Causes of misunderstandings in intercultural communication : with empirical illustrations from conversations between Norwegian public officers and Oromo refugees in the Southern Rogaland, Norway

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to discuss misunderstandings in intercultural communication. As human communication is based on learned traits, cultural backgrounds are taken as important factors to understand why people communicate the way they do. Several scholars have been engaged in studying aspects of communication within cultures for several years. This thesis attempts to make some empirical illustrations from field study conducted among some Oromo refugees and Norwegian public officers in and around Southern Rogaland. The thesis tries to make some possible assessments around what causes misunderstandings between the two parties in communication situations. Different perspectives are utilized and references are made from various scholarly products to strengthen what has been observed and conversed with informants.