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Intercultural Communication. Rita Cooper and Shelby L. Cearley Assoc. of Metroplex Int’l Educators, 9 July 2007. Introduction. Today’s Presenters Rita Cooper, University of North Texas Shelby L. Cearley, Texas Tech University Overview of Presentation. What Is Culture?.
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Intercultural Communication Rita Cooper and Shelby L. Cearley Assoc. of Metroplex Int’l Educators, 9 July 2007
Introduction • Today’s Presenters • Rita Cooper, University of North Texas • Shelby L. Cearley, Texas Tech University • Overview of Presentation
What Is Culture? • Culture is the values, behaviors, practices, assumptions we've learned from our membership in groups that share them. • It is taught, learned and shared. • Intercultural interaction occurs when people from different cultures interact with each other to the extent that both are expected to make accommodations to build relationships.
Iceberg Model of Culture • When we interact with someone from another culture, we only hear their words and see their behavior. • It’s like seeing the tip of an iceberg; so much more is below the surface. • Someone’s cultural values and attitudes affect what s/he says and does.
Iceberg Model of Culture • You must look below the surface if you want to communicate more effectively with people from other cultures.
Eye Contact • US-Americans depend on direct eye contact. • Why??? • It is perceived as active listening, sincerity, and honesty.
Rude Behavior • Without a connection, they may feel "out of contact" with the other person.
Uncomfortable and Aggressive • In some Arab and South Asian cultures,the gaze may seem too direct. • US-Americans see a prolonged stare as a sign of aggression.
Personal Space . . . • We are all territorial. • Group norms exist for all cultures. • We acquire our “specific” space in early childhood.
Get Info Before Going Abroad! • In the Middle East, standing less than 1 foot next to someone is acceptable. • In Europe & North America, 2.5 – 3 feet is acceptable. • In Asia, 4 – 5 feet is acceptable due to bowing.
Intercultural Exchangeson Campus • There’s more than just International Education Week! • Become more visible on campus as an organization • Make international events more visible on campus • Make international students more visible on campus
Become More Visible on Campus • Create an identifier (not a name tag) • Attend campus events • Join staff organizations • Invite people to visit your office and vice-versa
Become More Visible on Campus • Have an int’l office representative on standing committees • Incorporate int’l events and campus events calendars • Have an int’l office representative at campus events
Make Int’l Events More Visible • Create intercultural training for increased access to campus • Have regular events co-sponsored by int’l and departmental offices • Give upcoming event flyers to related classes, academic units, and administrative departments
Make Int’l Events More Visible • Create advertising and display in popular areas • Cultivate academic contacts with those faculty with int’l/cross-cultural interests • Create mailing list of those who attended previous events
Make Int’l Students Visible • Take group of int’l students to campus-sponsored events • Showcase an int’l group/organization each month • Create monthly newsletter of int’l students • Make int’l student groups part of your recruiting efforts • Use int’l student groups to advertise events
Want More Info? • Please visit our website at http://www.angelfire.com/empire/sdebate/intercultural.html. • This PowerPoint presentation • Links to information about intercultural communication/competence • Our email addresses • Thank you for your attendance!
