Cultural and Intercultural Communication Practices Essay

Cultural and Intercultural Communication Practices - Essay Example For example, the United States of American and the United Kingdom are countries that considered low context groups due to their standard form of communication style and tone. In these countries, communication is done in the context of messages to a large population versus a specialized group. With this understanding, low context culture is also known to communicate through words and verbal cues versus allowing people to make their own inferences through the context of a given scenario or event. Because of these aspects, people in low context cultures tend to be more logical, individualistic, action-oriented and linear than those in high context cultures (Marin n.d.). Low context communication is expected to be concise and straightforward so there is little room for error when listening to communication messages. While low context cultures center on large populations, a high context culture focuses on types of communication messages that are specific to a certain group within the cult ure. With the purpose of high context cultures being to communicate specifically between specialized groups within a culture, people have a lot more opportunity to use their own inferences to make decisions and gather information versus those in a low context culture. Examples of high context cultures include France, China, Japan, Russia and India. Within high context cultures, people generally focus more on interpersonal relationships and building trust within the groups. Communication, whether written or verbal, in a high context culture is more formal than low context with special attention being paid to the way a message is delivered. People in a high context culture will focus on a person’s tone, facial expression and demeanor when communicating just as much as they focus on the actual message itself. With the definitions of these terms established, the focus can now shift to analyzing how low context and high context cultures interact with intercultural contact and inte rcultural ethics. When people from differing cultures communicate, there is a need for each party to assess their own communication tendencies as well as those of the person they are hoping to communicate with. For example, an American who is native of the state of New Jersey may have trouble communicating with a person who lives in Japan or China. When analyzing the more formal and contextual ways in which people from many Asian countries communicate, the laid back, potentially brash way in which someone native of the state of New Jersey, which is a low context culture, communicate might not mesh well with the Asian culture. In order to understand the potential issues that can arise when cultures and contexts mix, it is important for all parties involved to do some preparation work before the meeting takes place. First, people from both cultures need to gather some background information about the culture the other person is coming from. By asking themselves if it is a high context or low context culture, they will be able to determine if the person they are going to be attempting to communicate with is comfortable with a laid back style or expects a formal tone and sense of conduct

Ethics Essay Essay Example for Free

Ethics Essay Essay The theories of virtue, utilitarianism, and deontology are similar in some aspects but for the most part are very different. Each of the theories will be explained to show their differences and the type of person that would gravitate towards that theory. Through the explanations one would also be able to consider where there morals or ethics may lie but can also see themselves in each theory. The Virtue Theory, also know as Virtue Ethics, refers to the character of each person. This theory states that every person should try for excellence. The characteristics of each individual are made up from their environment that they are a part of. The theory would further suggest that it is not defined as a single moment in each individual’s life but their entire life as a whole. In thinking about the Virtue Theory, it can be explained by stating that each person needs to be the best they can and avoid the need or ability to hurt others. In Basic ethics: Basic ethics in action it talks about Aristotle and his view on virtue ethics to include characteristics or virtues of an individual. There are some that Aristotle would suggest to be the median or virtues such as courage, self-control, proper emotion, and friendliness to name a few. Reviewing these ideals of what characteristics a person should posses would or could be considered common traits of most individuals in the world today. In the simplistic form the virtue theory is about better one self and the other individuals that are around them. Deontology Theory states that there is a moral duty for one to act no matter the circumstances. This theory is furthered by the thought process of not thinking through any actions or the consequences but because it is action that is taken is right. â€Å"The word â€Å"deontology† comes from two Greek words, deion+ logos. Deion comes from the particle dei which means â€Å"must. † Logos (in this context) means â€Å"the account of† (Boylan, 2009). In breaking this down, it shows that is the account of the musts. In meaning one must act on the account of others or for themselves. Deontology theory can be seen within those persons that provide protection for another without question no matter the inherent danger. The will to act is shown through this theory such as that would be considered of the Spartan Army. The Spartan Army would not ask how many strong are the enemy but where the enemy is. Utilitarianism Theory is one that embodies the thought of taking care of the whole group and not the individual. This theory is a moral theory as we see wanting to make the group better. It can only be our morals to drive us to want what is best for a group. If one person is stronger in writing than another during the course of the project, then the weaker writer may ask the stronger one to take over. It is knowing your personal weakness and asking or foregoing your own glory to better the group that you are part of. One that can set aside their pride is a far better person and shows their true sense of morals. In thinking about a personal experience to be discussed in combination with one of these theories, I keep coming back to the theory of utilitarianism. The reason being that I know I have an alpha personality, meaning that I like to be in control and have the control. I tend to leave this part of me outside the classroom to have a clear head and to allow the learning teams to work more cohesive with the other members. It has been my experience that issues have arisen in each of the groups that I have been a part of. This is either due to lack of participation, inability to communicate or the plain fact of laziness. I have stopped from confronting the team member numerous times in order to keep the team moving in the right direction. Later in the class the issues continue to build and that is when I will confront the person and attempt to deal with the issue. I feel that in setting aside my alpha mentality and waiting to confront the individual is a way for the betterment of the learning team as whole.

