Question 1

According to the practice of communication accommodation, you will encounter differences in all conversations.

Accepted Answer

Communication accommodation theory states that people will adjust their communication styles to converge or diverge from their conversation partner's style. As a result, differences will always be present in conversations.

Question 2

According to Communication Accommodation Theory, when we sense that another group has more power than we do, we often resent and reject their style of communicating.

Accepted Answer

According to Communication Accommodation Theory, when we sense that another group has more power than we do, we are more likely to converge or adapt our communication style to match theirs, rather than resenting or rejecting it. This is often done in an effort to reduce social differences.

Question 3

"What is your race?" How would you answer this question? Is race a legitimate way of classifying people or a biologically meaningless concept? Conclude your essay with the definition of race you would use when addressing the above question.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "What is your race?" How would you...

Question 4

Define each of the five obstacles to understanding others (ethnocentrism, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and racism). Explain how they differ from one another and how they can lead to one another. In other words, how does ethnocentrism lead to stereotyping, which leads to prejudice, and so on?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define each of the five obstacles to...

Question 5

Define the terms culture and co-cultures. To what culture and co-cultures do you belong and how have they affected your attitudes and behavior?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the terms culture and co-cultures. To...

Question 6

Geert Hofstede and Edward Hall identify several dimensions of culture. Select and name four of these dimensions/characteristics and indicate how they impact effective and ethical communication.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Geert Hofstede and Edward Hall identify several...

Question 7

Regardless of ethnic background, race, or life experiences, people from all cultures smile when happy, wave as a greeting, laugh when amused, blush when embarrassed, and cry when sad or in pain.

Accepted Answer

These expressions and reactions are universal and transcend cultural differences.

Question 8

If you cling to one way of seeing a person or interpreting an event, you have stopped being mindful.

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness involves being aware of the present moment and being open to different perspectives and interpretations. If we cling to one way of seeing things, we are closed to other possibilities and may miss important information or insights. Therefore, being mindful requires practicing openness and being willing to consider different viewpoints.

Question 9

High-context communication occurs more often in collectivist cultures.

Accepted Answer

Collectivist cultures place a greater emphasis on the relationships between individuals and rely heavily on contextual cues and nonverbal communication. This leads to a higher frequency of high-context communication in these cultures.

Question 10

What kinds of misunderstanding or conflict could occur when some work colleagues are individualistic and others are collectivist in orientation? What communication strategies could help resolve any resulting tensions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What kinds of misunderstanding or conflict could...

Question 11

Muted Group Theory claims that because powerful, wealthy groups at the top of U.S. society determine who will communicate and be listened to, women, the poor, and people of color have difficulty participating and being heard.

Accepted Answer

Muted Group Theory posits that dominant groups in society control communication and language, making it difficult for marginalized groups, such as women, the poor, and people of color, to be heard and participate fully in society.

Question 12

Western thinkers focus on the interacting, unpredictable relationships among events, whereas East Asian thinkers focus on discovering the basic and predictable nature of objects and events.

Accepted Answer

Western thinkers often focus on categorizing and understanding the basic nature of objects and events, aiming for predictability and control, while East Asian thinkers are more likely to emphasize the interconnectedness and changeability of the world, focusing on the relationships among events.

Question 13

The Japanese, African Americans, and Latin Americans are examples of high-context cultures.

Accepted Answer

These cultures are known for their indirect communication style, reliance on non-verbal cues, and emphasis on relationships and context in communication. This is characteristic of high-context cultures.

Question 14

Your textbook claims that whiteness is a culture. Provide reasons and examples that support this claim. If you disagree with this claim, provide reasons and examples that refute this claim.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your textbook claims that whiteness is a...

Question 15

Mindfulness occurs when you are fully aware of the present moment without making hasty judgments.

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment or distraction. It is about experiencing the present moment fully without getting caught up in worries about the past or future.

Question 16

The United States is far behind other countries in terms of the speed and cost of Internet access and connections. Why, for example, do South Koreans "have access to Internet speeds that are more than 200 times faster than what most American have, and they can have it for just $27 a month"? What is the impact of this growing digital divide between the U.S. and other countries?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The United States is far behind other...

Question 17

Japan, Venezuela, and Italy are countries with high masculine values. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are countries with high feminine values. In general, how would you contrast the assumptions about men and women in these countries?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Japan, Venezuela, and Italy are countries with...

Question 18

Identify and describe at least two assumptions in Muted Group Theory that explain how women and minority group voices are subdued and silenced in many cultures.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify and describe at least two assumptions...

Question 19

If you were from an individualistic, low-context, low power distance culture and had to work with a colleague from a collectivist, high-context, high power distance culture, what strategies would you use to communicate effectively with your coworker?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you were from an individualistic, low-context,...

Question 20

The Know Thy Self feature "Questions of Faith" explains and justifies Stephen Prothero's call for religious literacy. What misconceptions do you or people you know have about religion? How do these misconceptions affect the way we interact with people of other faiths?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Know Thy Self feature "Questions of...

Quiz 3: Adapting to Others