Introduction
This book report considers an intercultural Communication book, Principles of Intercultural Communication, by Igor E. Klyukanov. The book was published in the year 2005 by Pearson Education Inc. The author of the book is an experienced professor of Communication studies at the Eastern Washington University. On top of serving as an editor for the international Journal of Communication, Igor E. Klyukanov has written at least 50 articles as well as books in the field of culture, communication, and language. With his experience Klyukanov has authored this particular book configuring it within ten essential principles, “Principles of Intercultural communication. “ He has emphasized on the present intercultural communication theory. The author has applied the use of case studies as well as side trips while integrating provocative discussions. Klyukanov’s particular approach uses ten incorporated principles to make his work coherent.
The need for effective intercultural communication has becomes dominant due to the fact that communication as well as transport technologies, transform and shrink worldwide distances and contacts among the people. Klyukanov’s book gives a strong foundation for using communication principles for intercultural communications across the world. The major factor to consider while encouraging effective communication is to highlight the importance of ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism can be achieved through pervasive impact of culture. Historical intercultural contacts explain the necessity for consciousness which structures the beliefs of different people across different cultures in the word. Different views in the world, values and perception such as Corts and Montezuma are highlighted to explain the ten principles of intercultural communication. Case studies as the Language Policy in Quabec, the Cultural Shareability of Elvis Presley and the Left Handed In-group create an understanding of different cultures as well as their interactions.
Creating awareness of the differences across cultures helps in preventing misunderstandings, discrimination, prejudices as well as stereotypes among people globally. Without understanding or knowing the principles of communication ineffective communication will carry the day barring people from exchanging and diversifying various perspectives of various people, a thing that can enrich lives. It is through multiple examples that Klyukanov shows the obligation to embrace competent intercultural communication. Doing this will ensure that active and dedicated contributors of intercultural communication and understanding will be able to do so through unlimited advantages that come with sharing of different viewpoints from different people in a swiftly changing world.
The ten principals of intercultural communication that Kylukanov uses to explain intercultural relations include; punctuation principle, uncertainty principle, performativity principle, ositionality principle, commensurabilty principle, the continuum principle, the pendulum principle, transaction principle, the synergy principle and sustainability principle (Kylukanov 6). The punctuation principle is about creating cultural boundaries. This principle states that there must have to happen cultural identification so as to create boundaries. However cultural boundaries are not meant to separate but enable the understanding of different cultures. Kylukanov uses the Russo-Japanese Frontier to explain this principle. During the Russo-Japanese conflict, the victorious Japan succeeded in forcing Russia to do away with its expansionist policy. The second principle is uncertainty principle. The principle advocates for constructing knowledge in all intellectual communication. This will help clear any uncertainty that will hinder intercultural communication.
Another principle of intercultural communication that Kylukanov writes about is performativity principle. It views intercultural communication as an implementation of meaning. He uses the Al Halqua, performing in Morrocco, to get his point clarify his point. Positionality principle comes in as the fourth principle that explains the necessity of drawing out a cultural map that will define the position of each culture hence promoting better intercultural communication. The argument in Israel – Palestinian Encounters illustrates how positionality principle would have been applied to promote peace between the two cultures of Israel and Palestine. The fifth principle is the Commensurability principle which acts as a comparison of cultural maps so as to know and understand cultural differences which will help foster intercultural communication. The Problem of ‘Chou’ best defines this principle. After defining cultural differences the next thing to do to improve intercultural communication is to form a common intercultural space which creates the Continuum Principle. The 1999 Coca Cola Scare in Europe bets illustrates how creating a common intercultural space would have avoided the situation. The Pendulum Principle explores the need to rely on the dynamics of intercultural communication to enhance intercultural communication as well as create a good understanding among different cultures.
The Transaction Principle states resolving of intercultural tensions as a way of promoting intercultural communication and understanding. He uses “The Wall of death” which is the conflict between the western Culture and the Japanese. Kylukanov further illustrates how attempts to resolve the intercultural tensions have help a great deal and how more attempts would improve the relationship between the two cultures. The Synergy principal shows how collaboration among cultures creates a better intercultural cooperation thus improving communication. Finally, Kyukanov discusses about the Sustainability Principle. He explains that intercultural ethics act as rationality for intercultural communication. He uses an Ethics of Cultural exchange as a case study to explain the importance of intercultural ethics in promoting intercultural communication.
Conclusion
Creating awareness of the differences across cultures helps in preventing misunderstandings, discrimination, prejudices as well as stereotypes among people globally. Without understanding or knowing the principles of communication ineffective communication will carry the day barring people from exchanging and diversifying various perspectives of various people, a thing that can enrich lives. The need for effective intercultural communication has becomes dominant due to the fact that communication as well as transport technologies, transform and shrink worldwide distances and contacts among the people. Klyukanov’s book gives a strong foundation for using communication principles for intercultural communications across the world. The ten principles as illustrated by the author can help improve intercultural communication. It should be investigated as to how cultures have applied the ten principles in intercultural communication.
