It is commonly argued that silence is an important Japanese communication strategy, with the goal of making oneself understood without words; on the other hand, in the U.S., silence tends to be filled by speaking, and speaking up clearly and the facilitation of talking is preferred. However, our knowledge about how silence is interpreted in the U.S. and Japan is weak and based on anecdotal evidence. Therefore, this study examines how people in the U.S. and Japan interpret silence according to contexts, examining what kinds of social rules underlie their interpretation. Interpretation is guided by how people connect ideas. One of the ways to observe how people connect ideas is to have subjects sort words related to silence and compare the way they arrange the words into groups. Multidimensional scaling was used to estimate the underlying dimensions in the way each group sorts the words, and then these dimension were compared. In the comparison of how Japanese and the U.S. associate words related to silence, the most significant difference between Japanese and U.S. subjects was found in the way subjects associate groups of words with contexts. The U.S. subjects had a tendency to interpret silence more positive than Japanese in most contexts. Japanese revealed the tendency to interpret silence more active than the U.S. subjects in most contexts. For Japanese, silence has particular symbolic meaning, and the communicator is often expected to figure out the underlying meaning of silence. When silence is used to intentionally communicate something, it can create uncertainty if the listener is unable to figure what underlies the silence. In U.S., silence is interpreted as positive and less active, that is to say, more internal and reflective. In conclusion, the findings suggest that Japanese interpret silence as a communicative symbol that must be actively interpreted, and this is consistent with most literature, however, they emphatically contradict the stereotype of "vocal Americans", commonly depicted in the literature.

The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which the typological differences between Vietnamese and English influence the process of translating authentic Vietnamese sentences into English through an error analysis of the Vietnamese-English translations by Vietnamese EFL students. It starts with the assumption that Vietnamese is a topic-prominent language and the basic structure of Vietnamese manifests a topic-comment relation, rather than a subject-predicate relation (Thompson, 1987; Dyvik, 1984; Hao, 1991; Rosén, 1998), and tries to find out whether the students are more likely to make more errors when the topic of the sentence is not identical with the grammatical subject. This study also investigates the most common types of errors Vietnamese students make when translating topic-comment structures from Vietnamese into English. The analysis focuses on the errors made when translating the dropped subject and empty elements of Vietnamese. This is important, given the fact that the grammatical subject is always required in English, but not in Vietnamese. The data was collected from 95 students of English translation classes in their first, second, third, and fourth years in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Using an error analysis technique often adopted in studying the deviated forms produced by second language learners (James, 1998; Richards, 1974; Corder, 1974), the study constructs an error corpus in the form of a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and classifies all the errors based on the categories they belong to (linguistic, comprehension or translational) and the kind of deviation they are (addition, omission, misordering or misselection, etc). The study establishes a taxonomy of errors, which includes three main categories: linguistic errors, comprehension errors and translation errors. The results of the study suggest a number of potential errors students are prone to making when translating the topic-comment structure of Vietnamese into English, and provides some practical guidelines for teachers, so that they can help students deal with these types of errors in Vietnamese-English translations. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This thesis is an investigation into the cross-cultural appropriation of manga and anime by fans in Australia. I investigate the way in which fans embark on ‘identity’ projects through manga and anime to construct a space where issues of gender politics, identity and culture are explored. I argue that a key reason why many Western fans and scholars perceive manga and anime as ‘different’ is its ‘Japaneseness’. The two key problems addressed throughout the thesis are : how can we analyse the significance of the Japanese origins and context of manga and anime, and would the ‘identity projects’ that fans construct be possible without an appreciation of manga and anime’s 'Japaneseness?.' These questions are explored in terms of a number of key forms within manga and anime including cyberpunk, bishonen(beautiful boys), otaku(fans) and anime forms that have had their ‘Japaneseness’ softened. I discuss the way in which these manga and anime forms offer different spaces for fans, scholars and cultural industries to contest, rework and reiterate the cultural value of manga and anime. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The realm of research into the various aspects of organisations is wide-ranging, offering any researcher immense freedom to investigate those area(s) which are of particular interest to him/her. While there are set theoretical parameters for studying organisations, eg. various theories looking at organisational communication, structure and networks, the only real limitation lies in the mind of the researcher. That is the beauty and nature of organisations, they do not have to wholly conform to any set ideal, rather they have the opportunity to be unique and diverse depending upon the organisation's purpose. It seems that most investigations of organisations are one dimensional, ie. reporting on what actually happens or how efficient processes are or attempting to define aspects of culture. However, in this thesis a second dimension has been added�intercultural aspects of communication. Hence, the research evaluates the intersection of the intercultural communication which exists within an organisation. For this two dimensional approach, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was chosen. As with most bureaucratic organisations, due to the size and complexity it is not practicable to look at an entire organisation For this thesis, a case study of one of ATSIC's twenty-seven regional offices was undertaken. Details of this follow in the paper; however, the two main reasons for choosing to complete a case study of ATSIC are 1) because the author is full-time employee with access to people, facts and inside information that might otherwise not be available and 2) ATSIC is not a typical bureaucracy; rather it is atypical due to its structure and purpose, which is to further the economic, social and cultural diversity of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. While part of the Commonwealth Government, ATSIC is founded upon, and is committed to, furthering both intercultural concepts and the economic status of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. This is accomplished by ATSIC being the major advisory body to Government; attending national and international policy forums; raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and in providing supplementary funding (through both grant and loan initiatives) which supports other funding that is given to indigenous people or organisations through Government mainstream programs (health, housing, education, social welfare etc.). To further limit the scope of this research, the communication which has been analysed is that relating to grant administration. As ATSIC plays a major role in providing grant funding to indigenous people, this area of evaluation is highly important, as it shows how ATSIC (represented by one regional office) carries out its functions and business: providing services and assistance to its clients�the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. The case study includes comments gleaned from both questionnaires and interviews from staff and managers within the chosen regional office. This also includes views of indigenous and non-indigenous people as well as views from the elected community representatives of that region. It is envisaged that by incorporating the views of those mentioned above, that the data is as complete, valid and reliable as possible As with any traditional group of people, there are different norms and cultures which permeate their social and working lives. The information presented in this thesis is based on views of a non-indigenous person who has collected data from one specific region and it is not valid to generalise these findings to other regions in Australia. Communication in ATSIC is highly complex and difficult to explain to those outside the organisation. A main reason for this is that there are many requirements that both the Government and the indigenous communities place on ATSIC, and unfortunately they are often diametrically opposed. This creates quite an ironic and disharmonious situation for all parties concerned�a bureaucracy versus intercultural perspectives. These situations are discussed throughout the thesis. It is important for readers to note that the ideas which are conveyed in this thesis are the author's own and are not necessarily those of ATSIC, the Government or indigenous people. This research experience is one which has been extremely beneficial for the author. While the author's personal views may not be aligned with others, I challenge those people to read not only this thesis, but other work like it so that they may be in a position to make their own informed decisions about controversial issues such as Aboriginal affairs.

