Intercultural Communication Overview

Study Notes

Intercultural communication takes place when people interact, negotiate, and create meaning by bringing in their cultural backgrounds.
Intercultural communication occurs when individuals from different nationalities communicate.
Intercultural communication is influenced by various cultural backgrounds, including ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations.
People draw from their cultural identity to understand values, prejudices, language, attitudes, and relationships in intercultural communication.
Intercultural communication is focused on the sending and receiving of messages across different languages and cultures.

The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity provides a framework for understanding how people experience cultural differences and consists of six stages.

"All cities are the same; they all have tall buildings, fast food chains, and coffee shops."

Individuals begin to recognize cultural differences but feel threatened by them.
This can lead to either a sense of cultural superiority or an unjustified admiration for the new culture.

"This culture does not view life the way we do; our culture is certainly better."
"Their ways are better than my own; I wish I were one of them."

Individuals acknowledge differences but emphasize the universality of ideas, downplaying cultural variations.

Individuals begin to appreciate significant cultural differences in behaviors and values.

"These people and I have different values and experience, and I think we can learn from one another."

Individuals become open to new perspectives and adjust their communication strategies to account for cultural differences.

"To address our issue, I have to adjust my approach to consider both my own and my counterpart’s background."

Individuals transcend their own cultural lens and see themselves and their actions from multiple cultural viewpoints.

It helps recognize communication behaviors that differ from your own, and understand the factors that influence these behaviors.
It allows you to analyze how linguistic and cultural communities vary in communication behavior and influencing factors.

Flexibility and Tolerance for Uncertainty: Able to adapt to new situations and handle ambiguity.
Reflectiveness and Mindfulness: Aware of their own cultural biases and the impact on communication.
Open-mindedness: Willing to consider different perspectives and ideas.
Sensitivity: Attentive to nonverbal cues and cultural nuances.
Adaptability: Able to modify their communication style to suit different cultural settings.
Divergent and Systems-Level Thinking: Can think creatively and consider how elements in a system influence each other.
Politeness: Demonstrates respect and consideration for others.

Avoid Stereotypes: Refrain from making generalizations about entire groups.
Challenge Gender Norms: Avoid using gender-specific language that excludes or marginalizes.
Respect Age and Social Class: Treat all individuals with dignity, regardless of age or social status.
Be Sensitive to Religion: Respect religious practices and beliefs.

Understanding the cultures, organizations, institutions, history, and general way of life of different communities and nations.
Recognizing how these aspects influence behavioral norms
Recognizing how culture affects communication and language.
Understanding the conventions that govern behavior in specific intercultural interactions.