Intercultural Communication: Definition, Types, and Skills

If you’ve ever worked with people from different cultures, then you know that it can be a challenge. But what do we mean by “intercultural communication?” This blog post will explore the definition of intercultural communicators and the skills and abilities they need to succeed.

We’ll also discuss how to become an intercultural communicator and some of the challenges that come with the job. So if you’re interested in working with people from around the world, this blog post is for you!

How can we define Intercultural Communication?

Intercultural communication studies interactions between people from different cultures and social communities. It involves understanding cultural differences and similarities and developing intercultural competence, which is the ability to communicate effectively in cross-cultural situations.

In order to do this, intercultural communicators need to be aware of their own cultural biases and

Related: Barriers of Communications

Importance of Intercultural Communication

Intercultural understanding is important for several reasons. First, it can help us to build better relationships with people from other cultures.

We can avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications by apprehending how to communicate effectively across cultures. Second, effective intercultural communication can help us to develop our intercultural communication competence.

This competence refers to our ability to understand and use the rules of effective communication to interact effectively with people from other cultures. Overall, understanding all intercultural communication aspects can also help us to resolve conflicts that may arise between people from different cultures.

Related: Importance of Communication Competence

The differences between Multicultural vs. Cross-cultural vs. Intercultural:

While the terms “multicultural,” “cross-cultural,” and “intercultural” are often used interchangeably, there are some important distinctions between these concepts.

Multiculturalism refers to the presence of multiple cultures within a society. This can be due to immigration, cultural exchange, or other factors.

Cross-culturalism refers to the study of relationships between people from different cultures. It can involve studying how culture shapes our understanding of the world or examining how cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Interculturalism is similar to cross-culturalism but also emphasizes the importance of communication and interaction between people from different cultures. Interculturalism aims to build relationships and promote understanding between people from different cultures.

What are the 3 perspectives of cultural and intercultural communication?

The three perspectives of cultural and intercultural communication are the indigenous, cultural, and cross-cultural approaches.

1. Indigenous Approach

The term “indigenous” refers to those ethnic groups native to a particular region. The indigenous approach is an effort to ensure that research about indigenous people is conducted in a way that is ethically and culturally respectful.

This includes involving indigenous people in the research process and ensuring that the findings are shared with the community in an understandable and beneficial way.

The goal of the indigenous approach is to create knowledge that can be used to improve indigenous people’s lives while preserving their cultural heritage.

2. Cultural Approach

The cultural approach to intercultural communication focuses on how culture shapes our understanding of the world. It examines how different cultures communicate and how those differences can lead to misunderstandings.

The cultural approach can also help us to understand why certain behaviors are considered polite in one culture but rude in another. By understanding these differences, we can learn to be more understanding and tolerant of others.

3. Cross-Cultural Approach

The cross-cultural approach to intercultural communication examines the ways that people from different cultures interact with each other. It looks at how cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflict and how we can overcome these challenges.

This approach can help us to build relationships with people from other cultures by teaching us how to communicate across cultural boundaries effectively.

5 Positive Effects of Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication can have many positive effects, including the following:

1. Effective Leadership

Leaders in today’s organizations must be able to navigate the complex landscape of cultural differences. With the global business community becoming increasingly connected, it is more important than ever for leaders to be able to build cross-cultural understanding. One way to develop this understanding is through intercultural communication training.

By learning about other cultures and developing intercultural competence, leaders can be better equipped to effectively motivate and manage their teams. In addition, in today’s diverse workplace, intercultural communication skills are essential for any leader who wants to be successful.

2. Improved Collaboration

In order to be successful, organizations must be able to collaborate across cultural boundaries effectively. With proper intercultural communication training, employees can learn the skills to build positive relationships with colleagues from other cultures.

This understanding can lead to improved communication and collaboration, which can help organizations to achieve their goals. Intercultural communication can also help to resolve conflict by teaching people how to understand better and respect others.

3. Productivity and Proficiency

In order to be productive, employees need to be able to communicate effectively with each other. When people from different cultures cannot communicate, it can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.

Intercultural communication training can help employees better understand and work together more effectively. This improved communication can lead to increased productivity and proficiency in the

4. Promotes Understanding and Tolerance

Intercultural communication is vital in today’s increasingly globalized world. It promotes understanding and tolerance of different cultures and helps people to see that there is more than one way to view the world.

