Chapter

Background to Intercultural Communication

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Identify the perceptual processes involved in interpreting intercultural

messages

2. Distinguish between content and relationship dimensions of an intercultural

communication situation

3. Describe the attribution process and specific negative perceptual processes

indicated in the chapter

4. Discuss a brief and selected history accounting for the development of the

field of intercultural communication

Objectives

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Axioms behind

Intercultural

Communication

lntercultural Communication Assumes the Perception of Difference

This chapter examines the background to intercultural communication, starting with assumptions about intercultural communication and concluding with a se­lected history of the development of intercultural communication. The under-girding variables of intercultural communication appear throughout the text. This chapter explores the fundamental beginning points, called axioms, that form the foundational principles concerning intercultural communication.

The axioms behind intercultural communication remind us how important it is to examine why we think about and act toward individuals and groups as we do.

Communication existing in a climate of cultural differences is a presupposition for the entire range of intercultural principles. The process begins with the per­ception that differences exist (Prosser 1978). Consequently, we focus on the message linkage between individuals or groups from two different cultural situa­tions. There are a number of antecedents and consequences to that interaction, but it is the bridging of the intercultural gap that gives intercultural communica­tion its fullest meaning.

The principle of difference implies that people often do not immediately share norms, thought patterns, structures, and systems. However, dealing with cultural differences alone and studying cross-cultural comparisons, while valu­able, do not get to the point of contact and communication (Kim 1984).

Rather, it is precisely the perception of difference that explains communi­cation tendencies. We may be motivated to avoid intercultural interactions when confrontation with difference becomes uncomfortable for us. On the other hand, an effective intercultural communicator recognizes difference as a posi­tive opportunity to overcome misunderstanding and poor communication. The difference, once recognized, can motivate positive or negative "drives." To be successful in intercultural relationships, we must recognize differences as re­sources. An exact copy of ourselves can prove only to multiply our own flaws—the differences of others can provide a renewed resource of insight.

Seeing "difference" is a central facet to the intercultural communication model in chapter 1 involving perception—at the core is how individuals decide on similarity or dissimilarity. When they perceive "difference," the dissimilarity can be explained by three screening filters by which communicators size up each other. A form of distinguishing occurs. That is, social categorization leads to mental and emotional associations across three assessments: differences in cul­ture or group, differences in personality, and differences in the way two people might view their particular interpersonal relationship. How does all this influ­ence our practical communication?

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