"December 2003" / Bibliography: leaves 181-201. / 201 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / "In current Australian cross-cultural scholarship, difference remains a problematic theme. Tensions between the recognition of universal features that all people share, and the acknowledgment of incommensurable differences between cultures, are unresolved. This thesis provides a snapshot of the various ways in which these tensions are being negotiated in ethical, affective work across the disciplines of history, anthropology, cultural studies, literary studies and performance. All of the work discussed enters into intersubjective scholarship, and offers various models that raise the ethical dimension of engaging with cultural difference. Rather than a genealogy of theoretical movements, this thesis is a partial exploration of the ethical and historiographical questions being raised." -- ABSTRACT / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Humanities, Discipline of English, 2004

Bibliography: leaves 160-178

<p>With the increasing trend of globalization, the impact of globalization has lead to a fast changing environment the boundaries for business is diminishing day by day so is the movement of people between different countries and cultures. The requirements of multinational organizations like expansion plans in international market has continuingly increased the need to understand the cultural dimensions of different countries to achieve better results. Therefore the companies are required to understand a national culture’s impact on areas like communication in multicultural teams in different countries which has a high degree of effect on team performance. So our research question revolves around this topic as “How does culture influence communication in multi cultural teams<em>”</em>. This thesis makes an attempt to investigate the influence of national cultures on communication in project teams in China and India by focusing on construction industry based on a number of factors including Hofstede’s (1980) cultural dimensional framework. The researchers intend to explore the cultural factors having major impact on communication in multicultural project teams of both countries. Throughout our research and study, useful lessons on national cultures impact on communication can be drawn for multicultural project team in China and India. It can provide a better insight for the project teams to have concern for and understand why people from different countries and cultures react or respond to various situations in a different manner, giving high emphasis to communication process.</p><p>To support our thesis a total of 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers in different companies from construction sector. An empirical qualitative research using semi-structured interviews was conducted from a total of 12 project team members from multinational companies in China and India based on their experiences on cultural influence on team communication when working in project teams. The research revealed that there are significant differences and similarities in communication styles of Chinese and Indian teams, and the differences are mostly attributed to have strong links with cultural aspects. Specially with increasing economical changes the traditional patterns of behavior in communication are changing with time. The results also addressed number of similarities; especially in both the countries, culture continues to dominate most aspects of communication. The major implication is that the knowledge of the cultural differences and similarities would facilitate better team performance. Therefore, by keeping in mind the importance as well as the impact of various national cultures and presenting each member with a better understanding and knowledge about social background of the team mates within the multicultural teams, arguments and conflicts arise due to misconception and pre-judgment can be reduced. Hence it will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the teams working in multicultural environment.</p>

