Chapter 9 - Intercultural Relationships in Everyday Life - Summary Form PDF

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Summary of Chapter 9 from "Experiencing Intercultural Communication: an Introduction"...

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COMS3370:I nt er cul t ur alCommuni cat i on

Chapter 9 Summary Form 1. What are the major theories and/or topics discussed in the chapter? (2 pt.) Benefits and challenges of intercultural relationships The role and of similarities and differences in intercultural relationships The impact of cultural differences and relational communication. Intercultural friendships, intercultural romantic relationships, and gay relationships. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) can both facilitate and hinder intercultural relationships.  How society influences intercultural relationships.     

2. Who are the representative theorists discussed in the chapter? (1 pt.)    

Brenda Allen Pew Research Center Robyn Preston-McGee Lakshmi Chaudhry

3. What are the key claims discussed in the chapter? (6 pts.) In this chapter, the author explores an intercultural relationship with individuals who share the same culture and those coming from diverse backgrounds. The reading recognises the challenges associated with socialising with new people in intercultural communication. In this case, the author begins by encouraging the reads to recall how they started friendship or relationship with people from different cultures. The challenge then involves meeting individuals from the same backgrounds. Chapter 9 covers the benefits and problems related to intercultural relationships. The author the reinforces the discussion with an analysis of different types of intercultural relationships, such as friendship and romantic affairs. The study involves the impact of the society in the development of the intercultural relationships. Ultimately, due to the possible negative influence of the society, the author proposes strategies to build and maintain healthy intercultural relationships. The author explores the advantages and disadvantages of intercultural relationships after the brief introduction. According to the reading, intercultural relationships play a significant role in acquiring additional knowledge beyond one’s community. People tend to be attracted to differences which form diversity. Every society has a special characteristic that is inherent to them. Only individuals who offer to socialise with people from such communities can learn something new that is not in their culture. For instance, marrying someone from a different religion provides a good opportunity to learn about their beliefs. Such a chance is vital in breaking stereotyping against a particular community. In many cases, people tend to develop a perception of issues and individuals they do not know. The practice has led to conflicts in intercultural relationships due to misunderstandings. However, when utilises the opportunity well, he or she will benefit from discovering the beauty of diversity. For instance, a person can

COMS3370:I nt er c ul t ur alCommuni cat i on

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learn a new language, history of a community, and religious beliefs. Once a someone is familiar with the social aspect of other people, he or she changes mind and start viewing the intercultural relationship in a different perspective. On the other hand, developing intercultural relationships is difficult due to various challenges, such as motivation and negative stereotyping. Interacting with a person from a diverse background requires self-motivation. No one wants to approach a person from a different culture unless he or she has interest. The desire is affected by factors such as differences in values and communication styles. The disparities reflect themselves during the initial stages of relationships, and their effects lessen as the couple or friends start learning and appreciating each other’s diversity. Other challenges include anxiety and the need for explanations for various issues. Young intercultural relationships are always uncertain. The participants usually think that the relationships will break soon due to lack of similarities. Besides, this chapter addresses the fundamentals of the intercultural relationships and diversity. The author claims that most intercultural relationships are founded on the principle of similarities and differences. In this case, the notion implies diversity attracts individuals to form relationships. The discussion changes to discover what motivates other people to start gay relationships. The author asserts that gay affairs and heterosexual shares various similarities. The only differences lie in the emotional aspect where gays are praised for being better at managing conflicts compared to straight couples. The role of the society in intercultural relationships is evident among gays. The reading claims that almost all families do not approve such couple. The author gives an example of Cameroon where it is legal to date a person of the same sex. The situation is worse in Islamic countries where ISIS is reported to have killed over 38 people suspected to be gays. Therefore, the society plays an important role in intercultural relationships. In conclusion, the reading provides various methods of promoting intercultural relationships despite the negative impact of the society. The author focuses the argument on computermediated communication to facilitate interaction with people from various backgrounds. The process should be supported with familiarising families with the rule about gays’ rights in the United States. The author claims that most societies disprove such relationships due to a lack of knowledge about the current rules. Nonetheless, the chapter asserts that the fate of intercultural relationships should depend more on the participants rather than the society. 4. What are some interesting applications of the theories/topics/key claims that are discussed in the chapter? For example, how can the ideas from this chapter be applied to your own life? (3 pts.) Chapter 9 contains one of the most relevant theories in my intercultural social life. I have always dreaded having a relationship with a person from a different background due to prejudice and the anxiety of break-ups. The author’s ideas have changed my mind, and I no longer fear to participate in intercultural dating. I will apply the teachings of this chapter by learning the differences and similarities between and the suitable partner. The main drive will be to maintain the desire to learn new information beyond the boundary of my culture. In this case, it will be fun to learn and communicate in a foreign language. I believe that love is for the two people. Therefore, I will not allow the society to interfere with my relationship. I ensure my partner that I am dedicated to turning the similarities and differences into our strengths. On the other hand, I have learnt that people are different in terms of sexual orientation. The discussion has challenged

COMS3370:I nt e r cul t ur alCommuni cat i on

me to stop having a negative perception of gays. I understand that people are never the same and it is important to respect one’s sexual orientation. 5. Think of a pop culture reference to the theories/topics/key claims that are discussed in the chapter. What song, movie, TV shows, etc. can be applied to illustrate the ideas from the chapter? (3 pts.) Since chapter involves emotional discussion about intercultural relationships, Backstreet Boys’ “As Long as You Love Me” supports the idea of falling in love with an individual irrespective of culture. The author explains the benefits and challenges of intercultural relationships and the role of the society. The subject is covered in the song’s lyrics, “people say I am crazy.” Therefore, the song recognises that the society is one the challenging obstacles in the success of intercultural relationships. The artists go on singing, “I do not care where you are from…as long as you love me.” For those societal pressure against their intercultural relationships, this is one of the best songs that disapproves the third parties’ opinions....