In COM 263, I studied foundational theories of intercultural communication, focusing on identity, power, epistemology, and intersectionality. I was able to learn about major thinkers such as Kimberlé Crenshaw, María Lugones, and Aníbal Quijano which challenged me to think about the dominant systems of knowledge and communication.
One major concept I explored was the distinction between avowed and ascribed identities. This means how we name ourselves versus how society categorizes it. This was monumental in understanding how identity is not static and rather relational and socially constructed.
Another major concept I learnt was Crenshaw's theory of intersectionality, where the impact of single-axis thinking and how it erases lived experiences of many colored individuals was taught. Lugones expanded this by critiquing binary thinking and introduced the concept of liminal space and coalitional space. These spaces are important to allow marginalized identities to engage in complex communications outside of dominant groups
In addition to theoretical work, I completed a research notebook assignment where our group analyzed how communication styles differ across socioeconomic contexts and how vulnerability, emotional expression, and power shape relationships.
Overall, this course was important in understanding that communication is never neutral and is shaped by structures of power, identity, and historical contexts.
This course was fundamental in changing how I understand the importance of the multicultural competency.
Coming from India and continuing my degree in a STEM field, the concepts of ascribed identity and liminal space resonated with me deeply. I began to understand that what is often defined as "normal" or "intelligent" forms of communication is determined by dominant systems of power. In academics for example, certain ways of speaking, writing, presenting are treated more legitimate than others. In technological environments, specifically in AI research, dominant areas determine what counts as "data-driven" or "valid" results. These standards are not neutral, they are shaped by the historical, cultural, and political contexts.
This learning directly ties to my research in technology and AI. In many technical spaces and specifically in research, legitimacy is often defined by quantitative metrics, findings, and publications. COM 263 challenged me to identify who defines these metrics and whose lived experiences are excluded when these systems are designed.
One thing I aim to implement in my future work by drawing from this teaching is: any collaboration must be done without collapsing the individuals in familiar categories as only then are new forms of knowledge and engagement possible
This course was able to connect to my joy of living theme in many ways. Joy of living emphasizes human identity and dignity, flourishing lives in any context. This course emphasizes that human beings are not reducible to a single category and that intersectionality is what human beings thrive on in any field. Lugones' work emphasizes the importance of becoming intelligible to one another outside of dominant systems. Joy of living recognizes that we experience race, gender, class, language and culture simultaneously and not separately. If we view people through only one axis, we undermine their lived experiences.