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Question: GREETINGS Like handshakes, greeting rituals also vary from culture to culture. Japanese women bow differently from Japanese men. Could you describe how the bow is done by the Japanese and the German as illustrated in the drawings below? The German bow which is termed as diener means a bow to and in recognition of an authority. Thus, when a person bows, he/she is actually sending the message "at your service." SOURCES OF MISUNDERSTANDING Kaur (2016) cites the following as the sources misunderstanding: of 1. Ambiguity- lack of explicitness on the part of the speaker in the form of problematic reference and ambiguous semantics in which an utterance is open to different interpretations. 2. Performance-related misunderstanding - slips of the tongue and mishearing which may be due to utterances spoken quickly and unclearly. 3. Language-related misunderstanding - ungrammaticality of sentences. 4. Gaps in world knowledge gaps in content rather than language. 5. Local context turns and the turns within sequences. produced by the participants themselves, and the orientation of the participants as well as the repair moves that follow the displayed understanding (p. 147). APPROACHES TO STUDYING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION Why is there a need to understand intercultural communication? It is easy to say that people belong to diverse cultures, hence the need to understand others. But it is easier said than done. Some people take it for granted to read about and study first a country's culture before they go and travel to the place. There is a need to be aware or conscious of other cultures especially those that you will visit so you can avoid offending people. Due to misinterpretations, miscommunication occurs. Likewise, it is suggested that you become aware of cultural identities and backgrounds as it will broaden your horizon. All cultures are equal and though sometimes difficult to understand, you need to understand that no culture is superior or inferior to another. It is only through awareness that you get to compare other cultures with your own and appreciate cultural diversities and learn to live with them. People have different languages, lifestyles, and ways of thinking, speaking, and behaving. This is the essence of cultural diversity. Make me a report explanation for this topic.
Subject: An Overview of Intercultural Communication Intercultural communication represents the exchange and interaction of messages across varying cultures. It is an essential aspect in today's globally connected world. These communication traditions and patterns often vary greatly, influenced by multiple elements including language, lifestyle, and social customs. This report sheds light on complexities that arise from these differences and highlights various sources of misunderstandings and the need to study intercultural communication. I. Japanese and German Greeting Rituals Greeting rituals play an essential role in different cultures. In Japan, bowing is a customary mode of greeting. Gender also implicates the bowing style: Men bow with their arms straight and hands aligned to their body, while women bow with their hands placed on their thighs. This differentiated bowing practice is both respectful and complexly codified. On the other hand, in German culture, a ritual termed "diener" is used. It signifies a form of bowing that shows recognition of an authority. The act of bowing conveys the message, "at your service," and is viewed as a hallmark of respect and obligation toward the superior. II. Sources of Misunderstanding Kaur (2016) identifies five broad areas where misunderstanding often occurs in intercultural communication: 1. Ambiguity: The speaker's lack of explicitness in their speech can lead to problematic references and semantics, wherein a statement can be interpreted in multiple ways. 2. Performance-related misunderstanding: Misunderstandings rooted in slips of the tongue or mishearing, often due to swiftly or unclearly pronounced utterances. 3. Language-related misunderstanding: Misinterpretation may occur due to ungrammatical sentences. 4. Gaps in world knowledge: Content-wise, a lack of shared knowledge can breed misunderstanding. 5. Local context: The sequences of conversation, participants' orientation, and subsequent corrective actions can all contribute to misconstrued understanding. III. Importance of Studying Intercultural Communication Despite cultural diversity often being perceived as self-evidently important, studying intercultural communication is just as, if not more, critical. Awareness and understanding of diverse cultures, especially before traveling to or interacting with individuals from those cultures, can help avoid unintentional offenses and misunderstandings. Appreciating cultural identities and backgrounds not only broadens one's perspectives but also fosters greater empathy and respect towards cultural differences. Every culture is unique, and by acknowledging this, it is possible to highlight cultural diversities, understand the variations in languages, lifestyles, and practices, and celebrate the essence of these diversities. To conclude, intercultural communication is an intricate process, balancing respect for diversity and awareness of potential misunderstandings. A deep understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity could lead towards international harmony and a more inclusive global society.
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