Discussion 1the Term Communication We Have Learned Has Many Forms B ✓ Solved

Discussion 1 The term "communication" we have learned has many forms, both verbal and non-verbal. For example, a simple gesture such as an open palm wave, accompanied by a smile is a common form of non-verbal communication in American culture for “hello.†It creates connections. In business perhaps it is a handshake which commonly is intended as a greeting, a way to say “nice to meet you.†What happens when you reach out and the other party does not reach back? I learned early in my career; the handshake is not universal for all cultures. An employee came to meet with me and when I extended my hand to shake his, he did not reach back.

Feeling awkward embarrassed and a bit offended, I asked him to have a seat and proceeded with the meeting. I later shared the story with a colleague, and it was then, I recall feeling so terrible that I judged this man. I learned in conservative Muslim culture; it can be seen as disrespectful for a married Muslim man to touch another women’s hand other than his wife. Working in a highly diverse culture, I quickly became familiar with how to adjust my style accordingly to be respectful of cultural indicators. One of the most powerful examples which come to mind for me of symbolistic communication that brought many socio-cultural groups together was the symbol of the American flag following 9/11.

No stronger was our bond to one another as human beings following the events of that tragic time. The American flag represented unity, strength, courage, and love for each other as Americans. While Newton’s Third Law, “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,†is most commonly applied to motion, however, applicable in this case as a for example. In a blink of an eye, the American flag can become a symbol of intense division. There are a number of reasons supplied by those individuals or groups who have burned, stomped or defamed the American flag, however, to understand the strength of this association, you need only to witness the anger and violence that erupt when someone attempts to desecrate a national flag (Kahn, 2015).

Communication and conflict have interdependence on the outcome. In my professional experience, I witness communication completely destroy or repair relationships. What I find fascinating and encouraging, and the thing that drives my passion to educate on communication is how the simplest and in some cases basic adjustments can transform even the most assumed “irreparable†situation. References: Kahn, A. (2015). The ecology of diversity: Examining individuals, societies, and cultures.

San Diego, CA. Bridgepoint Education. Allain, R. 2013, October. A Closer Look at Newton’s Third Law.

Retrieved from Discussion 2 The origin of the word communication can be traced back to the Latin communion, which is translated as “to join or unite,†“to connect,†or “to share with all.†After more than a century of study, researchers agree that communication is the characteristic that sets humans apart from other animals and is a unifying feature of human societies and cultures. (Kahn, 2015). There are four main types of communication, verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual. Verbal communication is identified a, the use of sounds and words, to express yourself. Visual communication is the transmission of information and ideas using symbols and imagery. Verbal communication is well-known to be the number one form of communication across many cultures worldwide.

When we communicate with people of different cultures, the first thing we do is greet with a non-verbal form of communication “Handshakeâ€, after so we begin to communicate verbally with one another. For example, peace treaties throughout time have been known to bring and unite cultures worldwide after the war, without verbal communication between two cultures peace could never be accomplished just through a couple of handshakes or by visualizing the thought of peace with one another. While verbal communication is to be the main source of communication, we also rely heavily on visual communication. Visual communication comes in many forms, but the main source of visual communication we see and use on a daily basis is films or movies.

Every day thousands of people watch movies on a daily basis, but how we interpret the movies can cause a divisive effect between cultures. I personally enjoy watching movies, especially action movies, but there have been several movies I have watched in the past which portray Arab-Muslims as terrorists. This has caused many people to misunderstand the point of these movies as solely entertainment and mistaken these as if they are real-life scenarios that are happening in the world, causing a divisive effect between American and Arab cultures throughout the years. References Kahn, A. (2015). The ecology of diversity: Examining individuals, societies, and cultures.

San Diego, CA. Bridgepoint Education.

