Intercultural Communication

obligatory courses

Classroom

The purpose of this course is to raise participants awareness and discuss ways of overcoming possible linguistic and non-linguistic barriers to intercultural communication such as linguistic worldview, communication style, as well as norms, believes, values, and stereotypes. The topics also include: dealing with culture shock and intercultural mediation

The course objective is to draw the participants’ attention to the less understood barriers to communication between representatives of different cultures. We will investigate such linguistic aspects as culture-language-thought relationship and communication styles, as well as non-linguistic sources of miscommunication including value orientations and stereotypes. Group discussions will involve issues of cultural identity, culture shock, a model of developing intercultural competence, and the role of intercultural mediator in various settings (e.g. as a tourist, student or translator). The students will have an opportunity to test and develop their own intercultural competence analyzing examples of cultural misunderstandings or interpreting texts of culture (media, artefacts), and finally working on their semester project.

Topics

1. Introduction to the course: overview, requirements, assignments

2. Basic concepts of intercultural communication e.g. culture, communication

3. Understanding culture: definitions and metaphors

4. Selected models for analyzing cultural diversity: E. T. Hall, G. Hofstede

5. Culture as a source of barriers: ethnocentrism, prejudice, stereotypes

6. Cross cultural differences in different contexts (tourism, family, education)

7. Culture shock: basic processes; acculturation

8. Cultural identity and language

9. Language as a barrier to intercultural communication

10. Semantics: words and their meanings in different cultures

11. Pragmatics: Language forms of the speech acts in various languages and cultures. (Im)politeness in different cultures.

12. Communication styles and nonverbal communication

13. Cultural differences in writing

14. Developing Intercultural Competences. Selected models.

15. Project presentations and discussion.

Primary sources:

Lantz-Deaton, C., Golubeva, I. 2020. Intercultural Competence for College and University Students. A Global Guide for Employability and Social Change. Springer.

Rings, G., Rasinger, S.M. 2022. The Cambridge Introduction to Intercultural Communication. Cambridge University Press.

Additional sources:

Bowe, H., Martin, K. and Manns, H. 2014. Communication Across Cultures: Mutual Understanding in a Global World. Cambridge University Press

Jackson, J. 2024. Introducing Language and Intercultural Communication, 3rd Edition, Routledge.

Piller, I. 2017. Intercultural Communication: A Critical Introduction. Edinburgh University Press.

Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands:

-at an advanced level conceptual and terminological apparatus in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-at an advanced level main directions of development and the most important achievements in the area of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-at an advanced level contemporary research trends in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-the latest research methodology used in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-social, cultural and political issues in relation to the dilemmas of modern civilization

-relations between language and culture and religion sciences as well as sociology

-at an advanced level cultural diversity and its transformations, cultural identity, interaction and intercultural communication

-principles of creation and development of various forms of entrepreneurship

Skills: the graduate is able to:

-prepare written works in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism in English (including works bearing the features of a scientific text)

-search, analyse and utilise information using available sources

-recognize different genres of texts and conduct their in-depth analysis and interpretation using various methods

-argue substantively using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions

-integrate knowledge relevant to multilingualism and multiculturalism

-make a simple analysis of the consequences of processes taking place in contemporary societies

-independently develop and give an oral presentation on a selected topic in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism using source literature

-formulate, analyse and synthesise research problems in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism and select adequate methods and tools to solve these problems, present the developed issues using various forms and methods

-work independently and in a group to acquire knowledge and develop research skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

-use the English language in speech and writing compliant with the requirements set out for the B2+ level according to CEFR

Social competences: the graduate is ready to:

-recognise the importance of knowledge and seek expert advice when problems arise

-critically assess knowledge and skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism

Assessment

Participation: 30%. Making up for absences and reading set texts is necessary to participate in classes.

Final Assignment: 70%. Assessment based on a written end-of-term test and presenting a project (Oral presentation and Written report).

Two absences are allowed with no excuse.

Marking/ grading scale:

over 91% – 5

90%-81% – 4+

80%-71% – 4

70%-61% – 3+

60%- 51% – 3