Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
As the question aptly puts it, “The terms race, culture, and ethnicity have similar components but do not mean the same thing.” According to Roger Ballard (2002), the term “race” is a loaded term, including the derogatory impressions brought to mind with the term “racism” or “racist” (p. 3). In fact, we can even question the use of the term “race” except for separating the human race from other animal races (Ballard, 2002, p. 8-9). Culture, though, is completely different, being more socially founded (Ballard, 2002, p. 11). To use his words, “Culture – like language – is the foundation for the worlds of meaning which we create around ourselves. But such meanings are never self-evident: they are always culturally coded” (p. 13). Ethnicity, while also socially defined is less specific than culture. Ballard (2002) defines ethnicity as “the outcome of the articulation of cultural distinctiveness in situations of political and/or economic competition” (p. 28). Therefore, ethnicity is more related to political strife than culture and race. All three elements influence intercultural communication, because they all have an impact on an individual’s identity which determines the manner in which an individual relates to others.
I have had a number of experiences that illustrate the importance of race, culture and/or ethnicity in intercultural communication. When traveling, one can often experience a culture shock when someone behaves in an unexpected manner or when something unusual happens. However, culture differs from person to person and so does culture shock. We sometimes stereotype “race” or ethnicity to be represented in certain ways, when really we are considering cultural differences. In my own case, I have many friends who are of different “race,” ethnicity, and, of course, cultures than I. However, we find common ground that is not challenged by our differences. Working on group projects with individuals from different countries, I have noticed distinct elements, even between members of the same country. This may happen particularly in African countries, where the national boundaries do not represent necessarily the political, ethnic or cultural variances.
References
Ballard, R. (June 2002). Race, Ethnicity and Culture. New Directions in Sociology. Retrieved from http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/savifadok/283/1/racecult.pdf
Banton, M. (1977). The Idea of Race. London: Tavistock.
Barth, F. (1969). Ethnic Groups and Boundaries: the Social Organisation of Culture Difference. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Gray, J. (2000). Two Faces of Liberalism. Cambridge: Polity Press.
