CHAPTER 9 AND 10 REFLECTION
CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATION AND UNCERTAINTY
Chapter 9 discusses different perspectives and theories on the development of intercultural relationships. One of the subtopics in discussion is the aspect of communication and uncertainty in intercultural relationships. In this discussion, the idea brought out is that of communication being key for people of different cultures to properly coexist and understand each other. Further, the chapter explains that communication in intercultural relationships at first bears a lot of uncertainty and anxiety which is common when two parties in communication do not know much about each other. To add on to this, the author highlights different philosophers who basically support the discussion and go on to state that communication becomes better as people get to familiarize and thus bring in the aspect of predictability. This in turn reduces the levels of uncertainty and in the process fuels the growth of the relationship in question. Different concepts come into place to quash the uncertainty.
Reflecting on this, I agree that communication is a gradual process and the beginning holds a lot of anxiety and uncertainty that is caused by our differences and cultural variations. An example is that of a friend of mine who travelled to Indonesia for an exchange program. She says she found it difficult to properly interact with her peers due to the anxiety and uncertainty of what they expected of her. The cultural differences played a big role on this as well. However, as she stayed longer, the relationships blossomed as familiarization checked in and introduced some level of predictability. In light of the above example, I agree with the chapter’s discussion on the importance of communication for development of intercultural relationships. As much as we may be hesitant at first, it is still important that people from different cultures learn to break the ice through both verbal and non-verbal communication for understanding to suffice.
CHAPTER 10
INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE, CONFILCT RESOLUTION AND A CULTURE OF PEACE.
This chapter analyses the issue of intercultural conflict, mentioning the possible causes and tentative solutions. The subtopic on dialogue, conflict resolution and a culture of peace highlights different authors and philosophers who have written on the same. Their writings explain that it is possible for people of different cultures to live and interact in peace and harmony. This, however, calls for a lot of intentionality and understanding amongst the people, appreciating the differences between them and embracing the common characteristics that bring them together. Further, the chapter goes on to argue that intercultural peace and co-existence cannot fully blossom in the absence of dialogue especially where there is conflict. The author states that conflicting people can solve the matter through dialogue as opposed to segregation which is more often than not resolved to.
Reflecting on this, I agree with the concept of dialogue as a fundamental part of intercultural peace and co-existence in any given society. Further, I concur with the notion that differences in societal status may hinder the dialogues from happening and stir up the option of the two conflicting parties keeping off from each other. This, however, does not solve conflicts. An example would be that which my neighbor shared with me on his experience one time at a conference where he had a problem with the dressing of a particular lady who happened to have been one of the conference directors but not from USA. The difference in the rankings at that time made him curl in his sit instead of initiating a dialogue that would have helped him understand her cultural affiliations better. This example shows that the contrary of this chapter’s discussion should not be encouraged. Dialogue indeed fosters peace and understanding.