An Understanding Of Culture Is Important to Facilitate Effective

Communication.
In a society where multiculturalism is a norm, an understanding of intercultural communication

is important. However in order to achieve this one must understand culture and its relationship to

communication. It is important to know more about the nature of culture and communication

and, equally important, how culture may relate to communication or vice versa. In this paper I

first look at what is culture then at what is communication then I’ll look at the relationship and

integration of both these concepts. One must also be well prepared for the challenges one can

face when dealing with intercultural communication. In this paper I look touch each one concept.

What is Culture?
There are several theories on what is culture.

Edward B. Tylor's definition of culture is widely cited as "…that complex whole which includes

knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by

man as a member of society."[ CITATION Her02 \l 1033 ]. Also the Centre for Advanced Research

on Language Acquisition defines culture as “the shared patterns of behaviors and interactions,

cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of

socialization. These shared patterns identify the members of a culture group while also

distinguishing those of another group.” [ CITATION Cen09 \l 1033 ] In other words, culture is a

multifaceted and an integral component in defining man’s way of life and largely how and with

whom he identifies himself.

When we speak of regional cultures like Trinidadian, Jamaican, or Haitian culture we speak of

their
When people speak of, they are referring to the shared language, traditions, and beliefs
that set each of these peoples apart from others.  In most cases, those who share your
culture do so because they acquired it as they were raised by parents and other family
members who have it.

Take for example

 Give example of differing cultures-identifying markers, (religious, social,

 Function and nature of culture

When we discuss communication and culture, we should be aware of the total spectrum of

communication including language, non-verbal communication, customs, perceived values, and

concepts of time and space.

What is communication?

Relationship between Culture and Communication