Computer-aided Cross-cultural Communication Theory

Let’s face it; modern communication technology is altering the pinnacle of human interaction. Nowadays, the Internet and computers are considered as the kind of human inventions that this world can not live without. If, indeed, it can solely replace human’s traditional face-to-face interaction, as other would highly claim, only time can tell. This world, therefore, is responsible for a Techno-dyadic communication being the pinnacle of modern communication. So, how will this concept affects culture in the context of Cross-cultural communication?
This paper defines Cross-cultural communication as a field of study that looks at how people from different cultural backgrounds communicate, in similar and different ways among themselves, and how they endeavor to communicate across cultures (Gudykunst, 2002). In relation to Computer-aided Cross-cultural communication theory, the researcher underscored the statement that says “people from different cultural backgrounds communicate, in similar and different ways among themselves, and how they endeavor to communicate across cultures”. Indeed, the current theory amplified the words “different ways” as it connotes practicality, sensibility and efficiency. Why practical, sensible and efficient? Given the concept of internationalization where people are now living in one global village and where technology is always connected in almost everything we do; it can be assumed that people will be left behind or expire in isolation if he/she will not accept the benefits provided by modern communication technology. Why cogitate distance as reason for isolation when Computer-aided Communication (CAC) can make the necessary connection? Why stay alone when technology can provide better companion? And, why limit our interaction with just one person or a segment of the society when there is an enormous opportunity for us to rich out different kinds of people around the globe in just a single click of the mouse? Indeed, CAC can facilitate the indispensable interaction while providing all kinds of methods available for communication. Its capacity to provide synchronous and asynchronous channels (Walther, 2011) can make people’s connection across the globe possible.
Certainly, the ever increasing growth of CAC has brought complex points involving a re-definition of relationship maintenance, interdependence, commitment and in breaking some forms of relationship barriers. Discussions about it have shown that language, culture and communication researchers have adapted “change” by remaining open to the countless possibilities of the computer and the Internet for efficient and reliable communication. This idea was geared towards responding to the call of the times due to the latest advancements in communication brought by modern communication technology. There is no doubt that in communication it continuously benefits every individual who use the computer and the Internet. Along with this assumption comes specific concern about language and technology as used in human interaction. Thus, this theory crystallized the idea that CAC can help re-shape the modern concept of Cross-cultural communication. CAC is a communication tool that can bridge all kinds of people across the globe. And, with CAC comes the genesis of Computer-aided Cross-cultural communication theory.

Figure10. Computer-aided Cross-cultural communication theory illustration

This figure illustrates the genesis of Computer-aided Cross-cultural communication process.
References:
Garcia, J. (2015). Summarization of Theories of Mediated Communication. https://www.academia.edu/6942292 /Summarization_of_Theories_of_Mediated_Communication
Gudykunst, W.B. (2002). Intercultural Communication Theories. In Gudykunst, W.B. and Mody B. (eds.) Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication (pp 183-205). London: Sage Publications.
Hall, E. (2003). Intercultural Communication on Web sites: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Web sites from High-Context Cultures and Low-Context Cultures. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com /doi/10. 1111/ j.1083-6101.2006.tb00313.x / full
Hofstede, G. "Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context". ScholarWorks@GVSU. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture. Retrieved 6 September 2015)
Walther, J. (2011). Theories of computer-mediated communication and interpersonal relations. In M. L. Knapp & J. A. Daly (Eds.), The Sage handbook of interpersonal communication (4th ed., pp. 443-479). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Walther, J. B., & Burgoon, J.K. (1992). Relational communication in computer-mediated interaction. Human Communication Research, 19, 50-88.
Warschauer, M. (1996). Comparing face-to-face and electronic discussion in the second language classroom. CALICO Journal, 12, 7-26.
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