Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication

One intercultural communication issue that is not acknowledged as much in the business world is the issue that presents itself before people enter the business world, and that is in our school systems. The academic underachievement of African-American and Hispanic students is documented by a high rate of suspension and dropout rates by these students. Many issues have affected this underachievement including; economics, parents, community and the environment. Everything that occurs within a school involves communication. The way that an individual communicates comes from their culture. Communication is a product of culture.

Common Problems

It has been well documented that African-American males are placed in special education, speech language programs, and are more likely to receive disciplinary action. Research has shown that language and communication are related in part to these problems. When students’ communication norms conflict with the school’s communication norms, deterioration of performance and acceptable behavior often follows. The use of vernacular speech is viewed often and incorrectly as indicators of a slow learning, violent, undisciplined, and obnoxious individual. Non-standard English speakers often do not effectively learn standard English in school (Chambers, 1983). Without this students will fail academically and could face diminished career, social and life options. Being unfamiliar with cultural communication differences often lead to misinterpretation, misunderstanding, and unintentional insult.

Problems may result from misunderstandings or value conflicts between teachers and students who are following different culturally based communication. Some of the problems that may result from teacher to student are: lower student expectations, excessive interruptions, insufficient attention to student speech, perception of student as disorganized, a poor thinker, or as a discipline problem. Differences may be expected in the communication styles of students, teachers, parents, administrators, and staff. If left ignored, communication differences will lead to different types of miscommunication, which can alter school climate and cause groups of students to feel unwelcome.

Removing Communication Barriers

There are many different ways for removing communication barriers. These tactics can fall under two categories: removing language that may stereotype students, and reducing violations of cultural rules in discussions and conversations. We must be aware of words, images, and situations that suggest members of a racial group are the same. Avoid language that may have questionable racial or ethnic connotations. Objects, characters and symbols may have different beliefs or values for different groups. Also, other cultures may use different standards for loudness, speed of delivery in speaking, silence, attention to, and time to respond to what another person is speaking about.

In 1981, the California state board of public instruction stated: Many Black learners come to the school setting speaking a language that is linguistically different from standard English. The language they speak is an integral part of the Afro-American culture. It is a unique language, which serves a uniquely rich culture. However, the school setting, including the economic and commercial communities, represent another linguistic sphere in which the student must learn to move and speak successfully.” (www.maec.org).

Vernacular English History

The African-American vernacular English (AAVE) started in the Trans-Atlantic African slave trade, but also has features of English spoken in Great Britain and Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries. The pronunciation of AAVE is largely based on Southern American English. AAVE’s reluctance to assimilate into Southern American English is due to the cultural differences between blacks and whites. Language is a means to show identity, solidarity and pride. AAVE has survived through the centuries as a result of degrees of isolation from Southern American English and