Page 44 - Communication across Cultures

Communication across Cultures

defined as “a part of the whole”, the word “co-culture” is suggested to convey the idea
that no one culture is inherently superior to other coexisting cultures.
It is important to recognize and respect the diversity of co-cultures within a society
to foster inclusivity, equity, and understanding. However, equality may not be easily es-
tablished. For example, one of the many elements of a culture is its system of laws. The
system of laws in a certain culture is derived from and reflects different understandings
of legal theory and rights and responsibilities. Those understandings may conflict in
some ways with the established legal system.

1.6.3 Sub-Group
In the context of culture, a sub-group refers to a smaller, distinctive group within a
larger cultural community or society. These sub-groups share common characteristics,
practices, and beliefs that differentiate them from the broader culture.
Sub-groups in culture can form based on various factors such as ethnicity, religion,
language, regional identity, or even specific interests or subcultures. They may have
unique customs, traditions, values, and language that distinguish them from the dom-
inant culture. Sub-groups within a culture often maintain their own social networks,
systems of communication, and group-specific norms.
For example, within a national culture, there may be sub-groups based on ethnicity,
where individuals with shared cultural heritage and practices form distinct communi-
ties within the larger society. Similarly, within a religious culture, there may be sub-
groups organized around different denominations, each with its own beliefs, rituals, and
practices. Subgroups exist within a dominant culture and are dependent on that culture.
Subgroups can be as small as a few people or as large as a major religion. Occupation
could be one important category. Think of large organizations in which members dress
alike, and share a common vocabulary and similar values. These subgroups include
teachers, police officers, lawyers and employees of large companies like Huawei and
Facebook.
The existence of sub-groups within a culture can contribute to its diversity, enrich-
ing the overall cultural tapestry. These sub-groups provide spaces for individuals to
maintain and express their unique identities, fostering a sense of belonging, and pro-
moting cultural pluralism.

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