I want you to dig a bit deeper into actual differences between the U.S. and another country of your choice (hint---a country that is dramatically different than the U.S. will make it easier)!! Select a country and . . . go! Also, always remember we are talking about cultural differences, not interpersonal.

 

Answer this question about the country you chose: What are the barriers to competent intercultural communication [for the people of the country you chose] and what strategies could we use to avoid miscommunication with them?

 

These factors can be discussed when describing the barriers--you don't have to address each one but these would be some of the barriers you may need to consider. 

 

1. Where are they on the individualism-collectivism continuum—compared to U.S.? How can that lead to conflict? 

2. Where are they on the power-distance continuum compared to the U.S.? How would that affect any of the settings---medical, education, tourism, business. 

3. What picture does the country you chose have of the American culture? How might that affect one of the settings (medical, education, travel, business) more than another? 

4. How do they perceive issues concerning gender equality and diversity—compare to the U.S.? What are your thoughts about that (unless they are similar).

5. Are they low-context or high-context communicators in the country you chose? Which setting would significant differences be most troublesome?