Transcultural Communication

Analyse how culture and context come together to produce different types of language and styles. Learn to see similarities and differences and appreciate the impact of styles of language on communication, identity, power and social status.

From

$2,200 $2,450

Your upfront cost: $0

International student?

Duration

13 weeks

Student rating

N/A

Study method

100% online

Available loans

FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

27 Aug 2018

Curtin University, the largest university in Western Australia, is a world-class leader in education and research. With an international focus and 52,000 students across 16 locations, including Sydney, Malaysia and Singapore, Curtin ensures its graduates are skilled and prepared to make a positive contribution in the global environment. Open Universities Australia is proud to offer their degrees and subjects online.

University ranking

2018

Subject details

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

interpret and apply knowledge of differing varieties and styles of language within and across selected cultures and contexts
evaluate pragmatic differences and similarities across a range of cultures and contexts
analyse the impact of the various varieties and styles of language on communication, identity, power, and social status.

Topics covered

Topics
- Culture and communication- dimensions of culture, pragmatic transfer/dissonance, accommodation theory
- Variety in language - World Englishes
- Language style, register and code within cultures
- Language, identity and power
- Directness and indirectness in language
- Issues of face - complimenting, apologising
- Keeping the harmony
- Communicating across hierarchies and relationships
- Opening and closing
- Awkward moments and fuzzy concepts - amae, jen, aizuichi and many more
- Writing styles across national borders: same or different?
- Review and exam
Study resources
- Instructional Methods
  - Audio/Video conferencing
  - Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
  - Embedded Multimedia
  - Online Quizzes/Tests
  - Online assignment submission
  - Podcasting/Leacture capture
  - Standard Media
  - Streaming Multimedia
  - Web links
- Online Materials
  - Resources and Links
  - Online Assessment
  - Audio-Video streaming
  - Quizzes

Entry requirements

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

This subject critically examines the way in which culture, context and language come together to produce different varieties of language and diverse pragmatic styles. It aims to develop transcultural competence for those working in culturally and linguistically diverse contexts.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

Assessments

Assignment 1 - Non-Invigilated Exam (25%)
Assignment 2 - Exercise (30%)
Assignment 3 - Investigation (45%)

Textbooks

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

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Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Postgraduate

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