Online Intercultural "Ask a Question" Exercise

Instructions: Chapter Four examines both intercultural communication and intercultural miscommunication. The Uncertainty Reduction Theory explains that when we communicate with people who we perceive to be different from ourselves, we first seek to reduce uncertainty. One of the ways competent communicators do this is by being assertive and responsive. Assertiveness promotes active, respectful conversation, while responsiveness urges us to be mindful of other people by listening and offering supportive responses. One website, "Y? The National Forum on People's Differences" is actively seeking to put these principles to work.

Visit http://www.yforum.com and see for yourself what happens when all questions about race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc., can be asked and answered honestly and respectfully. Carefully read the instructions for posting questions and replies and then find the answer to your own question. Is it not in the archives? Then try asking yourself!

Did you find the answer to your question? Were you intrigued by some of the other questions and answers you found? Is this a website you would recommend to others?

In summary: Notice how the people who contribute to the Y? Forum are carefully following the suggestions laid out in Chapter Four for competent intercultural communication. Both questioners and repliers are mindful. They try to make careful distinctions between individual and group behavior. In their quest for information, they learn to recognize and eschew stereotypes. They are open to new information, and by asking respectful questions, they learn to recognize different perspectives.

Notice also that when questions are answered, convergence emerges. Repliers often point out how perceived differences are often more a matter of individual, versus group, behavior. The Y? Forum is committed to creating convergence and can be a valuable tool for fostering competent intercultural communication.