IndexIntroductionAspects of identityIdentities are created through communication:Identities are created in spurts:Identities are multiple:Identities are influenced by society:Identities are dynamic:Identities are developed in different ways in different cultures :Groups that shape our identityAge identity:National identity:Regional identity:Computer identity:Personal identity:IntroductionEvery human being has his own identity. It is not just about our physical characteristics, cultural background or gender, but rather something that is constantly developing through our experiences and encounters (communication) with other people. Identities are dynamic and complex. We also have multiple identities that are influenced by cultural background and society (Judith et al. 2013:45). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Our identities form a very important part of our self-concept. They are not constant and it is not something we can achieve or complete (Spreckels, J. & Kotthoff, H., 2009). Aspects of identity Identities are created through communication: the development of our identities depends heavily on communication. Identities are co-created and strengthened through communication with other people. We are who we are because of the conversations we've had and the relationships we've built throughout our lives. As Kennith J. Gergen says, “I am connected, therefore I am” (Gergen, 1985:45). Every time we communicate, it gives us the opportunity to learn something, to express ourselves, to behave in a certain way and to alter our thoughts or opinions about something. This allows us to form a self-concept that is part of our identity. Depending on who we communicate with and what we are talking about, different parts of our identity can be emphasized. Gergen also stated that mobile communication technologies (phone calls, text messages, etc.) also influence our relationships and identities (Gergen, 2002). For example: if someone I've never met calls me on the phone to book a photo shoot, (since I'm a photographer) my physical identity or sexual orientation probably won't be as important to them as my age or professional identity, since these could give them an idea of ​​my maturity and experience which could help them decide if I am trustworthy to take photos on their special occasions. Identities are created in spurts: We may go through phases where we are very aware of our identities and how they are shaped, however, there will be other periods where we don't pay much attention to them. Our identities don't develop in a uniform or regular process, they develop in spurts. “Some events provide information about who we are, but these are framed by long periods during which we may not think much about ourselves or our identity” (Judith et al. 2013:46). For example: when I was 15 years old, I participated in an exchange program in the United States of America. In the 11 month period I was there, I constantly questioned my identity. I lived with a family who practiced a different religion than me, they had a different class identity than my family back home, and they were obviously a different nationality than me. I had adopted many of their practices and “norms.” That year was a year full of personal development. My self-concept and identity had changed dramatically when I returned to South Africa. Identities are multiple: many different factors contribute to making us who we are, which is why we don't have an identity,but rather identity. Context, time and the people around us determine which identity will come into play. We are all part of many different groups in the community, which may all highlight something different about our identity (Fiddy, 2010). For example: I can't describe myself with one word. I am a woman, a student, a photographer, a swimmer and the list goes on. However, let's say I were to join a feminist group, I could represent my gender identity more while spending time with that specific group. Identities are influenced by society: Our identities are influenced by social forces such as politics, economics and history. “Although each person has their own individual personality, ideas and thoughts, we are shaped by the society and culture that surrounds us every day” (Fussell, 2010). This is why people associate with specific groups and not others. We were placed into identity categories before we were even born (Gergen, 2002). For example: If both your parents are Christians, you may also be labeled by society as Christian. Identities are dynamic: Identities should be considered dynamic rather than fixed, as they are continually changing. What we associated with a specific identity 30 years ago may be completely different today. Judith et al (2002:47) state that “The social forces that give rise to particular identities are continually changing.” For example: My gender identity is female. Years ago, this was something you were born with and couldn't change. It could mean that you are weaker than males, that you have to stay at home cleaning and cooking. Today, however, it is something completely different. There is power in our femininity. More and more women are becoming successful entrepreneurs and starting their own businesses. In the past this was the role of the male, today instead we fight for equality. Our perception of the label "feminine" may be different in twenty years. Identities develop in different ways in different cultures: in many societies, individualism is emphasized. From an early age we are told that we are unique and are encouraged to "know who we are" and be independent. However, not all societies share this vision of individualism. In other countries, your community or family identity may be more important than your individual identity. “Identity development does not occur the same way in every society” (Judith et al, 2002:47). For example: a child born in the United States of America might focus on developing a strong individual identity. Thus, they would pursue their interests, dress and behave differently than their family or community members. While a child in a country like Japan, which has a collective culture, might focus on developing or adapting to their family's identity. So, they may want to join or take over the family business rather than go and study something completely different. Groups that shape our identity. Age identity: Our age can determine how we dress, speak and behave. We are also expected to behave in a certain way depending on our age. For example, if you are 18 years or older in South Africa, the community may expect you to get a job and move out of your parents' home. Different generations are also associated with different behaviors, skills and knowledge. For example, my generation is seen as the technologically advanced one. According to research we are also more optimistic, open-minded, globally oriented and concerned about protecting the environment (Judith et al, 2002:47). Different cultures celebrate certain ages, such as one's fifteenth birthdayLatin daughter is very important, just like a 21st in South Africa. We celebrate these birthdays because they signify adulthood in our cultures. However, this is precisely what the media and the public have taught us to believe. You might be a 16-year-old South African and feel and behave more like an adult, while someone else might be 21 and have no sense of responsibility or drive to behave like an adult. “Even when we tell others how we feel about our age, we receive messages from the media telling us how we should feel” (Judith et al, 2002:47). How I Communicate My Age Identity: My age identity is communicated through my clothing, the slang/slang I use, the people I spend time with, and the communication methods I use. I feel that the way I dress is modern, trendy and acceptable for a 21 year old student. However, it might be looked down upon if a 50-year-old businesswoman wore the same item. Most of my friends are between the ages of 18 and 30, we tend to use "current" slang that older people may not understand. The use of cell phones, computers and social media is a daily part of my life. National Identity: National identity, or nationality, is often confused with racial or ethnic identity. However, it is an identity of its own, influenced by the cultures, traditions and language of your country. “It is the sense of a nation as a cohesive whole” (Tariq, 2018). When we think of America, we think of very patriotic, English-speaking, sports-loving people, as this makes up a large part of the country's traditions and traditions. culture. The "Friday Night Lights" is a tradition where a big American football game takes place on a Friday night and the entire city is there to support the teams and watch the fireworks. This is part of their national identity as American football lovers. In South Africa, however, American football is hardly played, but rugby is a big deal. How I communicate my national identity: Personally, I think the South African identity is difficult to explain and represent, as there are so many different cultures and languages. So even though I'm South African, I feel like I only represent the English and Afrikaans part of the nation. I communicate this by being proud of my country, associating with a mix of people of different races, cultures and ethnicities as South Africa is a rainbow nation. My traditions and activities communicate my national identity, for example, when I go to a friend's house on a Saturday afternoon to braai and watch rugby. I also communicate my nationality through the way I speak, using phrases like "howzit" and "now now", singing the South African national anthem and so on. Regional Identity: Real identity is similar to national identity, however, it is the concept of your region. Different regions may have different ways of communicating and behaving. For example, in Limpopo, Sesotho is the primary language used to communicate, while in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Zulu is the primary language. This is part of your regional identity, which becomes very important in intercultural communication. Sometimes these regional identities can result in a national independence movement (Judith et al. 2013:57). It's almost as if each area has its own "norms". If you are from a small town, you might smile and say hello to a random person walking past you, but if you live in a busy city, you meet so many people every day that you could hardly recognize or look at the other person. How do I communicate the my regional identity: My regional identity is communicated by my accent and the slang I use when I speak. For example, in Limpopo we would say "howzit boet?" While someone,.