Stereotypes in Intercultural Communication

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Essay from the year 2011 in the subject Communications - Intercultural Communication, grade: Distinction, University of Newcastle upon Tyne (Education, Communication and Language Sciences), course: Language and Cross-Cultural Communication, language: English, abstract: This paper attempts to describe the nature of common preconceptions, i.e. stereotypes, including concepts such as otherisation, prejudice and discrimination, how they influence communication and how they are created and reinforced by the media. Specific media examples are used for illustration. The question is asked whether stereotyping is an inevitable process or whether it can be avoided. It is discussed whether stereotypes ought to be seen as a positive or negative influence on intercultural communication. Finally, the essay attempts to determine the role stereotypes play in the study of intercultural communication. Some approaches to communication studies seek to discover average tendencies in national cultures, which can lead to similar categorisations and simplifications as in the process of stereotyping. The validity of such an approach is evaluated and the conclusion is reached that stereotypes and categorisations are necessary to a certain degree as a sense-making device, but should at the same time be regarded with great caution.