Introduction To Communication: What Do We Mean?

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Culture Introduction to Communication, 10/18/18 1. What do we mean by culture? 2. The Nacirema -- thin description -- thick description 3. What are some components of culture? 4. What is Rutgers' student culture? 5. How do you get to know Rutgers culture? -- cultural adaptation Stages: 1. honeymoon 2. frustration 3. readjustment 4. resolution 6. How is culture produced? 7. What are some characteristics of culture? -- complex and multi-faceted -- high context cultures -- low context cultures -- monochronic time -- polychronic time -- invisible -- How does it become visible? -- subjective -- change over time 8. The role of mediated communication

Paper For Above instruction

Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that embodies the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. It serves as a framework through which individuals interpret their environment and interact with others. Understanding culture involves examining its components, production, characteristics, and evolution over time, as well as how it influences communication practices within different contexts.

The Nacirema, a term coined by Horace Miner in his anthropological satire, offers an insight into cultural practices through both thin and thick description. Thin description refers to observable behaviors, such as rituals or customs, while thick description delves into the underlying meanings and social significance of these behaviors. This approach highlights how culture is more than surface appearances; it reveals deeper values and symbolic systems that govern social conduct.

Several key components constitute culture, including language, norms, rituals, symbols, and institutions. Language is crucial in transmitting cultural values and facilitating communication. Norms and rituals encode societal expectations and reinforce shared identities. Symbols serve as representatives of cultural ideals, while institutions—such as family, education, and religion—structure social life and influence individual behavior.

When examining Rutgers University’s student culture, one can observe a vibrant, dynamic community characterized by shared traditions, social activities, and collective identities. Students may participate in sports, academic clubs, and cultural events that foster belonging and school pride. Understanding this culture involves experiencing campus life firsthand, engaging with peers, and participating in university rituals and traditions.

Cultural adaptation is a process through which individuals or groups integrate into a new cultural environment. This process typically unfolds in stages: the honeymoon phase, where excitement and fascination prevail; the frustration stage, characterized by misunderstandings and culture shock; the readjustment phase, where adjustments are made; and finally, resolution, where a sense of integration and comfort is achieved. Navigating these stages requires openness, flexibility, and active engagement with the new cultural context.

Culture is produced through social interactions, historical developments, and collective shared practices. It is continuously recreated as individuals and groups interpret, modify, and transmit cultural elements across generations. This production is influenced by power dynamics, technological changes, and intercultural exchanges, making culture a living, evolving phenomenon.

Characteristics of culture include its complexity, multi-dimensionality, and invisibility. Cultures can be high context, relying heavily on non-verbal cues and shared understanding, or low context, emphasizing explicit communication. Time orientation also varies: monochronic cultures prioritize punctuality and schedules, while polychronic cultures adopt more flexible, relational approaches. Culture often remains invisible to insiders but becomes visible through behaviors, artifacts, and language, and it is subjective, influenced by individual perceptions and experiences. Over time, culture changes due to internal developments and external influences, reflecting societal progress and globalization.

In mediated communication, culture is expressed and negotiated through digital platforms, mass media, and other technological channels. Mediated communication can enhance cultural understanding by bridging geographical distances but also poses challenges related to cultural misinterpretation or homogenization. The role of media in shaping cultural narratives underscores its importance in contemporary communication practices and cultural production.

References

• Miner, H. (1956). Body Ritual among the Nacirema. American Anthropologist, 58(3), 503-507.
• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
• Hall, E. T. (1989). Understanding Cultural Differences. Intercultural Management and Business, 59-70.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
• Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. (2003). Communicating with Strangers: An Approach to Intercultural Communication. Routledge.
• Hall, E. T., & Hall, M. R. (1990). Understanding Cultural Differences. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press.
• Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987). Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage. Cambridge University Press.
• Kristof, S. J. (1996). Cross-cultural training. Annual Review of Psychology, 47, 645-668.
• Appadurai, A. (1996). Modernity At Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. University of Minnesota Press.