Leader: Dr Heather Bowe

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

This unit examines basic concepts of intercultural communication: face and politeness in language; the relation between cultural values and discourse; cultural variation in speech acts, turn taking rules and formulaic patterns; cultural differences in the organization of written and spoken discourse; and examines their interaction in intercultural communication in the global context. Case studies drawn from a wide variety of cultures will provide opportunities to examine language use in light of broader cultural, political and social issues such as stereotyping and discriminatory language, cultural expectation and attitudes, cultural awareness training, language reform and policies.

Objectives

On the successful completion of this subject it is expected that students will:

1. Be sensitive to inter-cultural differences in communication patterns and cultural expectations.

2. Know what kinds of questions to ask about communication patterns in a culture with which they are not (very) familiar.

3. Be able to analyze what goes wrong in communication breakdown.

4. Have encountered examples of inter-cultural communication.

5. Read and think critically.

6. Use analytic and interpretive skills in dealing with language data.

7. Present logical, coherent arguments both orally and in writing.

8. Assess evidence supporting various theories and thereby evaluate these theories.

Assessment

Class presentation and written summary (500 words): 20%
Research Assignment (2000 words): 40%
Exam (2 hours, 2000 word equivalent): 40%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial OR 1 x 2 hour lecture/seminar) per week

Prerequisites

A first-year tourism sequence in Linguistics, English, Communications, International Studies, Tourism, Management, or a Language.

Prohibitions

LIN2470, LIN3470, LIN2160, INT3010