Overcoming Ethnocentrism

Human Communication. A Publication of the Pacific and Asian Communication Association. Vol. 11, No.1, pp. 27 – 38

Overcoming Ethnocentrism through Developing Intercultural Communication Sensitivity and Multiculturalism

Qingwen Dong University of the Pacific Kenneth D. Day University of the Pacific Christine M. Collaço University of the Pacific

Qingwen Dong (Ph.D. Washington State University, 1995) is Associate Professor and Chair and Kenneth D. Day (Ph.D. Indiana University, 1980) is Professor in the Department of Communication, University of the Pacific where Christine M. Collaço is working on her graduate degree. Please direct all correspondence to the first author at Department of Communication, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; email:[e-mail]; Phone: [phone].

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Overcoming Ethnocentrism

Abstract This study, based on a survey of 419 young adults, found that high levels of individuals’ intercultural communication sensitivity and multiculturalism are significant predictors of reducing individuals’ ethnocentrism. As a leading country in diversity, equality and democracy, the United States is expected to continue its leading position in appreciating cultural diversity and respecting ethnic/cultural identities. The results suggest that promoting intercultural communication sensitivity and multiculturalism is a possible measure to overcome ethnocentrism and reduce conflicts among intergroup interactions. Limitations and suggestions for future research are provided.

Qingwen Dong, Kenneth D. Day and Christine M. Collaço

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Introduction The United States is a country of immigrants and it is critical for the country to promote cultural diversity and appreciate different cultural heritages (Dong, 1995). Ethnocentrism is viewed as lacking acceptance of cultural diversity and intolerance for outgroups (Berry & Kalin, 1995). This lack of acceptance of cultural diversity has a strong tendency to lead to negative

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