Critical Analysis of Two Readings

Critical analysis of two readings
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Critical Analysis of Two Readings
Reading 1: Root, E. (2013). Insights into the Differences – Similarities Dialectic in Intercultural Communication from University Students’ Narratives. Intercultural Communication Studies, 22(3).
In this article/reading, Root (2013) reports about a research she carried out for the purposes of investigating more deeply the intricacies of intercultural communication dialectic similarities – differences basing upon a narrative analysis of narratives from 44 university students. The study comprised 15 male participants and 29 female participants of difference national origins and ethnicities. A dialectical intercultural standpoint is basically understood as a metatheoretical framework which centers on the concurrent presence of 2 relational forces of interaction in recognition of their ostensibly complementary, interdependent, and opposite facet. Baxter (2004) pointed out that there are 6 dialectics of intercultural communication: (i) static – dynamic; (ii) privilege – disadvantage; (iii) differences – similarities; (iv) cultural – individual; (v) present-future – history-past; and (vi) personal – contextual. The author of this journal article only centers on the differences – similarities dialectic. It is notable that the differences – similarities dialectic underscores that similarity and difference are able to actually exist together in intercultural communication interactions. This dialectic entails centering on the association between the differences amongst cultural groupings as well as the similarities which bring together people across cultures (Lewis, 2009).
In the differences – similarities perspective, difference carries significance. Whenever difference is marked, for instance, it delineates boundaries and forms systems of classification which allow for the formation of binary dichotomies. The notion of similar also has significance. For instance, the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity, whilst is based upon the notion of differentiation, it also offers insight into the way in which cultural similarities are imagined (Halualani, 2008). Root (2013) used narrative inquiry to investigate the way in which students may share their personal experiences of similarity/difference. After analyzing the data, Root (2013) found that most participants identify cultural difference basing on different nationality and ethnicity/race was a less important designator of cultural difference. Halualani (2008) pointed out that university students usually deem culture primarily as based upon geographic location, country of origin, or nationality.
The author also identified how the narrators/participants portrayed facets of cultural similarities or differences. Root (2013) noted that the after analyzing the data, 3 general themes came out: (i) at first, some narrators presumed similarity with someone, but they later learned that there were also some differences. (ii) At first, some narrators only focused on the difference of their contact with others. With time however, they came to discover the subtle facets of similarity. (iii) Some focus...