Communication is everything. Nowadays communication is involved in every part of our life. Interactions and interrelations between different people is the basis for social competences, politics, economy, education and many things more. Since we live in a global world we always have to deal with lots of different cultures. And every culture has its own understanding of communication, does use different communication systems. Above that every single human being of a cultural system has its own personality and values. We need a common basis where we can establish competent behaviour. We have to have a look at the collusion to avoid irritations and misunderstandings.
Normally intercultural communication deals with differences/ problems between members of different cultures. But this aspect can be transmitted to the communication within one country. A special part of this topic is the situation in Germany under the aspect of communication and cultural differences. Germany has a special position in Europe caused by its history. The separation between East and West is still a topic to refer to. The collusion and the similarities are partially smaller than expected after 16 years of the reunification.
In the following essay different aspects of communication and intercultural behaviour shall be applied to Germany’s current situation. Reasons and possible explanations are given and in the end Germany’s real position is identified and proposals for solution of still existing problems are given. All the information given are based on general scientific methods and ideas concerning communication and culture as well as on personal experiences and a survey implemented by the authors of this essay. The meaning of culture is higher than normally thought. We need “bridges for understanding”, as Richard von Weizsäcker mentioned it in his book of the same name. This concerns not only peoples from all over the world but also the inhabitants of Germany. Only by understanding the culture and the way of communication of his neighbour one is able to create harmony, freedom and liberty.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Communication and Culture in Germany
- 2.1. Communication
- 2.2. Culture
- 2.2.1. Cultural conditioning of the individual
- 2.2.3. Ethnocentrism
- 2.2.4. Cultural Identity
- 2.3. Intercultural Communication
- 2.4. Language
- 2.5. Non verbal communication
- 2.6. Values
- 3. Reasons
- 3.1. History
- 3.2. Politics of the 1990's
- 3.3. Role of the media
- 3.4. Other reasons
- 4. Current Situation
- 4.1. Prejudices
- 4.2. North-South-East-West
- 4.3. Positive changes
- 5. Prospectus and approach
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze the effect of Germany's historical separation on communication and cultural differences within the country. It examines the existing communication challenges and explores potential explanations for the persisting cultural divides despite reunification. The essay utilizes general scientific methods and incorporates personal experiences and survey data to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue and offer potential solutions.
- The impact of Germany's historical division on contemporary communication patterns.
- Cultural differences and their influence on intercultural communication within Germany.
- The role of media and politics in shaping perceptions and communication styles.
- Persistent prejudices and their effect on communication and societal harmony.
- Potential approaches and strategies for improving intercultural communication in Germany.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the significance of communication in various aspects of life and highlights the challenges of intercultural communication in a globalized world. It emphasizes the particular complexities of communication within Germany, considering the lasting impact of its historical division. The chapter sets the stage for a detailed exploration of communication challenges and cultural differences within a unified Germany, focusing on the need to bridge communication gaps for a more harmonious society.
2. Communication and Culture in Germany: This chapter provides a theoretical framework by defining communication and its importance in various aspects of life. It then introduces the concept of culture and its multifaceted influence on communication. Subsections delve into specific aspects like cultural conditioning, ethnocentrism, and cultural identity, laying the foundation for understanding the cultural nuances within German society. It emphasizes the need for intercultural competence and understanding to overcome communication barriers.
3. Reasons: This chapter delves into the historical, political, and societal reasons behind the communication challenges observed within Germany. It explores the lasting effects of the country's division, analyzing the political climate of the 1990s and the media’s role in shaping public perception and attitudes. The chapter also considers other contributing factors which have impacted the nature of communication and cultural understanding in Germany.
4. Current Situation: This chapter examines the present-day realities of communication in Germany, focusing on the prevalence of prejudices and the persistent North-South-East-West divide. It also acknowledges and analyzes positive changes and steps toward improved communication and understanding. The chapter gives a contemporary overview of existing cultural divides and the state of communication across different regions of Germany.
Keywords
Intercultural communication, Germany, East-West divide, reunification, cultural identity, communication barriers, prejudices, media influence, political impact, societal harmony, communication models.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Communication and Culture in Germany
What is the main topic of this essay?
This essay analyzes the impact of Germany's historical separation on communication and cultural differences within the country. It examines communication challenges and explores explanations for persisting cultural divides despite reunification.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the impact of Germany's historical division on communication patterns, cultural differences and their influence on intercultural communication, the role of media and politics in shaping perceptions, persistent prejudices and their effects, and potential strategies for improving intercultural communication.
What methodology is used in this essay?
The essay uses general scientific methods, incorporating personal experiences and survey data to provide a comprehensive overview and offer potential solutions.
What topics are covered in the "Communication and Culture in Germany" chapter?
This chapter defines communication and culture, exploring their multifaceted influence. It delves into cultural conditioning, ethnocentrism, cultural identity, intercultural communication, nonverbal communication, and values within German society.
What are the reasons for communication challenges in Germany, according to the essay?
The essay explores historical factors (lasting effects of the country's division), political factors (the political climate of the 1990s), the media's role in shaping public perception, and other contributing factors impacting communication and cultural understanding.
What is the current situation regarding communication and cultural divides in Germany?
The essay examines the prevalence of prejudices, the North-South-East-West divide, and acknowledges positive changes and steps toward improved communication and understanding across different regions.
What is the purpose of the "Prospectus and Approach" chapter (Chapter 5)?
While not detailed in the provided summary, this chapter likely outlines the essay's overall approach and methodology for analyzing the complex interplay between communication and cultural differences in Germany.
What are some key words associated with this essay?
Key words include intercultural communication, Germany, East-West divide, reunification, cultural identity, communication barriers, prejudices, media influence, political impact, societal harmony, and communication models.
What is the structure of the essay?
The essay follows a structured format including an introduction, chapters on communication and culture in Germany, reasons for communication challenges, the current situation, and a prospectus/approach chapter. It also features a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What kind of data does the essay use?
The essay incorporates a mix of theoretical frameworks, general scientific methods, personal experiences, and survey data to support its analysis.
- Citar trabajo
- J. Tucholka, Anna / Wanke, C. / Schaffner (Autor), 2007, The effect of the German separation on the communication in Germany, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/71032
