Issues Analysis Intercultural Communication - Report Example

Issues Report Intercultural Communication Title This report will assess the issues that might impact on intercultural couples and how potential problems may be overcome. Such issues will encompass such elements as the family issues for the intercultural couples. Introduction Intercultural communication is a form of international communication (Kim, 1998). The aspect is employed in describing the wide array of communication issues which naturally emerge within an institution that is made up of persons from diverse social, religious, education and ethnic backgrounds (Kim, 1998). Intercultural communication usually studies contexts in which individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds interact. In addition to language, intercultural communication centers on thought patterns, social attributes, and cultures of various groups of individuals (Kim, 1998). Furthermore, it entails understanding of the various cultures, customs, and languages of persons from other nations. Studies have revealed that, intercultural communication plays a vital role in cultural studies, anthropology, and psychology, linguistics, and communication studies. A cross-cultural marriage is one of the areas that are covered by intercultural communication (Kim, 1998). It is indeed very easy for individuals from one culture to find a partner form other cultures. Although deemed to be very exciting, intercultural marriages are very challenging as studies have revealed that there is an increase in the numbers of intercultural couples presenting for family and marital therapy (Kim, 1998). Contemporary literature on intercultural marriages has revealed that such relationships are at very elevated possibility for failure, with increased number of divorce rates and lower marital satisfaction reported compared to cultural marriages (Kim, 1998). As a result, this report will assess the issues that might impact on intercultural couples and how potential problems may be overcome. As mentioned earlier, the reason for choosing this issue is due to the increased numbers of intercultural couples presenting for family and marital therapy, and the amplification of divorce rates for intercultural marriages (Kim, 1998). Analysis of the issues Frequently, couples in intercultural marriages usually face barriers which the majority of married couples from similar culture are not exposed to. Studies have shown that, intercultural marriages are habitually swayed by external factors which generate disagreements and dissonance in relationships. Diverse cultures undergo enormously different ethical, value and moral foundations that sway their views of family, individual and societal lifestyle. When these foundations are operating alongside the basis of diverse cultural foundations, like in the intercultural marriages, disagreements and problems frequently arise. Nevertheless, interracial marriages differ from intercultural marriages in that, in various nations, for instance the United States, persons of diverse races may share similar cultural background. Some of the identified issues which may impact on the intercultural couples include the following: Communication issues It is evident that intercultural couples possess different communication styles. Persons who come from high context culture are usually not verbally clear in their communication actions. Mostly, these cultures are evidenced in the eastern world nations where relational harmony and communism underlie communication behaviour (Gaines and Liu, 2000). Contrary, persons from low context culture usually employ direct and clear communication styles to express themselves. In this case, there is high possibility of conflict in relationships or marriages between two individuals from different communication contextual backgrounds (Gaines and Liu, 2000). This is caused by relational challenges that are created by the fundamental suppositions of low/high context cultures. In fact, studies have revealed that challenges caused by different communication styles are very regular amongst intercultural marriage couples (Gaines and Liu, 2000). Nevertheless, the longer the couple has subsisted in the present culture, the less probable this is to create and issue. However, if one of the partners in the marriage is comparatively fresh in the dominant culture, the high probability for conflicts to arise (Gaines and Liu, 2000). Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) & Uncertainty/Anxiety Management Theory (AUM) URT theory suggests that we are better capable of predicting and explaining other communicators, thus our relations with such people improve and become intimate, that is, we move from strangers to friends. This means that in an intercultural marriage, we are able to overcome communication issues by utilizing slowly understanding and predicting our partners communications thus enhance intimacy. AUM on the other hand adds the concept of emotions. Both uncertainty and anxiety are emotionally linked and when well managed can improve relationship. Family and society The acceptance of society and family in which the couple lives, are the most common external factors that sway intercultural marriages as well as relationships (Oriti et al., 1996). In many cases, the families of the partners usually show resistance, rejection, lack of acceptance and hostility to their kin’s partner (Oriti et al., 1996). Certain issues about the family, such as generation gap in ideology and the manner in which the wedding will be carried out depend on the manner in which the traditions are practiced. Research has revealed that most intercultural couples report cases of conflicts that arise over such issues as religious worship and matters of child raising (Oriti et al, 1996). Furthermore, dealing with issues of racism from external sources is also a regular factor that causes conflicts between intercultural couples. Social penetration theory This theory explains that self disclosure improves in its breadth and depth. This means that, the degree of intimacy and the number of times one gets to disclose to one another grows even more intimate with time. Thus intercultural couples may end up penetrating slowly into each others’ family and society through disclosing and interaction. Financial issues In both intercultural and monocultural marriages, financial issues may be a source of main disagreement (Karis and Killian, 2008). However, in intercultural marriages, financial issues are tougher and difficult to solve compared to monoculture marriages. This is due to the fact