Analyzing Intercultural Communication
A guide to deconstructing Derek Sivers’ TED Talk “Weird, or just different?” for your communication studies discussion post.
Get Discussion Post HelpAnalyzing a TED Talk: Beyond the Obvious
Have you ever realized something “normal” to you was strange to someone else? For me, it was explaining a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a European friend. Their confusion perfectly illustrates what Derek Sivers discusses in his TED Talk, “Weird, or just different?”. As a student, you’re often asked to watch a video and share your thoughts. The real task is to go deeper. This guide shows how to connect Sivers’ anecdotes to intercultural communication theories, turning a basic response into a scholarly analysis. This is a key skill for any communication and media assignment.
Sivers’ Core Message: Shifting Perspective
Sivers’ talk is powerful in its simplicity. He uses two examples—the American-centric world map and Japanese street-naming conventions—to show that our “correct” way of doing things is just one of many valid perspectives.
- The Map: A world map centered on North America is just one arbitrary view; a map centered on China is equally correct. There is no single “center of the world.”
- The Address: In the U.S., streets are named entities. In Japan, blocks are the named entities. Neither system is inherently better, just different solutions to the same problem.
His conclusion is that when something seems “weird,” we are often imposing our own reality onto a situation with a different, internal logic. The skill of communication is the ability to understand these different logics.
Connecting the Talk to Intercultural Theory
To elevate your analysis, you must connect Sivers’ anecdotes to academic concepts. This shows you’ve engaged with the course material beyond the video.
Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism
Sivers’ talk is a challenge to ethnocentrism—viewing one’s culture as superior. Feeling a Japanese address system is “backwards” is an ethnocentric reaction. The alternative he proposes is cultural relativism, understanding a culture’s practices from within its own context. A recent 2024 article in the journal Religions explores how understanding diverse perspectives is key to developing this skill.
High-Context and Low-Context Cultures
Anthropologist Edward T. Hall’s theory is highly relevant.
- Low-Context Cultures (like the U.S.) rely on explicit, direct communication. A street name and house number are clear data points.
- High-Context Cultures (like Japan) rely on shared understanding and relational context. Knowing where a block is based on its relationship to landmarks fits this model.
Crafting Your Discussion Post
Here’s how to structure your response, integrating the concepts we’ve discussed. This is a key part of our academic writing help service.
Impressions & Perspectives
Start with: “My impression of Derek Sivers’ talk was its profound simplicity. He uses relatable examples to show that ‘normal’ is subjective. This reframed my perspective on communication from ‘being understood’ to ‘understanding others’.”
Relating to Course Studies
Connect to theory: “Sivers’ talk illustrates the tension between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. Assuming our map is the ‘real’ map is an ethnocentric view. Intercultural communication requires a culturally relative perspective, which involves ‘suspending judgment… to understand them in their own cultural terms,’ as my textbook notes.”
Personal Connection & Scholarly Source
Add your experience and source: “I related to his talk when I recall explaining a cultural concept and being met with confusion. Sivers shows these moments are for learning, not judgment. This connects to research on intercultural competence. For instance, a 2023 article in Perspectives on Psychological Science discusses how understanding different perspectives can reduce bias. Sivers’ ‘aha’ moments are catalysts for developing the cognitive skills needed for effective communication, as supported by research.”
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Discussion Post FAQs
How do I find a good scholarly source?
Use your university’s library database (e.g., JSTOR, ProQuest) or Google Scholar. Use keywords from the assignment and look for peer-reviewed articles from the last 5-7 years.
How long should my initial post be?
Check your rubric, but most initial posts are 250-500 words. Be substantive enough to fully answer the prompt and integrate a source without being too long.
How do I write a good peer response?
Go beyond “I agree.” Add to the conversation by asking a thoughtful question, offering a different perspective, or sharing a related example. Be respectful and constructive.
What is “netiquette”?
Netiquette refers to the social code of online communication. It includes writing in full sentences, avoiding slang or all caps, being respectful of differing opinions, and engaging in constructive dialogue.
How do I properly cite a TED Talk?
In APA 7th edition, you would cite it as follows: Sivers, D. (2009, July). *Weird, or just different?* [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_different
Can I disagree with a classmate’s post?
Yes, academic discourse thrives on different viewpoints. However, you must do so respectfully. Focus your disagreement on the ideas, not the person. Use evidence and course concepts to support your counter-argument politely.
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