Key Concepts and Models in Intercultural Communication Theory

Foundational Concepts in Intercultural Communication (ICC)

...and even physical artifacts.

W. Humboldt's Ideas and ICC Principles

Question: What correlation exists between Wilhelm von Humboldt’s ideas and the principles of Intercultural Communication (ICC)?

Humboldt proposed that: “...human language is a rule-governed system, rather than just a collection of words and phrases paired with meanings...”

Correlation: Language embodies the cultural conceptualization of the community of people who use that language.

Interdisciplinary Nature of ICC Theory

Question: May the Theory of ICC be considered interdisciplinary? Why?

The Theory of ICC can be considered interdisciplinary. Despite the fact that every culture has its own peculiarities, different ways of communication, and norms of behavior, there are also regulatory rules of ICC, which people must follow in order to be understood and to maintain communication.

Culture Storage in Individual Human Beings

Question: In what form is culture stored in individual human beings?

Because culture is learned and socially transmitted (from parents, surroundings, friends, and others), we learn and store:

• Language
• Correct value systems
• Family patterns
• Work practices
• Appropriate models of behavior

Defining Proxemics

Question: What is proxemics?

Proxemics concerns the influence of proximity and space on communication (e.g., in terms of personal space and office layout). For example, space communicates power in the US and Germany.

Understanding the Action Chain

Question: What is an action chain?

An action chain is a term borrowed from animal behavior to describe an interactional process in which one action releases another in a uniform, patterned way. Courtship is a rather complex example. Making a date or inviting someone to dinner would be another.

Time Orientations and Context Interdependence

Question: What is the interdependence between time orientations and context?

Time orientation highlights the difference between high-context and low-context cultures. When people communicate, they take for granted how much the listener knows about the subject.

Strangers and Uncertainty in Communication

Question: Who are strangers? What is uncertainty?

1. Strangers: People who are members of different groups and unknown to us.
2. Uncertainty: The usual way people behave when interacting with a stranger.

Cultural Clash: Disagreement on Values

Question: What happens between two or more cultures when they disagree about a certain value?

A Cultural Clash (or conflict) occurs between two or more cultures when they disagree about a certain value. A Cultural Clash may involve strongly held values such as those concerning religion.

Intentionality in Communication

Question: Is communication always intentional?

Communication does not have to be intentional. Some of the most important communication occurs without the sender knowing a particular message has been sent.

Elements of the Systemic Nature of Communication

The systemic nature of communication is associated with the following elements:

• Location
• Occasion
• Time
• Number of people

Major Dimensions in Communication Description

The major dimensions used to describe communication are:

• Content: What type of things are communicated.
• Source/Sender/Encoder: By whom the message is sent.
• Form: In which form the message is conveyed.
• Channel: Through which medium the message travels.
• Destination/Receiver/Decoder: To whom the message is directed.
• Purpose/Pragmatic Aspect: The intended outcome or function.

Understanding Linear Models of Communication

Models of communication refer to the conceptual models used to explain the human communication process.

Linear Communication Model (Steven Munyao, 1949):

• Source
• Receiver
• Source
• Receiver