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Intercultural communication combines anthropology, sociology, and international studies to facilitate understanding across borders. Knowledge acquisition is key to overcoming barriers such as language and culture. Active listening and learning about cultural differences can also improve communication.
Intercultural communication refers to a hybrid branch of academia combining cultural anthropology, sociology, and international studies that focuses on ways to facilitate understanding across borders and cultures. In addition to guiding tactics to streamline communication between various language groups, it also highlights the many obstacles and misunderstandings on the path to true global understanding. The more knowledgeable a person becomes in the many ways in which communication can fail between members of disparate cultures, the more equipped he/she will be to establish and maintain healthy communication with people from entirely different backgrounds.
A primary barrier to intercultural communication, also known as cross-cultural communication, is the lack of a predominant and universal language and culture. Therefore, the acquisition of knowledge is the main recommendation to build a progressively clearer understanding of those of other cultures. This may include acquiring a second or third language in an effort to stand on an equal footing with those of other cultures. Gaining knowledge of other cultures and traditions can also help you understand the complex and unique web of influences that have shaped the citizens of each culture.
Intercultural understanding begins in early childhood when students are taught broader and often generalized trivia or historical facts about other countries by teachers, parents, and the media. In high school and particularly college, a student’s cross-cultural communication can intensify. Liberal arts colleges, in particular, seek to graduate holistic students with an understanding of not only a chosen career field but also how that work relates to the larger global community.
In a more pragmatic way, intercultural communication attempts to educate people on ways to become active listeners across borders. Some common tactics include avoiding local expressions or slang, opting instead for short, declarative statements in simple language and syntax. When listening, slowing down is a commonly employed tactic, and asking questions whenever a certain phrase or thought blocks you. Most people will appreciate the effort spent trying to figure out exactly what you are trying to convey. Additionally, extra homework can reveal another culture’s preconceived notions about your own culture—invaluable data for figuring out what to say, and when, and to whom.
Many other culture-specific differences are explored in the study of intercultural communication. For example, many Asian cultures prefer to keep a bubble of empty space around them when talking to others. Some Westerners, on the other hand, may prefer their conversations to take place in a more close-knit, conspiratorial way. Learning about these differences helps ease the fear and misunderstanding on both sides of a cultural divide.
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