Understanding Communication, Culture, and Multicultural Communication

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background

Humans are social beings who are always interacting with each other, whether it is with others, customs, norms, knowledge or culture around it. And every human being in dire need of it all, because no man can live individually, in life definitely needs help from others. And to realize that all the required good communication.

It is not foreign to us as Indonesian citizens with the cultural differences in our society, because given the vast area of ​​Indonesia. It makes us deem as Indonesian citizens be proud of our cultural wealth. In fact we often cannot receive or find it difficult to adjust to the differences that occur as a result of such interactions, such as the issue of technological development, the different habits of a friend of a different origin or the region in ways that become habits (language, traditions or norms ) of an area while we come from other areas.

Not many people realize that the forms of interaction between cultures in fact directly or indirectly involves a communication. The importance of intercultural communication requires everyone to get to know the basics of the panorama that intercultural communication.

             In the social reality, human social interaction cannot be said that he did not communicate. It can said also that inter-cultural interaction is highly dependent on effective intercultural communication. Therefore we have to know what the elements in the formation process of intercultural communication, which include the presence of communicators that act as initiators of communication; communicant as the party receiving the message; message / symbol as an expression of thoughts, ideas or thoughts, feelings that are sent to the communicant communicator in the form of symbols.

             Communication it appears, because of contact, interaction and relationships between citizens of different culture. Until "culture is communication and communication is culture, so said Edward T. Hall. So there was not a community without culture, no society without division of labor, without the transfer or transmission of the information age. In other words, there is no community, no society, no culture and no communication. This is where we know the importance of the intercultural communication.

             According to Alo Liliweri (intercultural communications expert) said that as part of the demands of an increasingly uncontrollable globalisazition as it is today, we encourage the occurrence of a cross-cultural interaction, cross-group and cross sector. yet more global changes that are increasingly heavy and the proof that everyone should understand the character of intercultural communication in depth.

             Furthermore, Alo Liliweri explained that the essence lies in the process of communication, which is an activity that "serve" the relationship between the sender and the receiver of the message transcends time and space. That is why everyone is first interested in studying human communication (human communication), a process that involves human communication yesterday, today, and perhaps in the future.

             While the culture or cultures according to Burnett Taylor in his work entitled Primitive Culture, is the whole of knowledge, belief, art, law, customs, and any other capabilities and habits possessed by humans as members of a society. In addition to knowing the sense of cultures we also need to know the elements of human culture which include cultural history, social identity, material culture, the role of relationships, art, language and interactions, the stability of the culture, beliefs and values ​​of culture, ethnocentrism, the behavior of non- verbal, the relationship between space, the concept of time, recognition and reward, mindset, and cultural rules.

             So what is meant by intercultural communication, interpersonal communication is done their different cultural backgrounds. Thus, a process communication symbolic, interpretive, transactional, contextual carried out by a number of people (as it has diversity) provide interpretation and expectations are different to what is presented in the form of certain behaviors as interchangeable meanings.

             Naturally, the process of intercultural communication intercultural relations rooted in calls for social interaction. According to Jackson (1967), emphasizes that the content (content of communication) communication is no different in an isolated space. The content (content) and the significance (meaning) essentially in the form of relations (relations).

             One of the intercultural communication perspective emphasizes that the goal of intercultural communication is to reduce the level of uncertainty about others. The level of uncertainty will be reduced when we are able to accurately predict the communication process. Therefore, the social reality mentioned that human social interaction cannot be said that he does not communicate.

             Similarly, it can be said that the effective cross-cultural interaction is highly dependent on intercultural communication. This concept is at once explained that the goal of intercultural communication will be achieved (successful communication) when the forms of intercultural relations describe the conscious effort of the participants to update the communication relationship between the communicant communicator, creating and updating a management effective communication, the birth of the spirit of solidarity, friendship , up to the success of technology sharing, reducing conflict entirely a form of intercultural communication.

             Therefore, the gap in the community is often caused by the arrival of a new change of social. Stuctural by profession and lead to a more rational function relationships change. In relation to cross-cultural communication, the changes that come from within and from outside influence on changes in relationships between culture. consequence contacts, and interaction between members of different cultural communities, intercultural communication arose.

Thus, there is actually no community without culture, no society without division of labor, without the transfer or transmission of the information age. In other words there is no community, no society, and no culture without communication. Here, we know the importance of communication multicultural. All the phenomenon, but because due to a change, also due to lack of communication. Finally, requires an intercultural communication in order to reduce misunderstandings between people.

                                                                        

CHAPTER II

DISCUSSION

1.      Understanding Communication, Culture, and Multicultural Communication

Communication and culture reciprocally influence each other mutually. Culture in which individuals are socialized, will affect the way they communicate. And the way that individuals communicate, can change the culture that they have from time to time. Only, most analyzes of interpersonal communication ignore this relationship and cultural aspects became vacant in Communication. The other way studies, studies of cross-cultural communication, examine the influence of culture on communication. Most analyzes of cross-cultural communication to compare and contrast the communication patterns of various cultures

Before studying the problems of communication and culture, we first need to know the definition of communication and cultural definitions.

