3. Linguistic Relativity : Whorfian
hypothesis
Language Relativity is the degree to which language
influences human thoughts and meanings
The perception and cognition held by an individual
The cognitive structure of the individual and the worldview he
holds
The structure of the logic itself and what is perceived as
logical
Ex : Empty Gas Drums
Ex : Hopi No verb tenses
4. Linguistic Relativity
An individual becomes aware of the influence that
language has on perception when he/she learns a
second language
Ex : India hindi is a richer language than english
5. Linguistic Relativity
In general, when a language has a large number of
words for the same object or class of objects, the
object is relatively important
Ex : Arabic : camel
Ex : Inuit : snow
Portuguese : saudades
6. Linguistic Relativity
Linguistic Relativity has 2 forms :
Hard : thinking is completely determined by language
Soft : language influences human thoughts and
meanings
Ex : Hopi
Ex : Rainbow
8. Cultural Factor in Interpersonal
Communication
This section is about some of the elements used to
analyze intercultural dialogue.
We have 6 different points
9. Talk and Silence
&
Speaking Style
Talk and Silence
The value of talk and silence depends on culture
An Asian is more likely to use an indirect expression to convey and
intend meaning
Silence itself is a very important message.
Speaking Style
Different cultures are characterized by
unique speaking styles.
10. Turn-Taking
&
Self-Disclosure
Turn-Taking
Each one of the participants in a conversation decide who will
talk first, second, and so on.
Self-Disclosure
It is the degree to which an individual reveals
personal information to another person.
11. Content versus Relationship
&
Face
Content versus Relationship
The message content, or “what” is said
The Relationship, or “how” it is said.
Face
Culture defines the nature of this relationships between people
and their intercultural interpersonal communication.
12. Case Illustration
The guest who came to dinner, In
Japan
In Japanese culture, a person’s home is very private ,
and most invitations to dinner involve going to
restaurant.
A female waitress serves food and drinks, and
participates in a passive role in the discussion.
13. Perception counts
Perception VS Objective Reality : an individual’s
perceptions are more important than objective reality
in determining the individual’s behavior
Case Illustration : Body Weight
14. Perception counts
Code-switching : the process in which individuals
change from speaking one language to another
during a conversation
Ex : feel closer to the person when you talk the same
language
15. Listening
Communication is a two-way process.
One Person is speaking and one person is listening.
There are two kind of listeners , passive and active, most of the
people are passive.
A person speaks about 125 to 150 words, while
individuals can listen at a rate of 400 words
per minute.
After two weeks listeners can remember
25 % of inattentive listening.