The cultural perspective on discourse refers to the understanding that communication is deeply embedded within and shaped by cultural contexts. It highlights that our language use, communication styles, and the meanings we create are not universal but are culturally distinctive and situated.
This perspective is explored through approaches like Cultural Discourse Analysis (CuDA). As a reference states, CuDA is:
an approach to the study of communication which explores culturally distinctive communication practices in our world. The theory is based upon the premise that communication consists of culturally situated means and meanings active in various local contexts.
In essence, "cultural perspective discourse" views communication (discourse) as something that is:
- Culturally Distinctive: Different cultures have unique ways of communicating.
- Culturally Situated: Communication practices and their meanings are tied to specific cultural backgrounds and local contexts.
- Composed of Culturally Situated Means and Meanings: The words, gestures, tones, and structures used in communication, as well as how they are interpreted, are shaped by cultural norms, values, and beliefs.
Key Aspects of Cultural Perspective Discourse
Understanding discourse from a cultural perspective involves recognizing several key elements:
- Language Use: How words are chosen, grammar is structured, and concepts are expressed varies significantly across cultures.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, personal space, and touch carry different meanings in different cultures.
- Communication Styles: Cultures can favor direct vs. indirect communication, high-context vs. low-context messaging, or different levels of formality.
- Narrative and Storytelling: The way stories are told, arguments are constructed, and information is organized can reflect cultural patterns.
- Politeness and Face-Saving: Norms around politeness, showing respect, and managing social harmony are highly culturally determined and impact discourse.
Why is this Perspective Important?
Taking a cultural perspective on discourse is crucial for:
- Effective Intercultural Communication: Avoiding misunderstandings and building rapport across cultural boundaries.
- Analyzing Social Phenomena: Understanding how communication reinforces or challenges cultural identities, power structures, and social norms.
- Studying Diverse Communities: Appreciating and documenting the rich variety of human communication practices worldwide.
Examples of Cultural Influence on Discourse
Consider these practical examples:
- Silence: In some cultures, silence during a conversation can indicate respect or thoughtful consideration; in others, it might signify disagreement or discomfort.
- Directness: Asking a direct question like "Did you finish the report?" might be common in one culture, while another might use a more indirect approach such as "How is the report coming along?"
- Greeting Rituals: The use of bows, handshakes, kisses on the cheek, or other physical contact and verbal greetings are deeply cultural.
These examples illustrate how the very act of communicating is infused with cultural meaning and reflects the speaker's cultural background and the specific context. Studying cultural perspective discourse, often through methods like CuDA, helps us unpack these complexities.
