HERINK WORLDVIEW AND DISCUSSION

Chapter 3 discussed the construct of the individual’s worldview and how that worldview in turn affects communication between individuals and groups. In the chapter Nakayama and Martin discuss two major components, religion and culture that help develop a worldview.

The chapter first discusses the varying viewpoints of the different major religions worldwide. Nakayama and Martin then went on to disclose how these different religions might begin to inform an individual’s worldview. I particularly like the example which refers to women in some Middle Eastern countries who were forced to hide themselves from men. While this seemed like a major injustice to me, persons of a differing worldview might view this as just. This difference illustrates how a religious viewpoint influences a cultural viewpoint which in turn helps develop an individual or group’s worldview.

The chapter also spoke of how the dynamic nature of religion and cultural identity can influence one another. I thought the paradoxical scenario that arises regarding which influenced which first allows for some interesting discussion regarding the foundation of our beliefs. Since so many believe that religion supersedes cultural identity, it would be interesting to find out how much of our religion is actually informed by non-supernatural forces and instead by our cultural.

I also thought it was interesting how Nakayama and Martin discussed how culture can in turn affect communication. Due to conflicting culture which informs a worldview tensions can be created in communication. It can become difficult to interact with an individual whose viewpoint conflicts directly with something you feel strongly with. I can definitely see how this is true in country like America where there are so many different religions and cultures that influence individual’s worldview tensions are inevitable.

1. The chapter discussed how cultural, national identity and religions inform a person’s worldview. What other components might help to define an individual’s worldview?
2. What responsibilities do we have as communicators when interacting with others with differing worldviews?