Communication across Cultural Barriers

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the human ability to communicate and cites recent research into communication among other so-called "higher" forms of animal life.

Outline:
Introduction
Communication Theory and Intercultural Communication
Communication Through Symbolism and Ritual
Complex Ideas and the Limits of Nonverbal Communication Across Cultural Barriers
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"According to contemporary anthropologists and evolutionary biologists, the essential element of humanity that differentiates us from our nearest evolutionary cousins is our ability to communicate, and in particular, our ability to do so verbally. Some authorities believe that verbal communication is a natural result of our large cranial capacity while others suggest the reverse, characterizing the latter as one beneficial consequence of the former (Poole, et al 2007).
"In recent years, research into communication among other so-called "higher" forms of animal life has led to a different possible conclusion altogether, in that human communication may differ much more in degree than in kind from other mammals and from our closest Simian relatives. Despite the fact that human communication may
represent the pinnacle of intraspecies communication, whales, for just one example, may have equally complex varieties of sounds that lie much closer to human language than previously suspected.(Gerrig & Zimbardo 2005)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Craig, R.T. (2007) 'Pragmatism in the Field of Communication Theory' Communication Theory, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 125-145
• Dutta, M. J. (2007) 'Communicating About Culture and Health: Theorizing Culture-Centered and Cultural Sensitivity Approaches' Communication Theory, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 304-328
• Fox, E., White, R. A. (1993) Communication, Culture and Hegemony: From the Media to Mediations. London: Sage.
• Gerrig, R, Zimbardo, P. (2005) Psychology and Life. 17th Edition. New York: Allyn & Bacon.
• Grubb, R. E.., Hemby, V K. (2003) Effective Communication for Criminal Justice Professionals. New York: Little, Brown & Co.

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