Intercultural Communication

Synopsis

ELG254 Intercultural Communication examines verbal and non-verbal communication practices in intercultural and cross-cultural contexts. The course will help students develop a critical understanding of how culture can shape our behaviour, including the ways we use language, and how conflicts may arise when members of different discourse communities interact. Students will be introduced to key theories and concepts in intercultural communication and will have opportunities to apply them to case studies of real-life communication in multicultural and multilingual contexts. Through analysis of actual communicative events, students will develop sensitivity towards challenges in intercultural communication and the ability to use language to negotiate and manage cultural diversity in various social and professional contexts.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY

Topics

Language, culture and identity
Verbal and non-verbal communication
Discourses and communities of practice
Communication in international and culturally complex contexts
Intercultural communicative competence
English as a lingua franca
Cross-cultural pragmatics
Politeness in different cultures
Contrastive rhetoric
Stereotypes and prejudice in text and talk
Cultural shock and adaptation
Negotiation patterns and strategies in intercultural communication

Learning Outcome

Compare communicative events performed in different domains and cultures.
Examine their own personal and professional experience of intercultural communication.
Evaluate problems that may arise during interaction between members of different cultures.
Analyse the relationship between language and culture from different perspectives.
Discuss negotiation skills and strategies for effective intercultural communication.
Apply theories of intercultural communication to real scenarios of communicative events.

Part-time Programmes / CET Courses

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Intercultural Communication