A comparison of conversations among and between domestic culture groups: How intra‐ and intercultural competencies vary

Abstract

This study identified intercultural conversational competencies for Mexican Americans, Black Americans and White Americans which were compared and contrasted with previously identified intracultural competencies. Members of each culture group described behaviors which were appropriate inappropriate as well as cognitive and behavioral consequences in recalled conversations with acquaintances. Members of each culture group were found to share general rules with other groups, such as concerns for politeness and role fulfillment, but many more differences emerged. Mexican Americans emphasized relational climate more frequently than the other groups, Black Americans emphasized individuality in politeness and expression and White Americans showed a marked emphasis on verbal content. For the most part, rules for conversing with members of one's own group were different from rules for intercultural conversations with the general exception of Mexican Americans, who perceived similar rules in intracultural and intercultural conversations.