Based On Your Proposal From Topic 3 And Feedback

Based On Your Proposal From Topic 3 And Any Feedback You May Have Rece

Based on your proposal from Topic 3 and any feedback you may have received, write a 1,000-1,250-word paper that connects specific cultural communication patterns or practices to the history, values, and beliefs of that culture. You should focus on a culture of which you are not a member (e.g., you would not research GCU cultural communication patterns because you are a member of the GCU community). Your paper should integrate five reputable and authoritative sources. The focus of your paper is to present research on the history, beliefs, and values of a cultural group and give examples of communication patterns or practices that are influenced by these histories, beliefs, and/or values. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

The following journal article titles illustrate the variety of patterns or practices that your paper could address: The Gift and the Common Good: A Chinese and Business Ethics Perspective; Acculturative Family Distancing and Depressive Symptoms Among Latinas: The Role of Intergenerational Cultural Conflict; Engaging Malaysia: A Grassroots Approach to Inter/Intra-Religious Communication; Impact of Romantic Facebook “Crush Pages” on the Egyptian Youth; The Impact of Covid-19 on Indonesian Education and Its Relation to the Philosophy of “Merdeka Belajar.” This is not an all-inclusive list, and you are free to pick any pattern or practice in collaboration with your instructor. Notice that each of these articles addresses a communication issue and links it to cultural distinctiveness.

The focus of your paper is to present research on the history, beliefs, and values of a cultural group and give examples of communication patterns or practices that are influenced by these histories, beliefs, and/or values. While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Paper For Above instruction

When exploring the intricate relationship between cultural communication patterns and the foundational elements of a society, it is essential to understand the deep-rooted history, core values, and prevailing beliefs that shape a community’s identity. This paper aims to analyze the Chinese culture as an illustrative example of how historical context, moral values, and traditional beliefs influence communication practices. By examining these aspects, we can better comprehend the distinctive communication patterns that emerge within this cultural framework and appreciate their significance in societal interactions.

Chinese culture boasts a history spanning thousands of years, marked by dynastic rule, philosophical developments, and social evolution. Central to this historical narrative is Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism—all of which have significantly influenced societal values and interpersonal communication. Confucianism, in particular, emphasizes filial piety, respect for elders, harmony, and hierarchical relationships. These core principles manifest in communication practices characterized by deference, indirectness, and symbolism, which serve to maintain social harmony and avoid conflict. For example, in Chinese communication, maintaining “face” (面子 miànzi) — the respectability and dignity of oneself and others — is crucial, leading individuals to communicate in ways that preserve group cohesion rather than confrontational debate.

Historically, the collectivist orientation rooted in Confucian ideals fosters communication patterns that prioritize group consensus and preserve social order. In practice, this results in indirect speech, the use of euphemisms, and high-context communication, where much is understood implicitly rather than explicitly. These practices contrast with Western, individualistic communication styles that often favor directness and explicit expression. For instance, Chinese managers may avoid openly criticizing employees to preserve face and harmony, opting for subtle guidance or private feedback. Such practices, rooted in historical values of harmony and social hierarchy, exemplify how tradition influences contemporary communication.

Beliefs surrounding family and filial piety are also instrumental in shaping communication. Respect for elders extends beyond familial interactions into societal norms. Children are taught to listen respectfully and communicate deferentially with elders, and this reverence influences workplace communication, where seniority commands respect and influence. This hierarchical communication pattern can be observed in formal settings, where subordinates avoid direct disagreement with superiors and prefer indirect cues to express dissent or differing opinions.

Moreover, cultural narratives surrounding the importance of harmony and unity continue to influence modern communication practices, especially in conflict resolution. In Chinese society, maintaining harmony (和谐 héxié) is valued above individual assertions that may cause discord. Consequently, conflict often remains implicit, with individuals employing tactful language and non-verbal cues to navigate disagreements. This indirect communication style helps uphold societal stability and reflects the collective’s prioritization of group cohesion over individual expression.

The influence of historical and philosophical underpinnings on Chinese communication extends to contemporary settings such as business, politics, and education. In business negotiations, for example, building trust and relationships (guanxi) is prioritized over immediate transactional outcomes. Communication is often characterized by patience, subtlety, and reading between the lines, reflecting the cultural emphasis on trust-building and respect for hierarchy. Such patterns demonstrate the enduring impact of cultural values rooted in history on present-day practices.

Critically, globalization and modernization pose challenges to traditional communication styles. Younger generations may adopt more direct communication influenced by Western norms, leading to a dynamic interaction between traditional and modern practices. Nevertheless, core cultural values continue to influence communication behaviors, especially in formal or familial contexts.

In addition to the theoretical understanding of these patterns, empirical studies reinforce their relevance. Researchers have documented the role of face-saving behaviors, indirect speech acts, and hierarchical communication in Chinese society. For example, Ting-Toomey (1988) highlighted how face maintenance governs interpersonal communication in East Asian cultures, including China. Similarly, Ting-Toomey and Kurogi (1998) emphasized the importance of face and harmony in facilitating intercultural understanding and conflict management.

Understanding these communication practices is vital for intercultural competence. Recognizing the influence of history, religion, and social values enables individuals from diverse backgrounds to navigate Chinese social and professional environments more effectively. Appreciating indirect communication styles in Chinese culture fosters respectful dialogue and reduces misunderstandings in cross-cultural interactions.

In conclusion, Chinese cultural communication patterns are deeply rooted in their long history, philosophical traditions, and societal values. These patterns serve to preserve social harmony, reinforce hierarchical relationships, and uphold collective identity. As globalization accelerates, balancing traditional communication practices with modern influences remains a challenge and an opportunity for cultural evolution. A comprehensive understanding of these dynamics enhances intercultural communication, fostering respect and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

References

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  • Hsu, F. L. K. (1981). Americans and Chinese: Passage to Differences. University of Hawaii Press.
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  • Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). Intercultural conflict styles: A face-negotiation theory. In Y. Y. Kim & W. B. Gudykunst (Eds.), Theories in intercultural communication (pp. 213-235). Sage.
  • Ting-Toomey, S., & Kurogi, A. (1998). Facework competence in intercultural conflict: An analysis of Japanese, Chinese, and American communicative styles. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 22(2), 187-225.
  • Wang, S. (2006). Understanding Chinese interpersonal communication: A cultural perspective. Journal of Asian Pacific Communication, 16(2), 273-289.
  • Yum, J. O. (1988). The impact of Confucianism on interpersonal relationships in East Asia. Korea Journal of Social Sciences, 15(2), 151-167.
  • Zhu, W. (2004). Face in Chinese communication: An intercultural perspective. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 33(3), 261-277.