In lesson two, we will examine the impact of culture on Interpersonal Communication. You will need to be familiar with:

• Co-cultures
• Individualism vs. collectivism
• High-context vs. low-context language
• Power distance
• Masculinity vs. Femininity
• Uncertainty avoidance
• Cultural norms

You can learn more about these concepts here: Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Interplay. Read through the information, be familiar with these concepts, then watch episode 102 of Outlander on Starz, or read chapters four through seven of Outlander (or both!). You may even want to make notes about the concepts and how they are depicted in the episode.

Then, answer one or more of these questions in the comments below:

1. What co-cultures do you see represented in the episode?
2. Is the culture of Castle Leoch more collectivistic or individualistic? Give examples from the episode.
3. Is the language used in this episode more high-context or low-context? Is it determined by the person? Give examples from the episode.
4. What are some of the cultural norms observed in the episode? What are some of the cultural norms observed in the Hall?
5. How does the 1740s culture at Castle Leoch rate on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and indulgence vs. restraint)?
6. How can you use what you have learned in this lesson in your life and relationships? Be as specific as you feel comfortable sharing.

I look forward to seeing your answers and comments on this lesson.

Thank you for participating!

Our next lesson: Castle Leoch & Self-concept