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| kevinlinzh.wordpress.com |
As I begin my journey to better understand intercultural communication, I have realized how complicated proper communication can become. Due to culture, religion, race, sexual preference, politics and above all those, the personal culture of everyone in which must play a part in intercultural communication because without understanding all the aspects that surround the words “proper communication”, many complications could arise.
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| sites.psu.edu |
Basic communication is not properly practiced unless you know someone's background and lifestyle. This is the common ground in which you do communicate. You cannot and should not communicate with anyone without having a reason to do so. Intercultural communication makes it necessary to research some background on cultures in which you may be beginning a communication process. Even if it is across the world from another country, whether you are communicating via mail, email, personally, skype or whatever form of communication item you may be using.
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| slideshare.net |
Remember, whether it across the globe or in your backyard, you need to know cultural background of all those you choose to communicate with. You must be aware of cultural gestures and customs so not to offend anyone. Simply just looking someone in the eyes could be offensive to some cultures. As Edward T. Hall was quoted within the Intercultural Competence textbook, he states his analogy of culture by saying, “all cultures have a small visible component and a larger (and arguably more important) part that is hidden from view”. (Lustig & Koester, 2013) The hidden component is the one we need to research and learn if we are ever going to properly communicate with any being, near or far.
“We developed a culture that said, No one is ever on their own. Everyone belongs to a big group. The prosperity and survival of the group come first. And no, everyone is not equal. Some are patriarchs, and some are poor relations; that’s life. But generosity is the value that makes it all work”. ---Tamim Ansaray
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References
Lustig, M. W., & Koester, J. (2013). Intercultural competence: Interpersonal communication across cultures (7th ed. ed.). pg.20, Boston, MA: Pearson.
