Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication
One intercultural communication issue that is not acknowledged as much in the business world is the issue that presents itself before people enter the business world, and that is in our school systems. The academic underachievement of African-American and Hispanic students is documented by a high rate of suspension and dropout rates by these students. Many issues have affected this underachievement including; economics, parents, community and the environment. Everything that occurs within a school involves communication. The way that an individual communicates comes from their culture. Communication is a product of culture.
Common Problems
It has been well documented that African-American males are placed in special education, speech language programs, and are more likely to receive disciplinary action. Research has shown that language and communication are related in part to these problems. When students' communication norms conflict with the school's communication norms, deterioration of performance and acceptable behavior often follows. The use of vernacular speech is viewed often and incorrectly as indicators of a slow learning, violent, undisciplined, and obnoxious individual. Non-standard English speakers often do not effectively learn standard English in school (Chambers, 1983). Without this students will fail academically and could face diminished career, social and life options. Being unfamiliar with cultural communication differences often lead to misinterpretation, misunderstanding, and unintentional insult.
Problems may result from misunderstandings or value conflicts between teachers and students who are following different culturally based communication. Some of the problems that may result from teacher to student are: lower student expectations, excessive interruptions, insufficient attention to student speech, perception of student as disorganized, a poor thinker, or as a discipline problem. Differences may be... [continues]

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