Review the styles of written, verbal, and nonverbal communications used within your chosen culture or subculture. Your reasoning must be supported by your review and analysis or arguments of current and viable sources. Each of the methods of communication must be treated separately in your paper. Your submission must be a minimum of two pages in length, although you should not limit the thoroughness of your research and discussion based on this minimum requirement.For example, find source documents that describe a culture or subculture of your choice. If selection is Mongolians, then you would want to find sources on how they trade livestock in Baocheng; what currency is used? How do they determine a fair trade or price? What language is used: Mandarin, Oirat or Burat?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Communication Styles in Japanese Culture
Written Communication in Japanese Culture
In Japanese culture, written communication holds significant importance, reflecting the emphasis on respect, formality, and attention to detail. The use of written language, particularly kanji characters, conveys a sense of tradition and cultural heritage. Writing in Japanese involves intricate characters and symbols that carry nuanced meanings, requiring precision and skill in conveying messages effectively.
Characteristics of Written Communication in Japanese Culture:
– Politeness and Formality: Japanese writing often incorporates polite language and honorifics to show respect to the recipient.
– Symbolism and Visual Appeal: Kanji characters and calligraphy are valued for their aesthetic beauty and cultural significance.
– Hierarchy and Structure: Written communication in Japanese follows a hierarchical structure, with different levels of formality based on the relationship between the sender and receiver.
– Attention to Detail: Japanese writing emphasizes accuracy, clarity, and attention to detail, reflecting the meticulous nature of the culture.
Verbal Communication in Japanese Culture
Verbal communication in Japanese culture is characterized by nuances in language, tone, and nonverbal cues. The use of honorifics, indirect speech, and subtle gestures play a crucial role in conveying messages effectively and maintaining harmony in interpersonal interactions. Silence is also valued in Japanese communication, serving as a form of nonverbal expression.
Characteristics of Verbal Communication in Japanese Culture:
– Politeness and Respect: Japanese language incorporates various levels of politeness to show respect based on social hierarchy and relationships.
– Indirect Communication: Indirect speech patterns are common in Japanese communication to avoid direct confrontation or causing offense.
– Nonverbal Cues: Body language, facial expressions, and gestures are essential components of communication in Japanese culture, conveying unspoken meanings.
– Silence as Communication: Pauses and silence are used strategically in conversations to signal agreement, disagreement, or contemplation.
Nonverbal Communication in Japanese Culture
Nonverbal communication plays a vital role in Japanese culture, often conveying subtle messages that complement verbal interactions. Gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and posture are key elements of nonverbal communication in Japan, influencing how messages are perceived and interpreted by others.
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication in Japanese Culture:
– Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is often considered impolite or confrontational in Japanese culture, with individuals using subtle glances to communicate respect or interest.
– Bowing: Bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect in Japanese culture, with the depth and duration of the bow reflecting the level of formality.
– Facial Expressions: Facial expressions are used to convey emotions and intentions subtly, with smiles often indicating politeness rather than genuine happiness.
– Personal Space: Japanese culture values personal space, and individuals maintain a certain distance during interactions to respect boundaries and show politeness.
In conclusion, written, verbal, and nonverbal communication styles in Japanese culture are deeply rooted in tradition, respect, and attention to social cues. Understanding and adapting to these communication norms are essential for effective interactions and building relationships within the cultural context. By recognizing the nuances of written language, verbal expressions, and nonverbal cues in Japanese communication, individuals can navigate cultural differences with sensitivity and proficiency.
