COMS 332

1. Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason – COMS 332

2. Think about
it…
Why do we
consider
“cultural
norms” an
important
concept when
discussing
acculturation?
Cultural identity
• The identification with and perceived
acceptance within a group that has a shared
systems of symbols and meanings as well as
norms for conduct.
Consider also:
• Cultures within cultures
• Superstitions (practices believed to
influence the course of events)

4. Race – a large body of people
characterized by similarity of descent.
Distinctions between and among terms
have been made throughout
history and continue to
change
• Chinese were considered of
color, Japanese were not, and
Vietnamese were white.
Think about it…
People may be of the
SAME race, but of
different cultures.
Example: Australians
and South Africans

5.  An individual’s first likely response when
entering a host culture as a sojourner or
immigrant.
 Five stages of culture shock:
1. Adaptation (new and exciting – “honeymoon”)
2. Acculturation (hostility toward differences)
3. Assimilation (increased ability to function in new
culture)
4. Adjustment (identifying the good/bad elements
of current and former culture
5. Integration (“biculturalism” – coping, with
comfort, in current and former cultures)
Length of time varies for each stage.

6. “Reverse” culture shock
Symptoms of culture shock
• Overemphasis on health, safety, cleanliness
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Stress Think about it…
Why would such symptoms
exist? Would they be more
or less common in various
stages of culture shock?

7. ANXIETY
STEREOTYPES &
PREJUDICE
ASSUMING
SIMILARITY
INSTEAD OF
DIFFERENCE
NONVERBAL
MIS-
INTERPRETATIONS
ETHNOCENTRISM
LANGUAGE

8. Negatively judging aspects of another
culture by the standards of one’s own
culture. (My way is right…everyone else
is wrong).
Can lead to rejection of knowledge and
loss of interpersonal relationships.

9. Upon interacting with a person, our chief
communication goal is to reduce our
uncertainty about that person.
Increased anxiety means decreased
interactions
Think about it…
What role does URT play in
an intercultural
communication course? In
study abroad?