenario also mentions that
some Kenyan customers are very rude and speak English with an
American accent, especially those who live in urban areas. This shows
that culture is not static, but rather it evolves and changes over time. In
this case, the urban Kenyan customers have been influenced by American
culture, resulting in the adoption of an American accent and potentially
different social norms when it comes to politeness or rudeness. This
demonstrates that culture is not uniform, but can vary within a given
society or population.
, QUESTION 2
According to Martin et al. (2013), there are four stages that minority and
majority identities go through, in their identity development
2.1 Discuss the following phases in minority identity development, and
provide examples from your own experience:
2.1.1 Conformity
Conformity is the first phase in minority identity development. During
this phase, individuals may adhere to the dominant culture's norms,
values, and beliefs in order to fit in and gain acceptance. They may
suppress or downplay aspects of their own cultural identity to assimilate
into the majority culture.
An example from my own experience would be when I first moved to a
new country with a different culture. In an attempt to be accepted and fit
in, I adopted the local language, customs, and behaviors. I changed my
clothing style, tried to adopt the local accent, and even modified my
eating habits to align with the majority culture. I essentially conformed to
the dominant culture in order to be seen as part of the community.
2.1.2 Resistance and separatism
The second phase in minority identity development is characterized by
resistance and separatism. During this phase, individuals start to
recognize and question the inequalities and injustices within society.
They may reject the dominant culture and assert their own cultural
identity. This can manifest through the creation of social groups or
organizations that promote their own cultural values and traditions.
SECTION 1
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
QUESTION 1
1.1 Describe the following characteristics of culture, by using examples
from the scenario above
1.1.1 Culture is shared:
Culture is a shared system of beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that
are passed down from generation to generation within a specific group or
society. In the scenario, the behavior of showing respect to older
managers by Kenyan customers demonstrates a shared cultural norm
within Kenyan society. This behavior is ingrained in the collective
consciousness of the Kenyan people and is considered a cultural
expectation.
1.1.2 Culture is dynamic and heterogeneous
Culture is dynamic and heterogeneous: The scenario also mentions that
some Kenyan customers are very rude and speak English with an
American accent, especially those who live in urban areas. This shows
that culture is not static, but rather it evolves and changes over time. In
this case, the urban Kenyan customers have been influenced by American
culture, resulting in the adoption of an American accent and potentially
different social norms when it comes to politeness or rudeness. This
demonstrates that culture is not uniform, but can vary within a given
society or population.
, QUESTION 2
According to Martin et al. (2013), there are four stages that minority and
majority identities go through, in their identity development
2.1 Discuss the following phases in minority identity development, and
provide examples from your own experience:
2.1.1 Conformity
Conformity is the first phase in minority identity development. During
this phase, individuals may adhere to the dominant culture's norms,
values, and beliefs in order to fit in and gain acceptance. They may
suppress or downplay aspects of their own cultural identity to assimilate
into the majority culture.
An example from my own experience would be when I first moved to a
new country with a different culture. In an attempt to be accepted and fit
in, I adopted the local language, customs, and behaviors. I changed my
clothing style, tried to adopt the local accent, and even modified my
eating habits to align with the majority culture. I essentially conformed to
the dominant culture in order to be seen as part of the community.
2.1.2 Resistance and separatism
The second phase in minority identity development is characterized by
resistance and separatism. During this phase, individuals start to
recognize and question the inequalities and injustices within society.
They may reject the dominant culture and assert their own cultural
identity. This can manifest through the creation of social groups or
organizations that promote their own cultural values and traditions.