that, intercultural couples frequently experience cultural based differences concerning such concerns as expenditure control, prioritization of expenses and the manner in which money should be spent (Karis and Killian, 2008). For instance, for Muslim intercultural couples, diverse value orientations are implicated and various priorities are carefully planned. This means that, it requires a large amount of finances to maintain an intercultural marriage due to the different desires and needs of the couple (Karis and Killian, 2008). Conflicts Conflict is a major theme in the intercultural marriages (Garcia 2006). According to studies, conflict emerges in interpersonal relationships and more particularly in the marriages as a result of the intimacy in the kind of relationships. According to some scholars, intercultural marriages have the most levels of conflict. However others argue that the level of conflict in both the intercultural as well as the intracultural marriages is equal. According to Garcia (2006), the conflicts are due to the situational factors or the personality differences. However Garcia asserts that these are not the only causes of conflict in intercultural marriages. The perception of a majority of individuals is that the intercultural marriages are a home for stress, they are dysfunctional and they have a high potential of ending up in divorce (Garcia 2006). Management of the issues It is apparent that intercultural couples usually face various issues which impact their marriages. Numerous resources which centers on conflict resolution of intercultural issues in relationships and marriages are currently available (Bhugra and De Silva, 2000). Support groups and specialized counseling are also significant conflict management sources that are available to intercultural couples. Studies have shown that mediation of issues that are encountered by intercultural couples and conflict resolution results to a wider understanding of communication and culture (Bhugra and De Silva, 2000). Intercultural communication competence Communication competence involves both effectiveness and appropriateness in interactions. This includes the cultural awareness, communication skills, personal attributes and psychological adjustment (Garcia, 2006). The component of personal attribute entails the ability of people to understand themselves as well as to demonstrate optimistic interactions. Evidently, self-awareness influences ones interaction with other cultures significantly (Garcia, 2006). Self-disclosure is a major factor that impacts interpersonal relationships. Communication skills entail the verbal as well as the nonverbal communications (Garcia, 2006). It includes such components as social skills, linguistic skills, flexibility and the ability to be responsive. It is apparent that lack or the presence of all these aspects impacts intercultural communications (Garcia, 2006). Intercultural adaptation It is apparent that the development of a person’s identity is a complex and continuous process. Kim (2008) described the stress-adaptation-growth dynamic in her integrative theory of cross-cultural adaptation. In addition, she enhanced her perception that it is only through cumulative as well as prolonged intercultural communication experiences can individuals across the globe undergo a steady intercultural evolution (Kim, 2008). As a result of the exposure to the experiences, this gives one an orientation to the other person. Kim referred this to as universalization and individuation. It is evident that one should re- negotiate and adapt meaning after moving to a whole new environment (Kim, 2008). Core values The core values of a society are those values that help people to conduct themselves (Karis and Killian, 2008). According to studies, there are a number of values some being so important to the society that despite the changes that occur, the society still holds on them. This is due to the fact that core values are always constant (Karis and Killian, 2008). The societal values are not a description of what the society does but a description of how people in the society interact with one another. They are more of practices. The most common practices in the society are those that govern personal relationships, those that articulate what the society stands for as well as those that guide the society’s decision making (Karis and Killian, 2008). Interpersonal relationship This is an association between people usually two or more people that ranges from fleeting to lasting (Garcia, 2006). According to studies, the association could be based on solidarity, love, regular business interactions or any other kind of social commitment. These kinds of relationships are established in the context cultural, social or other influences (Garcia, 2006). This context varies from the kinship to family relations, marriage as well as friendship. Interpersonal relationships are governed by custom and law. In addition they are the basis of the society at large (Garcia, 2006). Theories According to studies intercultural marriages are governed by two theories they include acculturation and deculturation. According to Kim (2008), the two theories have their focus on individuals who shift from home area to another totally different area for a significant duration of time. Studies indicate that acculturation covers the major themes of intercultural communication as well as the learning of which mostly takes place in the context of a new culture. This includes learning different cultural practices and language (Kim, 2008). New culture is believed to promote different processing (Kim, 2008). Acculturation also leads to developing new emotional sensibilities and cultural aesthetic. When an individual is adapting to new change, he lets go some of the previous practices and this is what is referred to as deculturation (Kim, 2008). However, the loss of old practices is usually temporal or situation specific though alterations may occur internally. Evidently, tension exists when acculturation and deculturation takes place. The tension subsides as an individual continues to adapt to the new culture (Kim, 2008). Recommendations It is apparent that intercultural couples usually face various issues which impact their marriages. It is recommended that individuals consult support groups and specialized counseling institutions that will help them deal with the differences in their relationships. Other solutions available to these issues are individuals being able to adapt to the cultures of others. This way one will gain adequate exposure to the experiences of other