Jens Allwood, Ralph Schroeder
Abstract
In this paper we explore and describe aspects of intercultural communication in an Internet based virtual environment. In spite of a massive Anglo-American dominance, the Internet share of non-English language use and of participants from non-English speaking countries is steadily increasing (cf Flydal). Our study is based on observing spontaneous text-based communication in a potentially multilingual and multicultural setting, the Active Worlds multi-user VR system. The paper examines a number of features of this communication, such as length of contributions, languages used, origins of participants, types of introductions, topics, vocabulary and communication management.
keywords: intercultural communication, virtual intercultural communication, virtual reality, intercultural avatars, Intercultural ECA.
Back to startMobo C F Gao
Abstract
The paper is a discussion of verbal and non-verbal communication issues encoutered by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) students as immigrants in Australia. It is based on a large survey study as well as interview studies of PRC students who were granted residence status by the Australian government after the 1989 Tiananmen events. When immigrants initially live in a society which is culturally different, their own culture is still with them mainly in three ways: language, value and customs, and self-identity, each of which is related to another. This paper seeks to demonstrate that values and customs are manifested not only in non-verbial communication but also in verbial communication in that native language influences the speakers’ ways of using a non-native language. At the same time native linguistic knowledge, values and customs impose constraints on how immigrants identify themselves. The paper concludes that it is sometimes difficult to make difference between what is cultural and what is linguistic, that acquisition of a second language is not culturally value-free, that aculturalization and linguistic competence goes hand in hand, and that aculturalization indicates identity shift.
keywords: values, customs, verbal/non-verbal communication, immigrants’ self-identification, aculturalization, identity shift.
James Leigh
Abstract
Human behavior is striking for it is the same and yet different. Many common behaviors are displayed by humans around the world whatever their race or ethnic heritage. And yet there are also unique parochial behaviors among various peoples. That is behaviors that are bound to a particular culture or ethnic group in their locale or milieu. Of course the interaction of different cultures may lead to common cultural phenomena and behaviour across various human groups - hence for example, TV, blue jeans and hello are just about ubiquitous.
Human behavior is largely rooted in one or both of the following:
· Biological heritage
· Cultural heritage
Universal behavior, that is shared by humans around the world therefore, is based in human biological inheritance passed on through the generations of all mankind. Alternatively, behavior that is different among the various groups of mankind, is developed in our learned behavior from our social and physical surroundings.
It should be no surprise therefore, to see that the interaction of diverse parochial behaviors across cultural borders often lead to unintended misunderstanding - even conflict. This misunderstanding may appear as the received meaning of the various exotic behaviors' messages are found offensive, even if they were not meant to be so.
In this paper, first of all human behavior that is universal will be looked at. Then a comparative-culture view of learned parochial behavior will be taken of various unique and culturally bound behaviors. However, the overall thrust of the paper is practical. From the insights gained of human behavior, some empathy-based practical communication techniques for effective intercultural communication are listed. With their application, intercultural offence may be minimised, and co-operation and understanding maximised.
keywords: universal behaviour, parochial behaviours, bio-cultural functionalism, intercultural offense, empathy-based communication techniques.
Steven L. Rosen
Abstract
This paper tries to show how cross-cultural conflict often occurs between Japan and Westerners as the result of imposing one's own cultural meanings onto another culture. Interpretations of Japan, as well as other Asian cultures, often carries an implicit assumption that the West is rational (and superior) whereas the East is bound by ancient traditions (and is inferior). "Orientalism" has been identified as the particular form that Western stereotypical understandings of Asian cultures has taken. Intercultural communication becomes highly problematic as long as stereotypes are held and as long as the other culture is seen as foreign and wholly other. By transcending this "Orientalism" we will be in a better position to understand and communicate with those from another culture without having to set up a dichotomous boundary between "us" and "them."
Conflict with Japan is focused on 1) because there seems to be a lot of it, and 2) because Japan represents a unique culture field which is, in some ways, both modern and familiar, yet in other ways seemingly foreign to Western interpretive structures. This paper will call into question some of the stereotypes that Westerners often project onto Japan as being a monolithic culture which is excessively authoritarian, hierarchical, and patriarchal. We will try to offer some other interpretive options for understanding a culture which has suffered from intercultural communication problems for so long.
keywords: cross-cultural conflict, cultural meanings, implicit assumptions, Orientalism.
Kjell Skyllstad
Abstract
The Norwegian national institute for music dissemination (Rikskonsertene) initiated a three year school research project "Resonant Community" (1989 - 92). The project aimed at creating an understanding for the cultural traditions of immigrant communities in the Norwegian capital, and preventing discriminatory attitudes through an art program related to cultural traditions of the various immigrant groups.The project further aimed at releasing and promoting the artistic talents and ressources in these communities through cooperation with leading artists from countries of origin in the fields of music and dance. The author directed a comprehensive research program and published the main findings in a report Participating schools were found to benefit from the program through improved interethnic relation. Incidents of harassment were reduced and immigrant children with improved self image were found to find easier acceptance.
The Norwegian project was followed up through other intercultural initiatives, and led to a new profile in educational and cultural policy. A Norwegian multicultural music centre was founded, arranging a yearly world music festival.
The Department of Music and Theatre of the University of Oslo has been responsible for cooperation programs with countries where interethnic problems have called for new initiatives. A cooperation program with the Institute of Aesthetic Studies in Sri Lanka has led to intercultural initiatives including an Asian multicultural music festival. Cooperation with University institutes in Croatia and Slovenia and Israel have likewise been centered on the role of the arts in conflict transformation. Experiences from an Israeli/Palestinian childrens' choir project are discussed within the general background of intercultural relations.
keywords: immigrant communities, cultural traditions, Participating Schools, cultural policy, State Concert Agency of Norway, culture of peace, conflict transformation , Israeli-Palestinian Ensemble, Multicultural Bosnia.
Tongtao Zheng
Abstract
The article explores how language can been used as a resource of cultural value and creative power in Australian English. The paper reveals how Australian politicians use political language rhetoric as a powerful tool in gaining political advantages. Several segments of so-called "public discourse" have been analysed, but the author mainly focuses on two areas of speech: how politicians use their language skills in gaining public support, and how they shirk responsibility. Special discoursal features of these speeches have been compiled and categorised. The speeches are studied from the various angles of discourse analysis and political rhetoric techniques.
keywords: public discourse, Australian political discourse, discoursal features, political rhetoric techniques, targeting strategy, enforcement strategy, avoidance strategy.
Copyright by the authors.
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