Intercultural communication
In this sense, it seeks to understand how people from different countries and cultures act, communicate, and perceive the world around them.
[1] With regard to intercultural communication proper, it studies situations where people from different cultural backgrounds interact.
Aside from language, intercultural communication focuses on social attributes, thought patterns, and the cultures of different groups of people.
Wherever intercultural communication is, it helps to not only create behaviors between domestic and international contexts but also becomes a shared experience for all.
[9] The following types of theories can be distinguished in different strands: focus on effective outcomes, on accommodation or adaptation, on identity negotiation and management, on communication networks, on acculturation and adjustment.
Colonial policies regarding religion conversion, the removal of children, the division of community property, and the shifting of gender roles primarily impacted North and South America, Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Voluntary assimilation has also been a part of history dating back to the Spanish Inquisition of the late 14th and 15th centuries, when many Muslims and Jews voluntarily converted to Roman Catholicism as a response to religious prosecution while secretly continuing their original practices.
[25] in reference assimilation developed Intercultural communication is competent when it accomplishes the objectives in a manner that is appropriate to the context and relationship.
[37] Competent communication is an interaction that is seen as effective in achieving certain rewarding objectives in a way that is also related to the context in which the situation occurs.
When trust exists, there is implicit understanding within communication, cultural differences may be overlooked, and problems can be dealt with more easily.
[8] Manuela Guilherme, a teacher of foreign languages and cultures at secondary schools and university-level courses in Portugal and Great Britain, recognizes a need for a postmodern, decentered critique of Western societies from the point of view of the other in which no one should be regarded as culturally inferior or colonizable.
"[35] The goal of the original CBSCM proposed by Ting-Toomey and Oetzel (2001) was to use the model as a tentative map to organize and explain the various research concepts in the growing intercultural conflict field.
In order to continue living in a globalized society one can use this Praxis model to understand cultural differences (based on race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, etc.)
Intercultural Communication Praxis Model requires us to respond to someone who comes from a different culture than us, in the most open way we can.
[45] Sorrells’ process is made up of six points of entry in navigating intercultural spaces, including inquiry, framing, positioning, dialogue, reflection, and action.
Inquiry, as the first step of the Intercultural Praxis Model, is an overall interest in learning about and understanding individuals with different cultural backgrounds and world-views, while challenging one's own perceptions.
Dialogue is the turning point of the process during which further understanding of differences and possible tensions develops through experience and engagement with cultures outside of one's own.
Next, reflection allows for one to learn through introspection the values of those differences, as well as enables action within the world “in meaningful, effective, and responsible ways.
"[46] This finally leads to action, which aims to create a more conscious world by working toward social justice and peace among different cultures.
Understanding social relationships and the way other cultures work is the groundwork of successful globalization business affairs.
[50] Another primary concern with documenting alternative cultural norms revolves around the fact that no social actor uses language in ways that perfectly match normative characterizations.
[52] Verbal intercultural communication techniques improve speakers' or listeners' capacity for speech production or comprehension.
[55] Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in interpersonal interactions, conveying emotions, attitudes, and information beyond what words alone can express.
According to Burgoon, Guerrero, and Floyd (2016),[56] nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact are essential for understanding the full message in any communication context.
For instance, consistent eye contact can signal interest and engagement, while crossed arms may indicate defensiveness or discomfort.
[57] Nonverbal communication also varies significantly across cultures, which can lead to misunderstandings in intercultural exchanges if not properly understood.
Thus, being aware of cultural differences in nonverbal communication can prevent misinterpretations and foster better cross-cultural relationships.
For instance, if someone says they are happy while displaying a frown, the mixed signals may cause the listener to doubt the sincerity of the verbal message.
By integrating nonverbal communication strategies, individuals can enhance their interpersonal effectiveness, making their interactions more meaningful and coherent.
Effective nonverbal communication can help in building trust, expressing empathy, and facilitating understanding, thereby improving the quality of personal and professional relationships.
