In this critical analysis the question of how people develop their cultural identity and perceive foreign cultures will be answered. This is done through an analysis of the following points: First, different definitions (or attempted definitions) of culture are critically regarded. Then the role of identity in cross-cultural communication is examined, with focus on the creation of cultural identities just as different communication styles related to specific identities. In the third part of this paper the roles of stereotypes in cross-cultural communications are discussed with reference to their functions in society. Finally, the topic of nonverbal communication, especially attempts to describe nonverbal communication of a specific culture, is examined. In the conclusion the results of this paper are discussed and summarised.
The essay refers to the movie ‘The Quiet American’– in footnotes – to illustrate theoretical aspects with appropriate examples.
Culture is a complex and constantly changing phenomenon, so definitions of culture are quite numerous and differing. Brislin (2000, p. 23) refers to the definition of Triandis, Kurowski, Tecktiel & Chan (1993, p. 219), who see culture constructed out of objective and subjective elements. These elements have been selected because in the past they made survival more probable and allowed the participants to exist in ecological niches; they are shared by people who communicate in the same language and live in the same time-place. Even though this definition is obviously general, it cannot be seen as one accepted by all researchers in cross-cultural communication. Brislin (2000, p. 30) tries to define culture by constructing a checklist consisting of twelve points in order to prove if a specific behaviour or ideal is part of one’s culture or not. This checklist can be seen as a practical tool for people dealing with cross-cultural settings, but it is hardly a theoretical definition.
Raymond Williams (1962, cited in Lull, 1995, p. 130) defines culture as “a particular way of life”, which is shared by a community. The definition of Williams emphasises the dynamic character of culture which changes when we (as members of our own culture) change the way we talk, dress or work. At the same time Williams’ definition makes no distinction between “superior” or “inferior” cultures, furthermore everybody has their specific “way of life”.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions of Culture
3. Construction of Cultural Identity
4. Stereotypes in Cross-Cultural Communication
5. Nonverbal Communication
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how individuals develop their cultural identity and perceive foreign cultures through the lens of cross-cultural communication, utilizing the movie 'The Quiet American' to illustrate theoretical concepts.
- Critical analysis of various definitions of culture and its dynamic nature.
- The construction of personal and cultural identities within societal frameworks.
- The role, function, and impact of stereotypes in cross-cultural interactions.
- Examination of nonverbal communication patterns and their susceptibility to overgeneralization.
- The intersection of power, communication styles, and identity formation.
Excerpt from the Book
Construction of Cultural Identity
Nevertheless there is the question how people in their society create their cultural identity. Martin & Nakayama (2000, p. 111) differentiate three approaches of how the construction of identity can be seen. The social psychological perspective emphasises that personal identity is built up by the self and at the same time in relation to a specific group membership. From a communication perspective identity is build up through communication with other people. In this way the dynamic character of identity is emphasised. The third approach goes even further: The critical perspective wants to analyse which forces – historical, economical or political forces – are behind the construction of identities. This approach seems to be the most appropriate in order to understand both the dynamic and artificial (i.e. constructed) character of identity. Identities therefore are not natural phenomenon but constructed by people or, more exactly, their societies with special purposes.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter outlines the research goal of understanding cultural identity formation and foreign culture perception through the analysis of key theoretical concepts and film examples.
Definitions of Culture: This section explores the complexity of defining culture, highlighting its dynamic, non-permanent character as described by various theorists.
Construction of Cultural Identity: This chapter discusses how identities are socially constructed through various psychological and political forces, emphasizing that they are never stable.
Stereotypes in Cross-Cultural Communication: This section differentiates between 'types' and 'stereotypes', arguing that the latter are often negative tools used to maintain power inequalities.
Nonverbal Communication: This chapter examines the role of nonverbal cues in communication and warns against outdated, overgeneralized descriptions of cultural behaviors.
Conclusion: This section summarizes the main findings, stressing that cultural understanding requires recognizing the complexity and relative nature of all cultural constructions.
Keywords
Cultural Identity, Cross-Cultural Communication, Stereotypes, Nonverbal Communication, Social Constructivism, Identity Construction, Globalization, Perception, Media Representation, Cultural Dynamics, The Quiet American.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic paper?
The paper focuses on how individuals develop their cultural identity and how they perceive foreign cultures within cross-cultural communication contexts.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers the definitions of culture, the construction of identity, the function of stereotypes, and the complexities of nonverbal communication.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze the process of cultural identity formation and to demonstrate that understanding other cultures is not about fixed rules but about recognizing culture as a dynamic construction.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper uses a critical analysis approach, synthesizing theoretical perspectives from cultural studies and communication theory, supported by illustrative examples from the film 'The Quiet American'.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body addresses the fluidity of cultural definitions, the social construction of identity, the problematic nature of stereotypes in media, and the pitfalls of interpreting nonverbal communication through rigid cultural stereotypes.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Cultural Identity, Cross-Cultural Communication, Stereotypes, Social Constructivism, and Nonverbal Communication.
How does the author use the movie 'The Quiet American' in the analysis?
The movie serves as a practical reference point to illustrate theoretical concepts, such as the different communication styles of the characters and their distinct national identities.
Why does the author argue against 'practical guidelines' for foreign cultures?
The author argues that such guidelines are often based on outdated or overgeneralized data and fail to account for the dynamic, constantly changing nature of culture.
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- Martin Strang (Autor:in), 2004, Developing of Cultural Identity and Perception of Foreign Cultures, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/33708
