Deck 3: Connecting Through Culture and Diversity

Question 1

Every year on Mark's and his brother's birthdays, his mom makes a big chocolate cake, and his dad takes their picture by the old oak tree in the front yard. The birthday traditions in Mark's home are an example of __________.

A) cultural communication
B) cultural diversity
C) cultural rituals
D) culture shock

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which statement best explains why intercultural communication has become more important in the modern world?

A) We all experience increased exposure to other cultures.
B) Perception is universal.
C) It is important to shape a consistent worldview.
D) The connection between culture and communication is complex.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

You are most likely to grow up believing that you are free to question or challenge authority if you were brought up in a culture with __________.

A) a high-context orientation
B) a low-context orientation
C) a low power distance orientation
D) a high power distance orientation

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Which statement correctly describes Hofstede's cultural dimensions and the role they play in communication?

A) All individuals from a particular country communicate in a particular manner depending on its cultural orientations.
B) Individuals living in individualistic cultures are better communicators than those living in collectivistic cultures.
C) People and nations fall upon a continuum of cultural differences which affect their communication choices.
D) Individuals living in achievement-oriented cultures are considered the most competent communicators.

Question 5

When Gracie meets someone, she describes herself as an Irish-American, a member of a sorority, and a college student at State University. Gracie is discussing her __________.

A) nationality
B) generational affiliations
C) group affiliations
D) culture

Question 6

What cultural dimension relates to how strongly the culture values traditional sex role distinctions and modes of communication?

A) time orientation
B) achievement orientation
C) power distribution
D) uncertainty avoidance

Question 7

In the late 19th century, the Westernized ideal of female beauty was a delicate woman with a voluptuous figure as depicted in women's magazines and art. In the early 21st century, the ideal of female beauty is a strong woman with a slender figure, as depicted in television, movie and magazines. What does this tell us about our culture's concept of beauty?

A) It is determined by men.
B) It is a perception based on communication.
C) It is universally accepted.
D) It is comprised of universal attributes.

Question 8

The difference between an individualistic and a collectivistic culture is __________.

A) the extent to which the individual is valued versus the group
B) the extent to which predictability is valued versus uncertainty
C) the attitude toward distribution of power
D) the attitude toward achievement

Question 9

When a new family moved in next door to Darrius, he was curious. They looked and acted differently than him. In order to prevent future miscommunication or misunderstandings, what strategy do you suggest for Darrius?

A) assume the new family shares his values and beliefs
B) make inferences based on their appearance
C) learn more about the new family and their culture
D) keep to himself

Question 10

When Sharlene attended her first funeral, she noticed that everyone wore black, spoke quietly and said "I'm so sorry for your loss" to family members. At the next funeral Sharlene attended, everyone behaved much the same way, and Sharlene knew what she should do. Sharlene's experiences demonstrate which concept about culture?

A) Communication does not play a role in culture.
B) We are born with our culture.
C) Culture changes easily.
D) Culture is learned.

Question 11

What typically happens when we experience culture shock?

A) We experience psychological discomfort.
B) We are discriminated against.
C) We experience physical discomfort.
D) We feel superior to those of another culture.

Question 12

Communication between those who are unlike culturally and have different views of the world is known as __________.

A) competent communication
B) cultural communication
C) ethnocentric communication
D) intercultural communication

Question 13

A college graduation ceremony is an example of a __________.

A) cultural artifact
B) cultural value
C) new culture
D) cultural ritual

Question 14

Which type of culture values assertiveness, ambition, and competitiveness?

A) achievement culture
B) nurturing culture
C) high power distance
D) low power distance

Question 15

When you see a woman on the bus wearing a burqa, a traditional enveloping outer garment, what can you reasonably assume as a competent communicator?

A) Her attitudes are very similar to your own.
B) Her values are very different from your own.
C) She is experiencing culture shock.
D) She belongs to a specific culture.

Question 16

Students in which country are expected to participate highly in their own learning process?

A) China
B) France
C) Japan
D) United States

Question 17

Liam is working in a country in which the meaning of communication is inferred from the situation. This means that the workplace is for work, and the home is strictly for family and socializing. Liam is working in __________.

A) a high-context culture
B) an achievement-oriented culture
C) a low-context culture
D) a nurturing culture

Question 18

When a culture's communication is structured by strict formal rules and correct answers, and there is little tolerance for differences of opinion, the culture is __________.

A) monochronic
B) polychronic
C) high in uncertainty avoidance
D) low in uncertainty avoidance

Question 19

Your culture can be thought of as your __________.

A) ethnic origins
B) learned system of thought and behavior
C) innate genetic heritage
D) nationality

Question 20

Individuals living in a highly monochronic culture tend to value __________.

A) happiness and minimizing dissent
B) equality and freedom
C) time and rules
D) friends and family

Question 21

Avery is a kindergarten teacher. She has learned that students understand and respond best to her when she is sitting at their eye level, and speaking in short, simple sentences. What strategy is Avery using to communicate with her students?

A) convergence
B) empathy
C) accommodation
D) overaccommodation

Question 22

Individuals who practice empathy are able to change their__________.

A) beliefs
B) culture
C) values
D) perceptions

Question 23

Ethnocentrism is a(n) __________ that our own culture is superior to all others.

