The Importance of Multicultural Communication
Multicultural communication brings together people from different cultural backgrounds and allows them to connect and communicate with one another. It is a form of communication that focuses on the study of culture and social groups and is used by educators and students to develop skills to work with people from all walks of life.
Language Is a Key to Free-Flowing Communication
If you want to understand cultures, one of the first things you will need to do is to learn to communicate with them. Communication is a central component of any society; many different kinds of communication exist. Some are direct, while others are indirect. The type of communication that you are involved in will depend on your cultural background.
Intercultural communication (IC) is a process in which social realities are transformed. It is a symbolic and attitudinal process that involves the transformation of boundaries between cultures. In modern societies, IC is valued. The process can affect an individual recognizing otherness within themselves, attitudinal changes, and intentional goal setting. Multilingualism is a crucial aspect of multicultural communication. Individuals and groups of different origins are encouraged to contribute to the culture in a multicultural world.
Language Empowers People to Connect Across Cultural Divides
A language is an essential tool that allows you to connect with people from different cultures. However, learning a new language can be a daunting task. It’s necessary to keep in mind that you can always practice your skills and learn more. It’s also a good idea to consider the culture of the person you’re speaking with. This will help you understand how the other person may approach the situation.
In addition, you should also avoid using phrases that could be offensive.
It’s not unusual for someone to take offence at something you say. For example, a Chinese person might be offended by the words “divide and conquer” when used in an argument. It’s a phrase that originated in Jim Crow-era voting laws.
Identifying with More Than One Culture Can Facilitate Connections
If you are fortunate enough to get a chance to spend some time in a foreign country, you are bound to meet someone who shares your cultural background. Getting acquainted with another culture is a great way to learn more about the world around you and how to interact with people from other cultures. In addition, understanding different cultures can also enhance your personal and professional life.
Knowing how to communicate across cultures is easier than you might imagine. All you need is a little bit of effort and a lot of curiosity. The best way to achieve this is to learn as much as possible about other cultures through travel or simply by talking to your friends and family.
Cultures Communicate in Low-Context or High-Context Styles
One of the most critical differences between cultures is their communication style. This is a factor that can be important for both international business and personal relationships. Understanding the differences between high and low context can help you communicate effectively with clients and improve inter-business relationships.
A high-context culture is a type of society that values interpersonal connections, relationships, and collective understanding. The term refers to countries like China, Japan, and Arab countries. These are characterized by attention to context and subtlety in communication.
The word context is the underlying information surrounding what is being said. A low-context culture relies on explicit verbal communication. In this type of communication, the speaker does not need to provide much background knowledge.
Barriers to Intercultural Communication
Various barriers prevent effective intercultural communication. Some of them are cultural, linguistic, and physical. These barriers can cause misunderstandings, confusion, and wasted time. Moreover, they can affect the flow of information. For example, one of the most common intercultural communication barriers is insufficient language proficiency. This is because people who are not native speakers of another language may be unfamiliar with social dialects and slang expressions. This can lead to language anxiety and a lack of familiarity.
Other nonverbal barriers can also be significant, including body language and gestures. These nonverbal cues are universal, but their interpretation differs depending on the culture. In addition, there are psychological barriers that can interfere with the exchange of ideas. These include stereotypes and prejudice. These are negative attitudes towards certain groups of people, including ethnicity, race, religion, caste, and gender.