Continuing values explorations
There are many ways to compare cultures. Scholars each have their vantage point, but you also have yours. Here we provide links for further exploration so you can consider which …
Course: Intercultural Communication: Dynamics of cultural identities in global interaction
Understanding levels of identity in interaction
As we interact with others, it’s important to understand the scope of cultural identity. The attached article clarifies how we process various levels and can help you become more aware …
Going through waves of cultural adaption
Though culture shock processes are often presented as U or W curves, this reading suggests that waves of cultural adaptation keep coming. Culture is dynamic and our adjustments take us …
Adopting Strategies for Personal Development
This video points out approaches that might help you overcome the negative effects of culture shock. We introduce strategies and tips to facilitate your intercultural adaptation process, and summarize course …
Engaging in intercultural adaptation processes
This video explains some noted adaptation processes that most people go though. The stress, adaptation, and growth model in particular shows how cross-cultural challenges help develop intercultural communication competence. This …
Culture Shock Overview
The typical stresses or shocks caused by facing unfamiliar cultures are well documented. This article provides a summary of the research, which might help you interpret your experiences as you …
Creatively Expressing Stress and Adaptation
As we undergo varied adaptation processes , it is important to recognize our affective responses. Songs or poems can help us express and clarify the complex feelings encountered. A sample …
What is culture shock?
Culture shock or stress comes from loss of familiar cues and unmet expectations. It is compared to a ‘dis’-ease with its own symptoms. We emphasise that this “shock” is a …
Feeling culture shock – A case
Knowing about culture shock is no cure for feeling it. The accumulation of uncertainty, missed cues, and confusion of new contexts can wear us down. Being aware of these challenges …
Introducing culture shock and adaptation questions
Welcome to the last week of this course! In this section, we discuss culture shock and intercultural adaptation. Considering key questions helps face the challenging path through the ups and …
Experiencing situational culture shock
What happens to us when we first go into a new cultural setting? Sometimes just the place itself is challenging! Any relocation can mean changes in climate, food, or other …
How important is silence?
Much of communication focuses on expressive aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication. However, silence also plays an important role. This article helps you to consider the role and meaning of …
Introducing monochronic and polychronic time
This video discusses cultural preferences on monochromic (linear, sequential, analogue) and polychromic (concurrent, multi-tasking, digital) time contrasts. These are shown in individualist, collectivistic and specialized cultures. Time expectations across cultures …
Understanding mindfulness
In this article, Prof. Ting-Toomey argues for mindful inquiry as a way to cultivate intercultural competence. This refers to being fully aware, sensitive, and empathetic in observation, listening, and communication. …
Introducing time and space
This video introduces Edward T. Hall’s concepts of Chronemics (time orientations) and Proxemics (space orientations). These provide helpful ways of describing or contrasting culture standards for what is considered appropriate. …
These articles are from the online course:
Intercultural Communication: Dynamics of cultural identities in global interaction