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Discussion on Communication: Forms, Impacts, and Cultural Sensitivity
Communication serves as the cornerstone of human interaction and life experiences, encompassing multiple forms ranging from verbal to non-verbal and visual expressions. Understanding these forms is crucial in both personal and professional environments, where diverse cultures intersect. This essay explores the various dimensions of communication, drawing on personal experiences to illustrate the necessity of cultural sensitivity, the role of symbols in social cohesion, and the power of effective communication in nurturing relationships.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is often deemed the most fundamental form, utilizing spoken or written words to relay messages. It is inherently culturally rooted; what may seem straightforward in one culture could be entirely misunderstood in another. In contrast, non-verbal communication, including gestures, body language, and facial expressions, plays a pivotal role in encapsulating emotions and intentions that words alone cannot convey. A handshake, for instance, is a customary greeting in many Western cultures, signifying trust and goodwill (Kahn, 2015). However, it is essential to recognize that such gestures are not universal.
In my early career, I encountered a situation where I extended my hand for a handshake to a colleague from a conservative Muslim background. The absence of a reciprocated handshake left me initially bewildered and even embarrassed. However, through subsequent conversations, I learned that for him, such gestures were inappropriate outside of his marital context. This incident underscored that gestures intended to express openness could inadvertently cause discomfort or offense when the cultural underpinnings are overlooked (Allain, 2013).
This example illustrates the profound need for cultural competence. Grasping the contextual meanings of non-verbal cues can significantly enhance interpersonal relations in diverse environments. It opens dialogue about mutual respect and understanding, which is essential for building harmonious relationships among teams with varying backgrounds.
Symbolism in Communication
The significance of symbols in communication cannot be overlooked. They serve as powerful descriptors of collective identities and shared experiences, shaping group cohesion. The American flag serves as an excellent example of such symbolism. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the flag became a potent symbol of unity and resilience among Americans, transcending individual cultural diversities. It embodied strength and collective mourning, reinforcing bonds despite the division that was prevalent in the aftermath of the attacks (Kahn, 2015).
However, the dynamics of symbols can shift dramatically based on context. A symbol representing unity for some may represent division for others. Instances of individuals desecrating the American flag have sparked anger and deep emotions, showcasing how symbols can elicit strong reactions akin to Newton's Third Law — "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" (Allain, 2013). Understanding the layered meanings behind symbols is crucial for fostering dialogue and mitigating conflict, as symbols intertwine with personal beliefs, histories, and social implications.
Communication and Conflict Resolution
The role of communication in conflict resolution is an area rich with potential. Navigating through difficulties often hinges on how parties convey their thoughts and feelings effectively. My experience in professional environments has shown that poor communication frequently leads to misunderstandings and deteriorated relationships. Conversely, a commitment to clear and respectful communication can mend rifts, fostering collaboration and understanding even after severe disagreements (Kahn, 2015).
In my observations, even seemingly minor adjustments in communication approaches can yield significant outcomes. For example, actively listening to concerns, empathizing with differing viewpoints, and utilizing 'I' statements to articulate feelings can facilitate meaningful conversations. When parties feel heard and valued, the likelihood of repair increases, demonstrating that communication is an art that requires practice, patience, and sensitivity.
The Role of Visual Communication
Visual communication, encompassing charts, symbols, and images, also plays a crucial role, particularly in our increasingly digital society. It conveys information in a manner that transcends language barriers, fostering understanding across cultural divides. However, it is vital to note that visual communication can simultaneously misrepresent or reinforce stereotypes.
For example, films and media often portray narratives that contribute to misconceptions about cultural groups. The depiction of Arab-Muslims as terrorists in many Hollywood films underscores how visual storytelling can shape public perception negatively and perpetuate biases. Such portrayals risk fostering a culture of division and misunderstanding between American and Arab cultures (Kahn, 2015).
Thus, media content creators have the responsibility to portray cultural narratives respectfully and accurately. Ensuring representation in film and other visual media can help break down existing stereotypes, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of diverse cultures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, communication, in its myriad forms—verbal, non-verbal, and visual—plays a vital role in shaping human interactions, bridging cultural divides and fostering social cohesion. Whether through gestures, spoken words, or symbols, the act of communicating transcends mere information exchange; it encapsulates collective experiences, emotions, and identities. Recognizing the diversity of communication practices is fundamental, especially in today’s globalized world, where interactions often occur across cultural lines.
Sensitivity to these variations can significantly enhance the quality of our interactions, allowing for deeper connections and conflict resolution. As we continue to engage with diverse communities and cultures, we must commit to continuous learning and adaptability in our communication practices, honoring the richness that cultural diversity brings to our shared human experience.
References
- Allain, R. (2013, October). A Closer Look at Newton’s Third Law. Retrieved from [Source URL].
- Kahn, A. (2015). The ecology of diversity: Examining individuals, societies, and cultures. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.
- Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Garden City: Anchor Books.
- Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work Related Values. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.
- Ting-Toomey, S. (1999). Communicating Across Cultures. New York: Guilford Press.
- Gudykunst, W. B. (2004). Bridging Differences: Effective Intergroup Communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Burton, J. W. (1990). Conflict: Human Needs Theory. New York: St. Martin's Press.
- Fiske, J. (2011). Television Culture. New York: Routledge.
- Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. New York: Doubleday.
- Simmel, G. (1950). The Sociology of Georg Simmel. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.