A) learned belief
B) inborn trait
C) reasonable assumption
D) discriminatory behavior

Question 24

Emmie is a new employee at a local firm. On her first day, she enters a training program with three other new employees, and they all quickly become friends, often eating lunch together or socializing after work. For Emmie, the other new employees represent a(n) __________.

A) out-group
B) in-group
C) co-culture
D) dominant culture

Question 25

Today, we would characterize dominant U.S. culture as __________.

A) similar to that of all democratic nations
B) limited to white, Western European, English-speaking, Protestant, heterosexual men
C) unchanging since the founding of the country
D) changing and more reflective of diversity

Question 26

When Carlos sees his friend at work leave right after lunch, he assumes his friend isn't feeling well. When Carlos sees his female boss leaving right after lunch, he gets angry that she's taking advantage of her position. What concept regarding intercultural communication obstacles might explain the difference in Carlos' feelings?

A) We tend to feel some degree of discomfort when we recognize we are different than others.
B) We tend to interpret in-group behaviors more favorably than out-group behaviors.
C) We tend to view other cultures less favorably than our own.
D) We learn to behave through culture.

Question 27

Which statement is correct about co-cultures?

A) They form around one or more shared characteristics.
B) Few exist within the United States.
C) They share the values, beliefs and attitudes of the dominant culture.
D) They seldom include those of similar race, religion or ethnicity.

Question 28

Any communication behaviors that lead to excluding or denying people access to products, rights and services based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability are a type of __________.

A) anxiety
B) accommodation
C) discrimination
D) ethnocentrism

Question 29

When Anna attended a funeral for her friend's grandmother, she was shocked to see that many mourners wore white. Anna found this disrespectful, believing that everyone wears black to indicate sadness. Anna's attitude toward these mourners can be best characterized as __________.

A) uneasy
B) ethnocentric
C) stereotypical
D) discriminatory

Question 30

When Garrett's family moves across town, he is the only student of his ethnicity at his new high school. On the first day of class, he is nervous and uneasy, a communication barrier known as __________.

A) stereotyping
B) anxiety
C) ethnocentrism
D) discrimination

Question 31

All the groups with which we identity and to which we feel we belong are our __________.

A) family groups
B) out-groups
C) friend groups
D) in-groups

Question 32

Social identity theory identifies __________ as representing the unique qualities of ourselves.

A) personal identity
B) social identity
C) in-groups
D) out-groups

Question 33

Sandra is proud to be accepted to the Honors College. She tells all her friends and family back home that these students live in premium housing on campus and can attend specialized courses and seminars. Being accepted to this group is part of Sandra's __________.

A) personal identity
B) formal identity
C) social identity
D) out-group identity

Question 34

Those engaging in behavioral confirmation tend to __________.

A) act in a way that makes expectations about a group come true
B) see or hear what they want to see or hear
C) adjust their language and speaking style to meet others' expectations
D) easily acquire others' language or nonverbal behaviors

Question 35

Individuals who use overaccommodation in addressing others are __________.

A) displaying cultural sensitivity
B) fostering cultural connections
C) refusing to communicate
D) not conveying mutual respect

Question 36

When Celia meets Adam, she is sure that he is interested in dating her. When Adam walks past her the next three days without talking to her, Celia decides he is just distracted by his classes. Celia seems to be engaging in __________.

A) behavioral affirmation
B) accommodation
C) behavioral confirmation
D) convergence

Question 37

How can those seeking to understand another culture in a far-away part of the world most easily increase their knowledge?

A) work to eliminate their own ethnocentrism
B) identify others in the community who are seeking this knowledge
C) practice intercultural sensitivity with people you meet
D) engage with other cultures through online communities

Question 38

Competent communicators who practice intercultural sensitivity are those who __________.

A) insist that others adhere to their cultural beliefs and practices
B) call attention to behaviors that others may find offensive
C) maintain awareness of behaviors that may offend others
D) eliminate their own beliefs and practices

Question 39

What communication strategy is most effective in connecting with others through culture?

A) behavioral confirmation
B) thinking before you speak
C) overaccommodation
D) behavioral affirmation

Question 40

The dominant culture of a society is expressed in the values, beliefs, and attitudes of __________.

A) everyone
B) those in power
C) its founders
D) those of a particular nationality

Question 41

Does one's culture affect communication interactions with those in power? Explain how individuals in high power distance and low power distance cultures differ in their communication behaviors.

Question 42

Define intercultural communication, and explain why it occurs. Provide an example of your own experience with this challenge, and describe the communication outcome.

Question 43

Describe your own family in terms of their orientation toward achievement or nurturance. Discuss how this orientation has affected your future career choice (or college major.)

Question 44

Discuss why culture differs from nationality.

Question 45

Discuss the concept of dominant culture, and explain how it is changing in the United States. Provide a brief description of dominant U.S. culture as you perceive it. Be sure to include references to values, beliefs, and customs.

Question 46

Compare accommodation, convergence and overaccommodation. Which of these communication strategies foster improved intercultural connections?

Question 47

Discuss typical obstacles to intercultural communication. Which obstacle presents the biggest barrier to your own intercultural communication efforts? How have you worked to overcome it?

Question 48

Explain social identity theory, including the role of in-groups and out-groups.

Question 49

Explain what a cultural ritual is, and provide two examples that demonstrate this concept. One may be a personal example; the second example should relate to an organization or institution.

Question 50

Compare individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Briefly discuss your own (native) culture in terms of these values.