cultures. In addition it will give one an orientation to the other person and as a result the conflicts will subside. Moreover, individuals are encouraged to adopt communication competence. This includes the cultural awareness, communication skills, personal attributes and psychological adjustment. Evidently, self-awareness influences ones interaction with other cultures significantly. When this happens the couples will be able to minimize the intercultural differences between them. In addition, self confidence and believing in ones partner may be a significant move to overcome troubles brought about by intercultural interaction. Just as in a normal intracultural couple where problems arise, self confidence, appreciation of one another, respect and involvement may offer a long term solution by avoiding conflicts. Conclusion Intercultural communication usually studies contexts in which individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds interact. In addition to language, intercultural communication centers on thought patterns, social attributes, and cultures of various groups of individuals. Furthermore, it entails understanding of the various cultures, customs, and languages of persons from other nations. This paper has focused on the issues that might impact on intercultural couples and how potential problems may be overcome. Some of the identified issues which may impact on the intercultural couples include; communication issues whereby persons who come from high context culture are usually not verbally clear in their communication actions, financial issues due to cultural based differences concerning such concerns as expenditure control, prioritization of expenses and the manner in which money should be spent and conflicts as a result of the intimacy in the kind of relationships. On the other hand, the management strategies discussed includes; consulting support groups and specialized counseling institutions that will help them deal with the differences in their relationships, adapting to the cultures of others and adopting communication competence. The paper also encompasses cultural theories such as acculturation and deculturation. Annotated Bibliography Garcia, D. (2006). Mixed marriages and transnational families in the intercultural context: A case study of African-Spanish couples in Catalonia. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 32 (3), 403-433 The author largely concentrates on the formation of relationships. He explains how relationships are developed on various circumstances. However, he fails to acknowledge the disparities or the problems that may face such relationships in the future. He also does not consider the extent at which intercultural relationships may be improved through enhancement of the issues. Nevertheless, the author have stayed put in his line of research and the issue discussed in his article. Karis, T. and Killian, K.D. (2008). Intercultural Couples: Exploring Diversity in Intimate Relationships. Taylor & Francis. In their book, the authors talk of the societal values. They explore the role of the core values which they explain cannot be altered despite changes in time. The values are meant to stipulate interpersonal relations in the society. The authors are consistent in their work as they put various explanations, examples and illustrations of how values influence relationships in the society. Nevertheless, the authors have also used other sources to enhance their stand on intercultural marriages, societal acceptance and values. Kim, Y. Y. (2008). Intercultural personhood: Globalization and a way of being. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 32, 359-368. Kim talks broadly on culturalization and deculturalization theories. The author explores vehemently on the various intercultural theories and gives a clear conclusion on the matters involving intercultural couples. The idea of universalization and individuation are also discussed by Kim. His work is evidently thorough and comprehensive on the issues he is talking about throughout the paper. Kim, Y.Y. (1988). Communication and cross-cultural adaptation: An integrative theory. Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters. The author explores communication in the global perspective. Intercultural communication is well explored in the book with the various theories clearly outlined. Intercultural marriages, relationships and issues in communication are explained in depth. The author is not for intercultural marriages and warns that despite being interesting, intercultural marriages have various problems especially when it comes to communication issues and are in most instances bound to fail. The author clearly demonstrates his opinion and uses coherent sources and studies to substantiate her argument. Oriti, B., Bibb, A., Mahboubi, J. (1996). Family-centered practice with racially/ethnically mixed families. Families in Society: the Journal of Contemporary Human Services, 77, 573-583. The authors are looking at the conflicts affiliated to intercultural marriages and the family and the societal pressures associated with such marriages. The authors also focus on other externalities that influence intercultural marriages such as religion, racism, norms, culture, and generation gap among other factors that may be aggravated by the society or parents of the partners involved. Ultimately, the work of the authors is well documented and deeply deals with the issues, theories and recommendations for this kind of marriage. References Bhugra, D. and De Silva, P. (2000). Couple therapy across cultures. Journal of the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 15, 183-192. Gaines, S. O. and Liu, J. H. (2000). Multicultural/ multiracial relationships, Close relationships: a sourcebook. Garcia, D. (2006). Mixed marriages and transnational families in the intercultural context: A case study of African-Spanish couples in Catalonia. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 32 (3), 403-433 Karis, T. and Killian, K.D. (2008). Intercultural Couples: Exploring Diversity in Intimate Relationships. Taylor & Francis. Kim, Y. Y. (2008). Intercultural personhood: Globalization and a way of being. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 32, 359-368. Kim, Y.Y. (1988). Communication and cross-cultural adaptation: An integrative theory. Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters. Oriti, B., Bibb, A., Mahboubi, J. (1996). Family-centered practice with racially/ethnically mixed families. Families in Society: the Journal of Contemporary Human Services, 77, 573-583. Read More