Key words: intercultural communication, foreign language, relationship, tradition, society, gaining information

Abstract

In this article we will look at some points of intercultural communication in teaching language and discuss the ideas by some experts.

Key words: intercultural communication, foreign language, relationship, tradition, society, gaining information.

Introduction

In our developing society teaching and learning languages are getting more and more important due to improvement in economical, social, diplomatic, political relationships among countries. That is why it had better pay enough attention to learn cultural issues in order to create strong relationships without misunderstanding.

One of the most important reasons for studying intercultural communication is the awareness it raises of our own cultural identity and backgroundthat the study of intercultural communication begins as a journey into another culture and reality and ends as a journey into one’s own culture. Culture is often considered the core concept in intercultural communication. Intercultural communication studies often focus on how cultural groups differ from one another: Muslims differ from Christians; Japanese differ from U.S. Americans; menThrough intercultural relationships, we can learn a tremendous amount about other people and their cultures, and about ourselves and our own cultural background. At the same time, there are many challenges. Intercultural communication can also involve barriers like stereotyping and discrimination. And these relationships take place in complex historical and political contexts. (Inter.comu) differ from women; environmentalists differ from conservationists; pro-lifers differ from pro-choicers; older people differ from young people, and on and on.

There may be some cultural rules or prohibitions. If we know about it, there will not be cultural shock during conversation or speech in front audience. . For instance, in Thailand, don't touch the head of someone older than you, or, in general, don't touch the head at all. In India and many other countries, don’t eat food with your left hand. Or if you are a male, don't try to shake hands with an orthodox Muslim (covered) woman. Furthermore, it can be face some conversation and negotion styles in each country.

Below Negotiating across national borders differs greatly from negotiating within one’s own culture in the domestic marketplace. A number of new factors have to be considered different national negotiating styles influenced by culture Below some styles are given as an example.

The German negotiating style

The Germans are meticulous in their preparation for meetings and negotiations. They are well briefed and expect the same from their counterparts. They also believe that objectives should be clear before the meeting. Business meetings run to a strict agenda agreed before the meeting with relatively little small talk. They are often scheduled well in advance in order to permit careful preparation. The Germans like to come straight to the point, rely on a structured approach and attempt to resolve, if possible, any differences before the actual meeting. Senior people will tend to dominate the proceedings and members are reluctant to make a contribution unless they are well prepared and well versed in the particular topic at hand. Their negotiators are well qualified in their area of expertise and expect the same status from those with whom they are negotiating. Most managers have degrees from a university or ‘Fachschule’ (technical high school) and many are qualified engineers who have higher professional status and visibility than, for example, their counterparts in the UK. Professional rank and status is usually based on an individual’s achievement and expertise in a given field.

The USA is an example of the ‘melting pot’ of cultures, with its core culture rooted in Anglo- Saxon and predominantly North European cultures. However, there is an increasing Hispanic influence, particularly in the southern states. American culture is mainly monochronic, individualist and low context.The USA remains a strong ‘can-do’ culture, which is action- orientated, dynamic, competitive and optimistic. The culture is backed by high technology and is risk taking in nature, where anything is considered possible and is accepted as a challenge to be overcome.Communication style is direct, straightforward and to the point, all of which can at times be seen by others as blunt, abrupt and impolite. What has to be said is clearly stated – it is ‘straight from the shoulder’ and Americans do not ‘beat about the bush’. They will disagree firmly and this can cause embarrassment to other cultures. American presentations are confident, highly focused and professionally delivered with the aim of making the maximum impact.

The British negotiating styleBritish business culture is individualist, generally masculine and competitive. It often displays initial resistance to change and is by nature conservative in outlook, with a sense of restraint and dislike of the ostentatious. The British prefer to negotiate in English as the working language as relatively few people are fluent in other languages.

Intercultural communication is a symbolic, interpretive, transactional, contextual process, in which people from different cultures create shared meanings. (Lustig & Koester, 2007:46)

Intercultural communication refers to the communication between people from two different cultures. (Chen & Starosta, 1998:28)

Regardless of different points of view, culture has taken an important place in foreign language teaching and learning studies. It has been widely recognized that culture and language is used as a main medium through which culture is expressed. Most frequently confronted that students to a great extend know the rules of language, but are not knowledgeable enough about the target. (Brown. What is culture. 2000).

We all know understanding a language involves not only knowledge of grammar, phonology and lexis but also a certain features and characteristics of culture of the culture. To communicate internationally inevitably involves communicating interculturally as well, which probably, leads us to encounter factors of cultural differences. Such kind of differe exist in every language such as the place of silence, tone of voice, appropriate topic of conversation, and expressions as speech act function (e.g. apologies, suggestions, complains, refusals, etc.). Bearing the points above it can be stated that a language is a part of culture an a culture is a part of a language. The two are intricately interwoven so that one cannot separate the two without losing the significance of either language or culture. (Brown. 1994:164)

Time passed and international attention increased. So, creating new sphere of intercultural communication was required. At that time in 1921 an American scientist Holl used the termin "Intercultural communication". Initially, it was inseparable part of sociology. However, currently it is tge conception that includes pedagogical, psychological, didactic even legal and economical issues.One of the most important reasons for studying intercultural communication is the

awareness it raises of our own cultural identity and background that the study of intercultural communication begins as a journey into another culture and reality and ends as a journey into one’s own culture. (Inter. Commu)Intercultural communication refers to the communication between people from two different cultures. (Chen & Starosta, 1998:28)

Intercultural communication is a symbolic, interpretive, transactional, contextual process, in which people from different cultures create shared meanings. (Lustig & Koester, 2007:46)

Intercultural communication refers to the effects on communication behavior, when different cultures interact together. Hence, one way of viewing intercultural communication is as communication that unfolds in symbolic intercultural spaces. (Arasaratnam, 2013:48)

According to the above mentioned ideas, to be perfect learner and user of any language, people should study not only grammar, phonetics or other scientific rules but also traditions, history and lifestyle of that nation. Then, they will be able to communicate without hesitation about culture either during conversation or in front of audience. Additionally, there could be a relevant question "What does the word culture mean ?" For the word of "culture" we can give several definitions. For example, 1. Culture- refinement, mannerism (as different from things that are crude, vulgar and unrefined).

2.Culture- civilization (as different from backward barbaric people).

3.Culture- shared language, beliefs, values (as different from language beliefs and values that are not shared; dissenting voices; and voices of the "other").

4.Culture- unique human efforts (as different from nature and biology).

So, the arts, customs, lifestyles, background, and habits, the beliefs, values, behaviour and material objects that characterize a particular society or nation. Moreover, gaining information about people way of life would be effective and curious when teaching and learning their language. For instance, if teacher shares information about interesting facts, unusual habits, history of that country and laguage, there will be effort to learn language and willing to visit that country in students' mind.