Communications

a. In the book's Preface, Tannen states: "...all communication is more or less cross-cultural." What does she mean by this statement? Why is it important to approach communication among people as an exercise in understanding possible cross-cultural differences among them?

When individuals hear the term cross cultural communication, it is rarely applied to a group of the same culture. At least from my experiment. Author Deborah Tannen stated that all communication was more or less cross cultural; to point out the fact that ambiguity is usually the culprit of misunderstandings and misinterpretations. An issue that deserves its own term to say the least, as it has the potential to present itself in all forms of communication. Still, the set of obstacles found in communication between those of the same culture, are identical to obstacles found in the traditional sense of cross cultural communication.

The conversational styles we use, verbal and nonverbal ques that are used vary depending upon cultural factors that go far beyond demographics. Due to the complexity of this subject, and the broadness of culture, let us look at religion, specifically Christianity. A form of religion that began with a savior and 12 followers with whom 11 had no division. 30 years later, Paul; a faithful follower who came to believe after the events of the crucifixion condemned divisions that began to rear its head. By the 3rd and 4th Century, the division was more clear as the eastern and western churches interpreted teachings differently. Fast forward to the 16th century, a not so known event that occurred in Christianity occurred. In the book of Genesis chapter one verse twenty six, it says “Let us create man kind in our image…..” Some Christians say that the “us” refers to God the Father and the angels. However, the most widely received interpretation identify “us” and “our” as referring to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (A union that has come to be called the Trinity)....