Directions: For each numbered blank in the following passage, fill in
a suitable word in each blank on the ANSWER SHEET.
"Intercultural communication" is communication (51)
members of different cultures. This definition is simple,
(52) the process is complex. Intercultural communication
involves differing perceptions, attitudes and interpretations. We know that even
two people from the same (53) can have communication
problems. People can unintentionally hurt each other by something they say or
(54) . Isn’t it logical, then, that communication problem can
be (55) among people who do not have the benefit of shared
experiences (i. e. , language and culture) 9. Cultures do not communicate;
individuals (56) . Everyone has a unique style of
communication, but cultures determine a general style for their members. The
(57) of individual to his culture is (58) to
an actor and his director. The actor puts his own personality into his acting
but is nevertheless influenced by the director. We are not always aware of the
subtle influences of our culture. (59) , we may not perceive
that others are influenced by their cultures as well. Problems
and misinterpretations do not result every time members from two cultures
communicate. (60) , when cultural conflicts do arise, they
may be perceived (61) personal rather than cultural. In the
following example it is a (62) misunderstanding that creates
negative feelings and confusion. A young woman from one culture is looking
(63) of the window and sees a male acquaintance from another
culture. He signals to her by puckering his lips . She quickly looks away from
the window. Later she ignores him. He is confused and she is angry.
The (64) was due to the woman’s failure to understand
the man’s nonverbal signal. In her culture, his gesture conveys a sexual
advance. According to his culture, he Was only saying (nonverbally) , "Oh there
you are . I’ve been looking for you." The woman’s misinterpretation resulted
(65) her angry reaction and his (66) . If the
two had known more (67) each other’s nonverbal cues, they
could have (68) the cultural conflict. Some
misunderstandings are insignificant and can be easily (69) or
remedied. (70) conflicts are more serious in that they can
cause misinterpretations and create persistent negative attitudes toward
foreigners.