Comparing The Flea and Valentine Essay -- John Donne Sex Carol Ann Duf

Comparing The Flea and Valentine "The flea" is a metaphysical poem about a man trying to argue a virgin into bed to have sexual intercourse with him. This poem was most likely written to amuse the readers and probably more for a larger male audience. The poem was written in the late 17th century in a period where sex within marriage was like a household chore, but socially, sex before marriage was like a sin, because society was extremely religious. John Donne is attempting to get these thoughts out of her head and persuade her to have sex with him. Metaphysical poets use a lot of elaborate and extended comparisons. They wrote energetic and vigorous poems that went against the common literature of the time. There are three stanzas in the poem; all 9 lines each, making it a regular stanza and rhyming form. Each stanza consists of three rhyming couplets and one rhyming triplet. The first stanza is strong and persuasive and is the introduction to the poem. In this stanza he makes the girl look at the flea. "Mark but this flea, and mark in this" "How little that which thou deniest me is" With the flea being the title, introducing the word flea into the first line of the poem gets straight into the poem. There is no build up; it is just like a conversation with Donne talking to the girl. He also implies that such a little thing like virginity should not deny them of making love. The girl may seem offended by this, but it does not stop John Donne. He tries to make the girl feel stuck together with him and that they are as one. "It suck'd me first, and now sucks thee" "And in this flea our two bloods mingled be" The two bloods mixing together like sexual intercourse. During sexual inter... ... times. I don't feel it was a very good way to go about telling someone of the love that you hold for them. The part of "The Flea" which I enjoyed the most is where he used religious imagery to seduce the girl. If he hadn't had used that then I don't think that his plan would've worked. Also, the quick way in which he changed his view on the argument after the girl killed the flea was very sharp in my opinion and sly and cunning. I think that Carol Ann Duffy's poem was all about showing your love in very definitive ways and not just with cards and chocolate, but with something that actually means something. I think that it would appeal more to the female of the species, and the flea would appeal more to the male of the species. Metaphysical poetry appeals to me, and so does John Donne and I would expect that many of his poems were similar to this.

The Harlem Renaissance and a New Cultural Identity

A New Cultural Identity By Anus Overstress AkA Awesome, Cool, Brilliant and any other synonyms of these qualities Originally known as the New Negro Movement, the Harlem Renaissance was a period of immense social activity and great innovations among artist and writers. The movement's name is derived from its origin; Harlem New York. At this time Harlem became the Mecca to which scholars, writers, musicians and photographers traveled.African American migration to the northern states played a major role in the initiation of this intellectual movement which harbored and preserved a new black cultural identity in multiple aspects. Prolific writers such as Longboats Hughes influenced many poets. The improvisation of Jazz and its syncopated rhythms was popularized by Jazz legends such as Duke Elongating and Louis Armstrong. The Harlem Renaissance began in the late sass's after World War II. However much of the foundation of this movement was established by earlier generations of African Ame rican educators, students, and intellectuals.In the decades following the Civil War, multiple racial barriers to education were removed and African Americans took advantage of the new educational opportunities in prodigious numbers. Due to the harsh aspects of the Jim Crow laws in the south (which contained approximately 90 percent of the Black population at the time) and the discrimination and mistreatment that followed, African American individuals migrated to the urban northern states to escape the oppressive system of the rural south where they were able to find work.Some of the most prominent works created during this era were in the field of literature. Longboats Hughes was the epitome of prolific writers and a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He is best known for his pomes which he wrote with the rhythmic pattern of Jazz and blues which influenced many poets. Hughes first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, was published in 1926. The book was very popular and established both h is poetic style and his commitment to black themes and culture. Hughes skillful use of words to portray African American heritage played a major ole during this era.No aspect of the Harlem Renaissance shaped the United States as much as Jazz. Jazz flouted many musical conventions with its syncopated rhythms and improvised instrumental solos. Thousands of city dwellers flocked night after night to see the same performers. Singers such as Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday popularized blues and Jazz vocals. Duke Elongating and Louis Armstrong drew huge audiences as white Americans caught Jazz fever. For the first time white Americans could not look away.The Harlem Renaissance was a major period in American history. The northward migration by African Americans to escape white supremacy in the rural south played a major role in the ignition of this intellectual movement. Its origin Harlem, brought notice to great works that might have otherwise been lost. Writers of this era such as Longbo ats Hughes were extremely influential and Jazz legends Duke Elongating and Louis Armstrong took this form of art characterized by improvisation and syncopation to new levels of innovation.

