Key facts
UNE unit code: LING150
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In an increasingly multicultural society, it is critical that we understand how to communicate effectively with others.
This unit is about communication between people of differing cultural backgrounds in different social and professional contexts. It covers principles of cross-cultural communication, how problems can arise, and what can be done to overcome them.
The approach is linguistically-oriented but assumes no prior knowledge of linguistics. You will learn how to apply linguistic methods to understand and improve cross-cultural communication.
You do not need to know any other language to do this unit. The unit is supported by a variety of online tools including online assessment.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and examine several approaches to studying cross-cultural communication;
- effectively communicate how cultural assumptions and expectations shape communicative style;
- apply linguistic methods and concepts, at an introductory level, to analysing cross-cultural interactions;
- analyse some frequent causes of cross-cultural communication problems;
- effectively communicate how people acquire communicative style through language socialisation; and
- use autonomy and judgement in the explanation of strategies for communicating more effectively across cultures.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No Words: 2000 |
| Worksheet 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Structured response and/or selected response No. Words: 1000 |
| Worksheet 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Structured response No. Words: 1500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Intercultural Communication: A Critical Introduction
ISBN: 9781399519908
Piller, I., Edinburgh University Press 3rd ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Cross-Cultural Pragmatics
ISBN: 9783110177695
Wierzbicka, A., De Gruyter 2nd ed. 2003
Text refers to: All offerings
Introducing Language and Intercultural Communication
ISBN: 9781032365190
Jackson, J., Routledge 3rd ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
The Language and Intercultural Communication Reader
ISBN: 9780415549134
Hua, Z., Routledge 1st ed. 2011
Text refers to: All offerings
Communication Across Cultures: Mutual Understanding in a Global World
ISBN: 9781107685147
Bowe, H. and Martin, K., Cambridge University Press 2nd ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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