A.    Communication

The word or term communication from English "communication" or according to the etymological origin .In he is from the Latin communicatus, and these words are rooted in the word communis communis. In this word has the meaning of 'sharing' or 'belong together' is a business that has the goal of unity or similarity of meaning. Terminological communication refers to the process of delivery of a statement by one person to another. So in this sense is involved in human communication.

·         Understanding Communication According to Experts

Here is the definition and understanding of communication according to some experts:

·         Himstreet & Baty

Communication is a process of exchanging information between individuals through a common system (common), either with the symbols, a signal-signal, as well as the behavior or action.

·         Bovee

Communication is a process of sending and receiving messages.

·         Laswell

Communication is a process that describes who mengatakn what by what means, to whom with what effect

·         Carl I. Hovland

Communication is the process whereby an individual or communicators to pass stimulants usually with symbols of language (verbal and non-verbal) to modify the behavior of others.

·         Theodorson & Thedorson

Communication is the dissemination of information, ideas as attitudes or emotions from one person to another mainly through symbols.

·         Edwin Emery

Communication is the art of conveying information, ideas and attitudes to others.

So the definition of communication in general is a process of formation, delivery, receipt and processing of messages that occur within a person or between two or more specific purposes. That definition gives some basic understanding that communication is a process of formation, delivery, receipt and processing of messages.

B.      Culture

To see more about the culture of communication as a process we need to examine briefly what the culture or culture in order to have the framework and the same concept. Because the definition of culture banyak.AL Kroeber and C. Kluckhlon in his book Cultural, A Critical Review of the Concept and Definition (1952) have counted about 179 definitions of culture.

Culture or cultures derived from Sanskrit that buddhayah, which is the plural of buddhi (the mind or intellect) is defined as the things pertaining to the mind and intellect Human. In English language, culture called culture, which is derived from the Latin word Colere, namely process or work. Can be interpreted also as tilling the soil or culture of farm. Kata also sometimes translated as "culture" in Indonesian.

·         Understanding Culture According to Experts

Here is the definition and understanding of the culture, according to some experts:

·         Edward T. Hall

Culture is communication and communication is culture

·         Iris Varner and Linda Beamer

Culture is a coherent view of something that is learned, which is shared, or exchanged by a group of people.

·         Larry A. Samovar and Richard E. Porter

Culture can mean savings of accumulative knowledge, experience, beliefs, values​​, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, timing, roles, spatial relationships, a broad concept, and material object or property that is owned and maintained by a group of people or a generation.

·         Gudkunts & Kim

Culture is a system of knowledge which is exchanged by a number of people in a large group.

·         Levo - Henriksson

Culture encompasses all aspects of our daily lives, especially the view of life - whatever its form - be it myth or value system in society.

From the various definitions, can be obtained an understanding of the culture is a system of knowledge covering systems or ideas contained in the human mind, so that in everyday life, it is abstract. While culture is the embodiment of cultural objects created by man as a creature cultured, in the form and behavior of objects that are real, for example, patterns of behavior, language, equipment life, social organization, religion, art, and others, all of which are intended to help people in the hold of the life of society.

C.    Multicultural Communication

Multicultural communication refers to a society that contains several cultural or ethnic groups.  People live alongside one another, but each cultural group does not necessarily have engaging interactions with each other.  For example, in a multicultural neighborhood people may frequent ethnic grocery stores and restaurants without really interacting with their neighbors from other countries.

Guidelines for multicultural interactions :

1.      Be present

Let go of anything that might be a distraction (deadlines, paperwork, children, etc.) and be intentional about your purpose in this moment. Bring your full attention to the process. Acknowledge anything that you need to let go of in order to be present.

2.      Try on new ideas

Perspectives  as well as concepts and experiences that are different than your own. Be willing to open up to new territory and break through old patterns. Remember, “try on” is not the same as “take on.”

3.      It’s OK to disagre

Avoid attacking, discounting or judging the beliefs and views of others. Discounting can be verbally or non-verbally. Instead, welcome disagreement as an opportunity to expand your world. Ask questions to understand the other person’s perspective.

4.      Confidentiality

There is another dimension of confidentiality that includes “asking permission” to share or discuss any statement another person makes of a personal nature. It helps to remember that the story belongs to the teller.

5.      Step up, step back

Be aware of sharing space in the group. If you are person who shares easily, leave space for others to step into. Respect the different rhythms in the room, it is ok to be with silence. If you are a person who doesn’t speak often, consider stepping forward and sharing your wisdom and perspective.

6.      Self awareness

Respect and connect to your thoughts, feelings and reactions in the process. Be aware of your inner voice and own where you are by questioning why you are reacting, thinking and feeling as you do. Monitor the content, the process and yourself.

7.      Check out assumptions

This is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and others; do not “assume” you know what is meant by a communication especially when it triggers you – ask questions.

8.      Practice “both/and” thinking

Making room for more than one idea at a time means appreciating and valuing multiple realities (it is possible to be both excited and sad at the same time) – your own and others. While either/or thinking has it place it can often be a barrier to human communication.

