Abstract:
This study presents the research of an investigation into the intercultural
communication barriers between Zulu and Chinese students at selected
Higher Education Institutions in Durban. To achieve this aim, two sets of
questionnaires were administered separately to Zulu and Chinese students at
two HEIs in Durban and an observation report was compiled.
This study reviewed theories and literature relevant to defining and
understanding the barriers to intercultural communication. The insights gained
from this literature review were used to interpret the results which were
obtained through a quantitative and qualitative research methodology.
The findings revealed that intercultural communication barriers do exist
between Zulu and Chinese students. Findings also found that language
problems amongst Zulu and Chinese students are viewed as common barriers,
especially where the communicators speak different languages. Comments
from respondents revealed that a communicators‟ accent, different grammar
structure and the words they use are confusing during their intercultural
communication experience. Cultural differences and language problems were
found to be the main intercultural communication barriers. In addition, the
problems of nonverbal communication, racism, ethnocentrism, cultural
stereotyping were also viewed as obstacles of the intercultural communication
process.
Description:
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Master of Technology Degree: Public Relations Management, Department of Marketing, Retail and Public Relations, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, 2009.
