Identity and Intercultural Communication

Clt Comm Identity and Intercultural Communication This paper will briefly explore the concept of identity as it relates to intercultural communication. It is important for one to understand the many factors that influence the development of an identity. It is these factors that make each and every one of us an individual and unique in personality. These factors include such elements of character like age, gender, race, religion, class and culture that help decide one's point-of-view when communicating.

For the purpose of this paper, it is safe to assume that individually each of us has acquired different methods of communicating due these factors. The paragraphs below will explore how these factors influence communication across cultures. In order to better understand, intercultural communication, one must first understand the concept of identity. Only then will one begin to realize that much of how we see ourselves has a direct relationship with communication and the different interactions we experience on a daily basis.

Also the development of an identity does not happen over night but in stages as our levels of understanding mature or our environment changes. It is through stimulation that one acquires new facts about the world. The facts may or may not have a direct impact on the notion of ourselves. It really depends on the information communicated and level of importance it may have within the individual as the type of impact it will achieve.

Each identity is comprised of multiple identities because of the many groups each of us is categorized into within society's framework. Each of us finds a niche depending many factors that come into play before we are even born. In this respect much of our identity is collective depending on our parents' identities, which directly relates to their value systems. Identity is very much depending on communication with others but societal forces "related to history, economics and politics also have a strong influence" (82).

These forces relate to intercultural communication because they establish the foundation from which the communication happens in the first place. These forces also evolve over time. For instance the role of women in the workplace and at home has changed do to equal rights and equal pay legislation in the United States. Today woman are professionals as well as wives and mothers. As one explores the notion of identity, one must also keep in mind the concept of identity development varies from culture to culture.

In fact, each culture creates its own foundation and value system regardless of society. For instance, the Hispanic culture is family centered and traditional with respect to the roles of women. It is also a very religious culture. It is important to remember that in order for an intercultural communication to place, each person participating must be respectful of the other's culture. By having knowledge of culture and any differences that may exist, only then can the parties truly.