commucation across culture

the meanings may not be transferred successfully

symbols

words chosen

facial expressions, gestures

tone of voice

encoding and decoding

message encoded may not be decoded as intended

culture and nonverbal factors

---sound, sight, smell, taste, touch

---the nature of the channel selected affects the way a message will be processed

---the impact of a message changes as the channel used to transmit it changes

---the more channels used, the more successful the communication will be

---any stimulus that interferes with the sharing of meaning

external noise

stimuli in the surrounding that distract attention

internal noise

interfering thoughts and feelings inside a communicator

semantic noise

inappropriate choice of words

---noise can function as a communication barrier

verbal response

nonverbal response

serves useful functions for both senders and receivers: it provides senders with the opportunity to measure how they are coming across, and it provides receivers with the opportunity to exert some influence over the communication process.

–-- cultural variables that undermine the communication of intended meaning

Examples of Semantic Noise

一次性用品 ：A Time Sex Thing

一次性筷子：One Sex Chopsticks

平时禁止入内 ：No entry on peace time

小心溺水：Careful Drowning

童子鸡：Chicken without sexual life

麻婆豆腐： Bean curd made by a pockmarked woman

贵阳：Expensive Sun

干果区 ：Fuck the fruit area

Assignments

1. Find a misleading sign in Meizhou and point out what’s wrong and give a correct one.

2. Further Reading I : Understanding Culture p.64-67