Cross Cultural Communication

EM408/EM608D

We are all shaped by our culture, often in ways that we may not be aware of. Communicating with people from differing cultures can be challenging. This online unit aims to provide you with the knowledge, tools and perspectives to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries.

In this unit you will explore the significance of culture for communication and the process of contextualisation. You will study theories and models of cross-cultural communication, world views and their significance for cross-cultural communication, and the influence of social and power structures on communication. You will also look at the impact of language, body language and para-language; behavioural patterns, cultural norms and values such as honour/shame; the role of gender, media , space, time, para-language, artefacts and the environment.

Content

Scott Moreau, noted Intercultural Communications expert from Wheaton College in the United States, presents teaching videos on:
1.      What is cross- or inter- cultural communication? How communication works.
2.      Overview of the discipline of intercultural communication and Christian mission history, worldview and intercultural communication
3.      Verbal intercultural communication: societies and social institutions; networks, in-groups, and social change
4.      Nonverbal intercultural communication
5.      The importance of context and time, cultural approaches to time
6.      Individualism, collectivism and social power
7.      Gender roles, honour and justice
8.      Cultural adaptation and intercultural competence
9.      Issues and methods in intercultural evangelism
10.     Intercultural discipleship and church planting
11.     Cultural values in teaching and learning, working in teams
12.     Conflict and culture

The videos are interspersed with case studies, online discussions, and panel discussions with other scholars.

The main textbook for the unit is: A. Scott Moreau, Evvy Hay Campbell, Susan Greener. Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2014)