User:Steph.sparks/Cross-cultural communication

Note:

I’m adding information to an already existing Wikipedia Article. The information below is all my work, which is what I’m planning to add to the existing article. As per Dr. Pederson’s recommendation, I’m focusing primarily in the relationship aspect of cross-cultural communication.

Co-cultural Theory
Based on the Muted Group theory and the Standpoint theory frameworks, the Co-cultural theory, or co-cultural communication theory, examines communication between members of dominant cultures and marginalized cultures, the latter being the co-cultural group. Mark Orbe developed this theory to aid in understanding how co-cultural group members negotiate their differences with dominant cultures in cross-cultural communication and interactions, making this theory part of the critical tradition, with phenomenological frameworks, in communication theory. Orbe’s work is unique because it stems from the co-cultural member’s perspective. In his theory, Orbe describes 26 communication practices marginalized cultures use to negotiate their identity when interacting with dominant members, including manipulating stereotypes, bargaining, ridiculing self, among others.

Anxiety Uncertainty Management Theory
Drawing from Charles Berger’s Uncertainty Reduction Theory, William Gudykunst and colleagues developed the Anxiety Uncertainty Management theory, which discusses anxiety and uncertainty management and reduction in cross-cultural interactions. Gudykunst and colleagues found that in the developing stages of a relationship all cultures seek to reduce anxiety/uncertainty. However, their findings also showed that many cultures differ in how they manage the anxiety/uncertainty reduction process. There are many variables, such as cultural group identification, experience and friendship with other cultures, that defines this process. For example, high-context cultures and low-context cultures disclose information differently because of their assumption of the other participant’s knowledge of the overall circumstances (See Aspects). This theory falls under the sociopsychological tradition in communication theory.

Relationships
Cross-cultural communication in relationships is multilayered, intricate and unique. Information exchange in these relationships can be complicated because many cultures have diverse, and sometimes conflicting, communication processes and parameters (See Aspects). Behaviors in cross-cultural interactions also differ due to the communicators’ cultural background and diversity. Cross-cultural relationships embody an overlap between an individual’s cultural practices and factors, and their personal communicative practices and factors. These communicative differences create the opportunity for frustration, misunderstanding and conflict in cross-cultural relationships. To avoid conflict and to improve cross-cultural communication one must engage in mindfulness and transpection (paying attention to what’s going on without judgement, show patience, and to try to see the world from the others’ perspective). Successful cross-cultural communication also requires motivation, skills and knowledge about the other culture for intercultural communication competence. Cross-cultural relationships have shown to develop their own vocabulary to further understanding, creating a “third culture”. Individuals in cross-cultural relationships negotiate cultural differences through mutual and unique language and communication processes, such as slang and vocabulary exclusive to the specific relationship.

Romantic Relationships
Aside from the intracultural romantic challenges, cross-cultural couples face unique issues. Some research reports cross-cultural romantic relationships face more conflict and are more likely to fail than intracultural relationships due to cultural differences. Challenges in cross-cultural relationships can often be associated with the couples’ differing value face orientations. Some of these relational challenges develop from the individuals’ differing perceptual styles, values, communication approaches, conflict management styles, lack of language fluency, and the differences between high-context culture and low-context culture communication styles. Issues can also stem from the value different cultures place on relationship role expectations, such as home focus, gentleness, loving and caring individual characteristics. Research also shows that open communication about culture and cultural differences was associated with relationship satisfaction, relational growth and lower levels of relationship adversity. Additionally, individuals in cross-cultural relationships have reported the use open communication and support for the other individual’s culture as relational maintenance strategies, as well as partner understanding, respect, and changing perspectives.

Friendships
Cross-cultural friendship development has many complexities. Communication can not only benefit cross-cultural friendship development, but also interfere it. Although there are many factors in successful cross-cultural friendship development, such as prior intercultural experience, targeted socializing, cultural similarities, and cultural differences, communication and language differences are crucial. Overcoming language barriers can improve the chances of building deep and rewarding cross-cultural friendships. As a result of cross-cultural communication, interaction, inquiry and conversation, cross-cultural friendships give participants the opportunity to learn about other cultures, creating a rewarding environment for members of cross-cultural friendships. Although communication plays an important role in cross-cultural friendship, perceived similarity of beliefs is also paramount in the development of this relationship, even more so than having similar cultural backgrounds. As the friendship develops, perceived similarity is strengthened.

Colleagues and workplace relationships
Cross-cultural workplace relationships are unique because, although there may be cultural differences between colleagues, there is a set of workplace rules they must follow, giving this type of relationship a mutual, common ground. Effective communication in a business environment is vital for the success of the business. When relating to colleagues in a team setting, successful communication is more evident if members of the team communicate using the same language.

Digital Age
Millennials and the Generation “Z” are showing greater interest in cross-cultural communication than previous generations. With the increase in the use of technology, cross-cultural communication is on the rise globally, primarily because digitalization (social media, emails, et cetera) makes the exchange of information between cultures easier and simpler. In today’s digital age, both the Generation “Z” and the Millennial generation deem the ability to successfully communicate across cultures a vital soft skill. This skill is essential in businesses because it influences technological progress, innovation and competitiveness.

The use of online gaming, social media, smartphone applications and online video conferencing fosters a more accessible environment to cross-cultural relationships globally. Additionally, digitalization and technology aid language barriers, one of the biggest challenges in cross-cultural communication. One example is the use of online resources to translate between languages.