According to Anteneh (2012), the controversial concepts of culture and communication, as the two key components, often causes conceptual difficulties and make the study of intercultural communication a highly complex activity for researchers. It is because these two core concepts are difficult to define and their association needs a thorough understanding. More interestingly, these concepts are among the most searched concepts on the web engines. These concepts are extensively defined more than most other popular constructs in social studies in spite of the significant differences among scholars in conceptualizing the terms.
Although quite a few significant studies and research have been carried out, culture in its different representations is unique to each moment, situation, group and individual. In this sense, communication is also unique to each situation; neither culture nor communication are unchanging concrete realities. Scholars agrees culture and communication have been defined and re-defined repeatedly, as they are concepts that are intimately linked with what is intrinsically human.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Discussions
- Hall's and Hofstede's Models of Cultural Differences
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the complex and intertwined relationship between culture and communication, particularly within the context of intercultural communication. It examines various theoretical perspectives on defining culture and communication, and then delves into prominent models used to classify and compare cultures, highlighting their strengths and limitations.
- Defining Culture and Communication
- The Interplay Between Culture and Communication
- Classifying Cultures: High-context vs. Low-context
- Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
- Alternative Cultural Frameworks
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the central theme of the text: the intricate relationship between culture and communication, particularly in intercultural settings. It highlights the challenges inherent in defining these two key concepts and emphasizes the considerable debate among scholars regarding their conceptualization. The introduction lays the groundwork for exploring the existing literature and various models attempting to classify and understand cultural differences.
Discussions: This chapter delves deeper into the multifaceted nature of culture and its various definitions, ranging from all-encompassing to more narrow interpretations. It highlights the extensive work done by Kroeber and Kluckhohn (1952) in compiling numerous definitions of culture. The chapter emphasizes the intimate connection between culture and communication, supporting Hall's (1959) assertion that they are "two sides of a coin." The section also discusses the limitations of current conceptualizations of culture, including hybridity, transculturality, and cosmopolitanism, in achieving a unified understanding of the concept. It introduces the need for simplified approaches to studying culture in intercultural communication, setting the stage for the following sections that detail specific cultural classification models.
Hall's and Hofstede's Models of Cultural Differences: This chapter presents and analyzes the widely cited models of cultural differences proposed by Hall (1976) and Hofstede (1980). Hall's high-context and low-context communication model is explained, contrasting the implicit communication styles of high-context cultures (e.g., Japan) with the explicit communication of low-context cultures (e.g., Germany). Hofstede's four (later five) cultural dimensions—power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, and long-term orientation—are thoroughly described, along with illustrative examples of how these dimensions manifest in different cultures. The chapter also touches upon Hall's (1983) concept of monochronic and polychronic time orientations as another factor influencing intercultural communication. Finally, the chapter briefly introduces Shalom Schwartz's cultural framework as an alternative approach to comparing cultures on both national and individual levels.
Keywords
Culture, communication, intercultural communication, high-context communication, low-context communication, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, long-term orientation, monochronic culture, polychronic culture, cultural frameworks, hybridity, transculturality, cosmopolitanism.
Frequently Asked Questions about: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Culture and Communication
What is the purpose of this text?
This text explores the complex relationship between culture and communication, especially in intercultural settings. It examines different theories on defining these concepts and analyzes prominent models used to classify and compare cultures, discussing their strengths and weaknesses.
What are the main topics covered?
The key themes include defining culture and communication, the interplay between them, classifying cultures (high-context vs. low-context), Hofstede's cultural dimensions, and alternative cultural frameworks. The text also includes detailed summaries of Hall's and Hofstede's models of cultural differences.
What models of cultural differences are discussed?
The text primarily focuses on Hall's high-context and low-context communication model and Hofstede's cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, and long-term orientation). It also briefly mentions Hall's monochronic and polychronic time orientations and Shalom Schwartz's cultural framework.
How does the text define culture and communication?
The text acknowledges the extensive debate surrounding the definition of both culture and communication. It explores various perspectives, from broad, encompassing definitions to narrower interpretations, and highlights the close relationship between the two, suggesting they are intrinsically linked.
What are the limitations of existing cultural models acknowledged in the text?
The text addresses limitations in current conceptualizations of culture, including challenges posed by hybridity, transculturality, and cosmopolitanism, which make achieving a unified understanding of culture difficult. The need for simplified, yet insightful, approaches to studying culture in intercultural communication is emphasized.
What are the key differences between high-context and low-context communication?
High-context communication relies heavily on implicit cues and shared understanding, while low-context communication is more explicit and direct. The text uses examples like Japan (high-context) and Germany (low-context) to illustrate these differences.
What are Hofstede's cultural dimensions?
Hofstede's five cultural dimensions are: power distance (degree of inequality), individualism/collectivism (focus on individual or group needs), uncertainty avoidance (tolerance for ambiguity), masculinity/femininity (emphasis on assertiveness vs. nurturing), and long-term orientation (focus on future vs. present).
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Key terms include: Culture, communication, intercultural communication, high-context communication, low-context communication, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, long-term orientation, monochronic culture, polychronic culture, cultural frameworks, hybridity, transculturality, and cosmopolitanism.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured with an introduction, detailed discussions of culture and communication, an in-depth analysis of Hall's and Hofstede's models, and a conclusion summarizing key findings. A table of contents and keywords are also provided.
Who is the intended audience for this text?
While not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature and academic focus suggest the target audience is likely students and researchers in fields like communication studies, cultural anthropology, and international relations.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Abayneh Tilahun (Autor:in), 2021, Culture and Communication as Two Sides of the Same Coin, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1157948
