Cross-Cultural Communication (CUL201)

General Information

This course provides students with theoretical foundations and practical tools to understand and navigate communication across diverse cultures. Drawing from cultural anthropology, sociolinguistics, and intercultural communication studies, the course investigates how culture shapes language, values, beliefs, communication styles, and behavior. Topics include Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, language and power, non-verbal communication, and managing cross-cultural interactions in education, workplaces, and global contexts. The course combines lectures, case studies, and experiential activities to equip students with intercultural competence and empathy.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand fundamental concepts and dimensions of culture (e.g., power distance, individualism/collectivism, etc.).
  
  

• Identify and explain key cultural differences in communication practices and perspectives.
  
  

• Demonstrate intercultural sensitivity and awareness in communication across diverse cultural contexts.
  
  

• Analyze real-world cross-cultural communication scenarios and propose appropriate solutions.
  
  

• Apply theories of intercultural communication to interpersonal and organizational contexts.
  
  

• Develop skills in conflict resolution and negotiation in multicultural environments.
  
  

• Enhance their English speaking and listening proficiency through cross-cultural discussion and collaboration.
  
  

• Demonstrate ethical and inclusive behavior in multicultural settings.
  
  

• Reflect on their own cultural identities and adapt their communication style to others.
  
  

Course Syllabus: Download PDF (Đề cương HP)

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for students in English language studies, international business, communication, or anyone interested in effective interaction across cultures. It is especially useful for future educators, global citizens, professionals working in multicultural workplaces, and those planning to study or work abroad.

Who will you learn with?

Dr. Tran Tin Nghi
Dean, Faculty of Foreign Languages
Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT)
Areas of interest: intercultural communication, TESOL, applied linguistics, corpus studies, and AI in education.

• Scopus Author ID: 57212464873
  
  

• ORCID: 0000-0001-6549-3895
  
  

• ResearchGate: Tran-Nghi-4
  
  

Checking Attendance

See the detail: Check Attendance Marks  

Course Assessment

The final grade for this course will be calculated based on the following components:

1. Formative Assessment (A1) – 20%
   
   

   • Attendance (A1.1) – 10%
     
     

     • Evaluated using Rubrics (Appendix 1, Section 1)
       
       

     • Related Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs): CLO1, CLO2, CLO3
       
       

   • Individual Quizzes (A1.2) – 10%
     
     

     • Evaluated using Rubrics (Appendix 1, Section 3)
       
       

     • Related CLOs: CLO1, CLO2, CLO3
       
       

2. Mid-Term Assessment – 30%
   
   

   • Oral Presentation (A2)
     
     

     • Evaluated using Rubrics (Appendix 1, Section 4)
       
       

     • Related CLOs: CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6
       
       

3. Final Assessment – 50%
   
   

   • Written Test (A3)
     
     

     • Evaluated using Rubrics (Appendix 1, Section 5)
       
       

     • Related CLOs: CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6, CLO7

Final Assignment:
Topic: Analyzing Cultural Misunderstandings in Real-life Interactions
Submit at: Google Form Submission Link

Reference Books

1. Stringer, D. M., & Cassiday, P. A. (2009). 52 Activities for Improving Cross-Cultural Communication. Intercultural Press.
   
   

2. Berardo, K., & Deardorff, D. K. (2012). Building Cultural Competencies. Routledge.
   
   

3. Putri, D., & Kristanto, B. (2023). Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication. UHB Press.
   
   

4. Lustig, M. W., & Koester, J. (2017). Intercultural Competence: Interpersonal Communication Across Cultures. Pearson.
   
   

5. Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
   
   

Link to download textbooks

Contact

Tran Tin Nghi, PhD
Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT)
140 Le Trong Tan Str., Tay Thanh Ward, Tan Phu Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📱 Mobile: +84 906 687 662
📧 Email: nghitt@huit.edu.vn
🌐 Website: www.trantinnghi.com
🔗 Facebook: facebook.com/tran.tin.nghi.2025