Consanguineous Marriage Essay

Consanguineous marriage in clinical genetics is defined as a marriage between two related individuals. The individuals come from close kin or are second cousins exhibiting inbreeding coefficient higher or equal to 0. 0156. Consanguinity is more prevalent amongst the world population residing in North Africa, West Asia, and Middle East, and among these communities’ emigrants who are currently residing in Australia, Europe, and North America. The increased public awareness programs on genetic and congenital disorders prevention in offspring has made various couples to think about reproduction and marriage. This is especially in communities that are highly consanguineous. Among these people, there has always been a lack of, or very little education concerning the effects of consanguineous marriages to the offspring. Rather, one may say that these people do not take into account what might happen if they get into such marriages. These communities are in pursuit of counseling on consanguinity. Providers of primary health care are faced with numerous challenges especially when they have to provide answers to consanguineous couples regarding their offspring anticipated health risks. Thus, it is important if health care providers are trained on areas such as consanguinity premarital and preconception counseling. Bittles (33) argues that the widespread form of consanguineous marriage globally is contracted between first cousins, those that are closely related to the parents of the marrying cousins, of whom the parents may be brothers and/or sisters. One eighth of these couples’ genes are inherited from the ancestor that is common amongst them. He also points out that national populations can be categorized into four main groups. The first group involves individuals whose consanguineous marriage accounts for approximately 1% of Unions, whilst the second category accounts for 1% to 10%, the third category is 20% to 50% whilst the final category involves individuals whose consanguinity level is unknown. Bittles (76) also points out that, regardless of the prevailing legislation, consanguineous marriage will decline in future as a result of the decline in family sizes. Today, many people have resorted to having smaller families with a few children, while some have resorted to staying single by choice. However, there will be no consistency in terms of decline across populations. The decline will be experienced amongst populations in the urban areas, amongst couples who have high levels of education, and the future generation marriages because of the focus that they lay on issues other than building a family. As the size of the family decreases, double uncle-niece and first cousin, will be extremely difficult to organize within the conventional norms of couple’s age distinctions. Similarly, there will be less emphasis for an individual to marry within the set of consanguineous union pattern as a result of increased socio-economic conditions and connections that will see off this practice slowly. In light of the above, there is limited understanding and knowledge regarding consanguinity marriage as a result of the limited number of research conducted. For instance, amongst the Western societies, the available information tends to concentrate on undesirable clinical outcomes of marriages between individuals from a close kin. The detrimental outcome impacts a minority of individuals and families. Thus, for purposes of benefiting communities and families in which one or numerous damaging recessive genes are undergoing segregation, it is of great significance if investment is put towards developing a multidisciplinary survey to estimate the problem level. This should be followed by putting in place counseling programs that are community based. Consanguineous marriages are contracted in various populous countries in the world. Additionally, in countries that are less developed, inherited disorders are lethal hence the need of life time cares under treatment facilities that are highly improved. Since consanguineous marriages increases inherited disorders, it is important for counseling programs to be put in place in order to benefit the whole of human society (Bittles, 102). According to Agarwal et al (741), in various parts of the globe, consanguineous marriages are prevalent. Consanguineous marriage in some societies make up to 60% and is often between closer biological relatives or second cousins. Approximately 10% of the population around the world is as a result of consanguineous parentage. This is despite the marriage being linked with genetic disorders, congenital malformations, and increased levels of mortality amongst offspring’s as well as reduced fitness. Consanguinity propagation and origin is often characterized with its multiple benefits that are socio-economic. Indisputably, union between relatives is essential because it provides the newly wedded couple with a sense of security. Similarly, the wife is treated well and wealth of the family always remains intact. Even though socioeconomic theory seems to be logical, it is extremely limited when it comes to explaining why people in non-consanguineous marriage societies stop from uniting with close biological links. The theory also fails in explaining first cousin marriages popularity amongst societies that practice consanguineous marriage. As a result of the socio-economic theory failure, there has emerged alternative elucidation for consanguineous marriage. Currently, extremely inbreeding low levels have been correlated with fertility increase, thus increased levels of fitness for the society and individual family. Similarly, recessive genes selection is bigger by inbreeding. All in all, marriages that occur between close kin result in families exhibiting strong support (Agarwal et al, 747). Uksel et al (134) argue that the population structure is influenced by consanguineous marriages. Accordingly, it is practiced in various parts of the globe. However, higher frequencies are experienced in the African, Asian, and Middle East populations. Consanguineous marriage is less dominant in the United States and Europe. According to studies conducted by the above authors, it is evident that despite the existence of various programs that aims at promoting child and mother health such as activities to lessen consanguineous marriages, it was extremely difficult to achieve the expected outcomes. The study also indicated that among consanguineous marriages, genetic defects were very high. This is a clear indication for the need for further studies in this area. The studies need to focus on the negative outcomes and the reason for consanguineous marriages. Also, there is a need for public education programs to increase awareness regarding the consequences of consanguineous marriage. Accordingly, there is a need for more effort to lower consanguineous marriage connected social factors. Hamamy et al (512) point out that there is a change in consanguinity rates, to be exact among cousin marriages. From one generation to the next, there is a sharp decline among first-cousin marriages. The changes are caused by various things such as female education increased rates, population influxes, increased family economic status, lower fertility rates, and increased levels of alertness regarding consanguineous marriage effects on children especially when their exists an inherited family recessive disease.