Cultural Exchange Example

Cultural Exchange Example Cultural Exchange â€" Essay Example > Cultural ExchangeIntroductionAs a majority of nations become multicultural communities on the national level, societal differences continue to persist in the population. Although these differences primarily stem from cultural difference, there is a significant contribution emerging from individual positions in the community. McSweeney (2002) note relation between the cultural and social systems, where although distinct the social aspects depend on cultural structures. It is also significant to include McSweeney (2002) views on national culture characterized through five main assumptions. Here, the discussion about these assumptions and their critical analysis reveals that they fail to characterize the identity of a national culture. At this point, it is likely that the challenge in reaching an effective definition follows the complexity of cultural understanding. This essay discusses the thoughts by Edward Tylor on using an evolutionary scale in ranking cultures. In particular, it examines the issue arising when defining culture as well as the appropriateness of Tylors’ technique in the 21st century. It proceeds by comparing three definitions of culture and selection of the more effective culture definition in reference to knowledge on intercultural communication. Answer A The contemporary society features different cultural and linguistic diversity necessitating the need to acquire cross-cultural communication skills. Spencer-Rodgers and McGovern (2002) discuss the importance of intercultural communication, especially in maintaining positive intergroup relations. Imperative in meeting this function are the factors influencing the competency in intercultural communication which include cultural knowledge and awareness (Spencer-Rodgers McGovern, 2002). Here, cultural knowledge entails the effective definition and understanding of culture. However, defining culture today is subject to multiple challenges including its complexity and the different disciplin es that provide varying meaning of the term. Ladau-Harjulin and FRSA (2003) define culture as a progressive programming of the mind whose outcome is the distinguishing of people. The definition becomes relevant when examining the social norms established within a national or ethnic boundary. Furthermore, there is passing down of accumulated wisdom generation-to-generation that cements the position of these social norms as cultural identifiers (Ladau-Harjulin FRSA, 2003). In a psychological perspective, Valsiner (2007) questions the role of culture to human beings. Valsiner (2007) considers it as a foundation for the psyche as well as a source of superficial differences in people. With this opinion, Valsiner (2007) explains culture as that which functions at the mental and social spheres of human life. Moreover, the definition explains interdependency on the mind and society in creating culture whereas culture directs the substance that actualizes both the mind and the society (Va lsiner, 2007). Based on Kecskes (2015) define culture as a system comprising of shared beliefs, norms, customs, values, behaviors and artifacts. Imperative of the system is its role in the society which allows the people to manage their world and relations with others. It is also significant to understand its primary features according to this definition which include its regularity and variety (Kecskes, 2015). Here, the features explain culture as a dynamic phenomenon modified and blended to the particular situation. As such, the definition aligns with the knowledge in intercultural communication as an ideological construct applied to specific context to direct human behavior and set boundaries. Moreover, the understanding enhances the employment of efficient intercultural communication to manage the agreement of a culturally diverse people.