Intercultural communication refers to the interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds. This applies to exchanges between individuals as well as between groups. The basic prerequisite for successful intercultural communication is mastery of a common language, but awareness of gestures, facial expressions, posture and other cultural characteristics is also necessary.
Encounters with people from foreign cultures have become normal during the course of globalisation. Whether at school, in leisure time, or at the workplace, international interdependencies are increasing even in our own country. One of the most important insights in the field of intercultural communication is to understand cultural contexts and to be aware of the similarities and differences between cultural groups.
Misunderstandings of intercultural communication
Intercultural communication between members of different cultural groups is prone to misunderstandings. This is because people use signs such as speech, gestures and facial expressions to communicate. It can happen that members of different cultures use completely different terms or gestures for the same information or show different reactions. This leaves room for misinterpretation.
Intercultural communication in the workplace
Intercultural communication plays an important role, especially in internationally operating companies. It is not only the teams that are becoming increasingly international in the course of globalisation; business partners are also often based in distant countries such as the USA, China or Australia. It is essential to be aware of cultural differences to ensure successful exchange.
Examples of differences
Greeting: even greeting rituals are culturally very different. While people shake hands in Germany, Italians often hug each other. In Japan, people bow respectfully to each other in greeting, while the Chinese prefer a gentle handshake. In Arab countries, the hierarchy of the people in the room determines who is greeted first. In Tibet, people stick out their tongues to greet each other. Smiling: smiling or laughing also has different meanings in different cultures. While in Germany it usually means an expression of positive feelings such as joy or cheerfulness, people in many Asian, Oriental or African countries also smile to hide unwanted emotions such as insecurity or sadness. Punctuality: In Germany, punctuality is expected at business meetings, whereas in France, if you are fifteen minutes late, you are still on time. People from Brazil and India, for example, do not attach great importance to punctuality and delays are to be expected here. Body language: More than half of our communication consists of non-verbal signals, i.e. gestures and facial expressions. Of course, body language also varies in different cultures. While shaking one’s head is understood to mean no in this country, in India and Bulgaria it means approval. In Asia, you waggle your head from right to left for a “yes”. Crossed arms are considered disrespectful in Southeast Asia, and in many places it is frowned upon to point at a person with the tip of the foot.
Advantages of intercultural communication
Awareness of how differently content can be communicated enables a better form of communication to be chosen and also shows respect for the other person. It is not enough to simply learn another language. In order to be able to communicate as appropriately as possible with people from other cultures, you should learn to understand the signals of your counterpart. Those who are interculturally competent can convey information more accurately and effectively and lead negotiations to success.
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FAQ: More questions on intercultural communication
What does interculturality mean?
Interculturality describes the encounter of different cultures. The word part “inter” indicates that it is an exchange between people.
Why is intercultural communication important?
Intercultural skills are a prerequisite for interpersonal interactions. Raising awareness of the cultural diversity of members of a society contributes first and foremost to treating other people with respect. We also learn to communicate our own values and views in an understandable way.
What does intercultural communication mean?
According to the definition by American ethnologist Edward Hall, intercultural communication means “the interpersonal response of people belonging to different cultures”. Hall is considered the founder of intercultural communication.
How does intercultural communication work?
Effective intercultural communication is only possible if all participants treat each other respectfully and accept the cultural differences while also believing in their own values.
How can intercultural misunderstandings be avoided?
Intercultural communication problems happen where different cultures meet. Those who raise their awareness of cultural differences show a willingness to reflect on their own communication patterns and to engage with diversity.
How can intercultural skills be promoted?
In both private and professional environments, it is worthwhile to enhance one’s intercultural skills and become interculturally competent. Those who engage in the learning process, treat other people with tolerance and acceptance and perceive the foreign culture as such will quickly make progress.
What does transculturality mean?
Transculturality describes the blending of different cultures across national and linguistic boundaries. During the course of globalisation, this concept of culture is becoming increasingly important.
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