Phan Thị Hà Thu
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 |  Subject: Relational dialectics and cultural contact  Thu Apr 03, 2014 2:10 am | |
| Relational dialectics and cultural contact Relationships revolve around the ways in which we communicate with each other. The way we use language, our dialect, is key to maintaining a healthy relationship. Dialectic is a tension between two or more contradictory elements of a system, and a dialectical analysis looks at the ways a system changes or develops. The dialectics perspective provides a fundament framework within which to consider the dynamics involved when communicating with others and helps us better understand the perplexing relational problems that arise when making contact and interfacing with others.The dialectical model proposed by Baxter and Montgomery contends that relationships are messy and always in flux, they are characterized by contradictions, contingencies, non rationalities and multiple realities. Four primary assumptions guide a dialectical approach to relationship : praxis, changes, contradiction and totalityDialectics or contradictory tensions or forces influence both our internal and external relationships. Each of the relational forces identified is drawn in tension with every others people. However, dialectical moments represent brief momentary period of equilibrium between opposing dialectics in the large pattern of continuous change that marks relationshipA dialectical approach emphasizes the processual , relational, and contradictory nature of international communication as evidenced in international business. The dialectical perspective futher emphasizer the importance of relationships among the various aspects of intercultural communication and the importance of viewing these holistically rather than in isolation. Moreover, the dialectical perspective transcends dichotomous thinking and highlights the necessity of holding contradictory ideas simultaneously.The notion of dialectical tensions can further be extended to encompass intercultural communication and the entire relational sphereIntercultural Relationship Dialectics: A dialectical way of thinking about relationships will help us avoid stereotyping relational differences. Some specific dialectical tensions:1.Differences-Similarities Dialectics: states that in every intercultural exchange there will be both differences and similarites and that it is possible to work with and around them to enrich the communication2. Cultural-Individual Dialectic: Communication in relationships is both cultural and idiosyncratic3. Personal-Contextual Dialectics: states that although something could be interpreted one way in a context it varies person to person and each person carries his or her own context for communication. (Ex: The social role of a professor in china is not the same as in the U.S)4. Privalege-Disadvantage Dialectic: Being sensitive to power differentials is important and usually less obvious to those in more powerful positions. (Ex: Tourists with economic privalege are unable to speak the countries language)5. Affection- instrumentality dialectics: Instrumentality regards people as a means to an end rather than en end in itself as affection6. Judgment- acceptance dialectic: considers the evaluative quality of our communication and encounters with others7. History/Past-Present/Future Dialectic: a cultural group is influenced by shared history and typically shares goals for the present and future; their perceptions of an event will take into account things important to their culture in history and goals8. Idea- real dialectic: Go unstated and may even remain out of our awareness, yet they can still damage a relationship when ideals are unrealistic.9. Static-Dynamic Dialectic: recognizes that certain parts of an individual's personality are constant and will never change, while others parts are more fluid and will change and grow as the person learns more and gains more experience in more areas10. Confidence/ certainty- anxiety/ uncertainty dialectic: Our ability to communicate effectively is based on our ability to manage our anxiety and uncertainlyTo successfully manage dialectical pressures in relationships is to remain open and responsive to the emerging present, which is itself in dialectical tension with the past and the future |
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