<p>Background: Having chosen to take a degree in international business, we have had many opportunities to meet people from different cultures. These encounters have, we believe, made our lives richer, but they have not always been problem-free. When different cultures come together, the differences inevitably become apparent. Being among friends, one can maybe laugh at these differences or it may be a good opportunity to get people to talk to each other, taking the time to explain why they do things a certain way. Being at work and experience these differences might not at all have the same ice-breaking effect - rather the opposite sometimes. Since organisations of today often choose to work in international projects we find it to be important to pay attention to conflicts that are based on cultural differences. </p><p>Purpose: With this thesis we will investigate if a Swedish project manager has to adapt his/her management style depending on the diversity of the ethnical background of the project workers. If that is the case in what ways could this adaptation be realised. </p><p>Delimitations: When it comes to the term multicultural group we define it, in this thesis, as a group of people of different nationalities. We do not include differences in religion, gender, educational background, sexual preference etc. in the definition. When we discuss culture, we refer to the national culture and do not include other aspects. </p><p>Method: We have chosen to carry through a qualitative study where our empirical data collection was made through interviews. Five interviews were conducted with project managers from Skanska and Atlas Copco. To develop the analysis we applyed the empirical data on our frame of reference and the analysis finally led to our conclusions. </p><p>Results: We can see that an adaptation is almost always necessary judging from our interviews. Different ethnical backgrounds of the people in the project group requires different adaptation. When working with people from countries that value formality, hierarchical order and authority it is necessary for the Swedish manager to become more authoritarian and formal to be able to obtain the respect and power needed to be an effective project leader. We would like to emphasise the importance of not generalising, each nationality has features different from another and when wanting to conduct studies that are cultural based it is important to bear this in mind. That is why it is difficult for us to answer the question "how" a Swedish manager needs to adapt, only that an adaptation is necessary. Different ways of adapting are discussed in the thesis more in depth.</p>

<p>My study is focused on one organization with is Unicef, the organization that is workning on a UN mission. The mission is about children's rights and Unicef has brought children's actions since 1946.The purpose of this essay was to research whether the images can be used alone or as a complement to the text that the communication organizations use. By examining the way images are used, I hoped to be able to deduce the results of image use. I study if the effect out messages with only pictures will be more effective than the message in which the verbal mixed with the non-verbal.Theoretical part of this essay has a communication perspective. The essay is structure by tree elements, non-verbal communication, mass communication and intercultural communication. With these elements, or keywords, have I interpret UNICEFs communications through two media channels, internet and TV.The methodology I have chosen is qualitative method with a hermeneutic approach. I have carried out three qualitative interviews with women within the organization and one group interview consisting of four persons. I have also observation a qualitative media observation of charity gala on TV4.     My conclusions were that non-verbal communication is most likely more effective as a tool too the verbal instead of the only communication. I also got the conclusion that UNICEF communicate with people thought picture that’s gives hope for the future.</p>

<p> </p><p><strong>Introduction and research question: </strong>In the global media field, global expansion has become more common and is a way for media companies to reach out to a broader audience. Both advantages and disadvantages come with a global expansion and there are several cultural differences that have to be considered. This thesis will deal with the cultural differences and discuss how a Swedish media company efficiently goes about establishing in Vietnam. This leads us to this thesis' research question: How does a Swedish media company succeed in Vietnam?</p><p> </p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This thesis' purpose is to find out what media companies do to successfully acclimate to the Vietnamese culture and the important aspects of the cultural differences to consider.</p><p><strong>Delimitation: </strong>In order to present a thesis with greater depth and acquire a deeper understanding, the study is limited to examine Swedish media companies and what intercultural aspects are important to consider when establishing in Vietnam.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The research we have done is based on interviews, which we thought could give us the accurate information and a good base to stand on. We have interviewed five people who, in different ways, have something to do with Vietnam's media or intercultural communication. The interview question is based on the information we have found in the theory chapter. The interviews gave us a deeper understanding about the subject and lead to interesting answers that could help us answer our research question.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> There are many things a company needs to think about when setting up an establishment in a new county. In our study we have found out the differences between Vietnam and Sweden and we have examined the most suitable way for a company to communicate with the market in Vietnam. This thesis can be seen as a guideline for media companies in Sweden that are going to expand their organization to the Vietnamese market.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>intercultural communication, Vietnam, global expansion, media companies, foreign establishment</p><p> </p><p> </p>