9.      Intent is different from impact and both are important.

It is also important to own our ability to have a negative impact in another person’s life despite our best intention. In generous listening, if we assume positive intent rather than judging or blaming, we can respond, rather than reacting or attacking when negative impact occurs.

10.  Listen deeply

Listen with intent to hear, listen for the entire content and what is behind the words. Encourage and respect different points of view and different ways of communicating. Engage heart and mind — listen with alert compassion.

11.  Speak from the “I”

is speaking from one’s personal experience rather than saying “we,” it allows us to take ownership of thoughts, feelings and actions.

2.      Relationship Communication and Culture

Between communication and culture, the two are inseparable, for between one and the other has a very deep connection. Communication and culture have a reciprocal relationship, like two sides of money. Culture be part of the communication behavior and communication in turn also helped determine maintain, develop or pass on culture as Edward T. Hall said that communication is culture and culture is communication.

Not many people realize that the forms of interaction between cultures in fact directly or indirectly involve an multicultural communication .an importance require everyone to get to know the basics of panoramic multicultural communication . communication it appears, because of contact, interaction and relationships among members of the community who different culture. So there was not a community without culture, no society without division of labor, without the minimum transfer or transmission of information. In other words, there is no community, no society, and no culture without communication. This is where we know the importance of the multicultural communication.

In the social reality, human social interaction cannot be said that he did not comunicate. Can be said also that inter-cultural interaction is highly dependent on effective intercultural communication. Therefore we have to know what the elements in the formation process of intercultural communication, which include the presence of communicators that act as initiators of communication; communicant as the party receiving the message; message / symbol as an expression of thoughts, ideas or thoughts, feelings that are sent to the communicant communicator in the form of symbols.

The elements of the underlying processes of multicultural communication consists of two terms (concepts) that the concept of Communication and Culture concept. Thus, the relationship between communication and culture can be likened to a piece of coin, meaning that if a coin tossed the metal that would appear if no image or figure. Likewise, cross-cultural communication, cultural otherwise affect communications or communications affecting culture. So between communication and culture are inseparable, mutually influencing (have a reciprocal relationship).

These relationships can be explained as follows:

·         Communication à Culture, means: through our communications culture shaping.

·         Culture à Communication, meaning: culture determines the rules and patterns of communication. Overall individual communication behavior mainly depends on the culture.

·         Communication à Culture, meaning: If it were not for the human ability to communicate (create symbolic language) can not develop the knowledge, meanings, symbols, values​​, rules and rituals that give shape to the limits and relationships. Through communication we can pass on elements of culture from one generation to the next and from one place to another.

·         Culture à Communication, meaning: Communication is a tool that can make individuals aware of and conform to the subculture or subcultures-foreign cultural faces.

3.      The difference between multicultural, cross-cultural, and intercultural

What is the difference between multicultural, cross-cultural, and intercultural?  While they all might be under the same roof, they describe entirely different rooms.  The differences in the meanings have to do with the perspectives we take when interacting with people from other cultures.

Multicultural refers to a society that contains several cultural or ethnic groups.  People live alongside one another, but each cultural group does not necessarily have engaging interactions with each other.  For example, in a multicultural neighborhood people may frequent ethnic grocery stores and restaurants without really interacting with their neighbors from other countries.

Cross-cultural deals with the comparison of different cultures.  In cross-cultural communication, differences are understood and acknowledged, and can bring about individual change, but not collective transformations. In cross-cultural societies, one culture is often considered “the norm” and all other cultures are compared or contrasted to the dominant culture.

Intercultural describes communities in which there is a deep understanding and respect for all cultures. Intercultural communication focuses on the mutual exchange of ideas and cultural norms and the development of deep relationships. In an intercultural society, no one is left unchanged because everyone learns from one another and grows together.

                                                                                                                           

CHAPTER III

CLOSING

A.    Conclusion

Communication is a process of formation, delivery, receipt and processing of messages that occur within a person or between two or more specific purposes. That definition gives some basic understanding that communication is a process of formation, delivery, receipt and processing of messages.

Culture is a system of knowledge covering systems or ideas contained in the human mind, so that in everyday life, the culture is abstract. While culture is the embodiment of the objects created by man as cultured, in the form of behaviors and objects that are real, for example, patterns of behavior, language, equipment life, social organization, religion, art, and others, which all of which is intended to help people in the hold of the life of society.

Multicultural communication refers to a society that contains several cultural or ethnic groups.  People live alongside one another, but each cultural group does not necessarily have engaging interactions with each other.  For example, in a multicultural neighborhood people may frequent ethnic grocery stores and restaurants without really interacting with their neighbors from other countries.

Between communication and culture are very closely related. There will be no culture without communication and vice versa.

REFERENCES

Effendy, Onong Uchjana 2007, Communication Studies Theory and Practice, London: PT. Teens Rosdakarya

Liliweri, Alo.2003, Basics komunukasi Intercultural. New York: Library Student Offset.

·Nurudin 2004, Indonesian Communication Systems, Eagle Press, Jakarta

· http://pramsky.blogspot.com/2009/12/kaitan-antara-komunikasi-dan-budaya.html