Extended family In intercultural communication
Intercultural communication refers to the interactions between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds. Within this context, extended family plays a significant role in shaping intercultural communication.
1. Cultural Values: Extended family often serves as a primary source of cultural values and norms. Different cultures have distinct values regarding communication style, respect, hierarchy, and personal space. Being part of an extended family introduces individuals to these cultural values, influencing their communication behaviors and expectations when interacting with members from other cultures.
2. Language and Communication: Extended family members often speak the same language and may have specific dialects or cultural idioms. This shared language helps in intercultural communication by bridging linguistic barriers and facilitating understanding. Moreover, communication patterns within the extended family, such as directness or indirectness, form the foundation for individual communication styles when interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds.
3. Traditions and Customs: Extended family members often uphold cultural traditions and customs, providing individuals with firsthand exposure to different cultural practices. This exposure to diverse traditions enhances their understanding of other cultures and helps them navigate intercultural communication more effectively. It also promotes respect for cultural differences and encourages individuals to be open-minded in their interactions with people from other cultures.
4. Conflict Resolution: Extended family can also influence intercultural conflict resolution. Cultural background can shape conflict management styles, with some cultures favoring direct confrontation, while others prefer indirect or passive approaches. Individuals learn these conflict resolution styles from observing how conflicts are handled within their extended family. When engaging in intercultural communication, individuals may draw upon these learned styles, leading to different conflict resolution approaches and potentially affecting the outcome of intercultural conflicts.
5. Socioeconomic Factors: Extended family can play a role in intercultural communication through socioeconomic factors, such as migration and globalization. For example, when family members from different cultures reside in different countries, intercultural communication becomes essential for maintaining relationships and addressing the challenges posed by distance and cultural differences. Economic opportunities and mobility also influence intercultural communication, as individuals and families may migrate across borders, exposing them to new cultures and communication practices.
In summary, extended family has a significant impact on intercultural communication. It shapes individuals' cultural values, language and communication styles, traditions and customs, conflict resolution approaches, and even socioeconomic factors, all of which affect their ability to engage effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.