By understanding and respecting other cultures, we can build communication and understanding bridges to help make the world a better place. Intercultural communication is not only about understanding different cultures but also about learning from them.

We can learn new ways of doing things and gain a deeper understanding of our own culture by seeing it through the lens of another. Intercultural communication is an essential skill we should all strive to develop in a world that is becoming ever more connected.

5. Global Business Advantage

Good intercultural business communication is essential for a successful international operation. There are many aspects to effective intercultural communication, including a proper understanding of nonverbal communication, awareness of different ways people may express themselves, and an understanding of how different cultures view time, space, and relationships.

By investing in cross-cultural training, businesses can help employees learn these critical skills and improve communication with people from other cultures. In addition to improving communication, such training can also help build trust and rapport, which are essential for any successful business venture.

When done correctly, intercultural communication training can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to operate successfully in an increasingly global marketplace.

Related: Team Communication

What are intercultural skills?

Intercultural skills are the ability to navigate different cultural situations and perspectives. They can involve being receptive to foreign languages and open to other ideas. In a workplace, this might mean employees are from various cultural backgrounds and have exposure to unfamiliar business routines and practices. Developing intercultural skills can allow you to understand your coworkers better while enhancing social awareness.

Research has shown that cultural diversity in the workforce can lead to enhanced creativity and productivity. Understanding and relating to people from different cultures is becoming increasingly important in the global economy. A study by the Intercultural Development Research Institute found that people with strong intercultural skills are more likely than others to be successful in managing change, resolving conflicts, and building relationships.

Developing intercultural skills requires exposure to different cultures and a willingness to learn about new things. This can be done by traveling, participating in cultural events, or learning about other cultures through media or conversation. Attention to body language and nonverbal cues can also help understand others from different cultures. Practically, anyone can develop the intercultural skills needed to navigate a diverse world.

Related: Principles of Nonverbal Communication

8 Intercultural Skills you must have to Develop

When it comes to developing intercultural skills, there are a few key areas you should focus on. Here are eight of the most critical intercultural skills you should strive to develop:

1. Open-mindedness

One of the essential intercultural skills is open-mindedness. In order to be successful in a globalized world, it is necessary to be open to new ideas and different ways of doing things. One way to become more open-minded is to seek out opportunities to learn about other cultures.

This could involve traveling to different countries, reading books or articles about other cultures, or even taking a class on a topic related to another culture.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of one’s biases and prejudices and to try to overcome them. When interacting with people from other cultures, it is essential to be respectful and humble.

2. Strong communication skills

Communication is the ability to clearly and concisely convey information and to understand what others say to you. In any workplace, communication is vital, but it is especially important in a culturally diverse environment. In order to avoid misunderstandings, it is crucial to be able to understand how people from different backgrounds communicate.

The skills and qualities that can help you as you work on improving your communication abilities are nonverbal communication, empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. By honing these skills, you will be better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a culturally diverse workplace.

3. Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are essential in the workplace, where the mix of different cultures can require you to find a new approach to resolve an issue. These intercultural communication skills allow you to handle challenges and solve them calmly by evaluating various alternatives to find the best solution. The culture in which someone is raised affects the way they communicate.

People from collectivist cultures are more likely to consider the group when deciding. In contrast, people from individualist cultures are more likely to choose based on their needs. As a result, problem-solving in a workplace setting often requires an understanding of individual and group dynamics. By being aware of these differences, you can more effectively navigate the challenges that arise in the workplace.

4. Foreign language skills

Speaking or reading a foreign language can be a valuable asset in the workplace. Moreover, cultural awareness and intercultural communication skills are more critical in an increasingly international thrift.

Those who speak a second language often possess strong critical thinking skills and can navigate difficult conversations. They may also be more sociable and outgoing, which can help build relationships with clients or customers.

While not everyone needs to be fluent in a foreign language, those with these skills often find a competitive advantage in the workplace.

5. Collaboration skills

To be successful in an intercultural team, diplomacy skills are key to maintaining positive relationships with everyone on the team. In addition, group leaders must be adept at handling different cultures’ customs and expectations while working toward a common goal.

A positive attitude is also necessary to help everyone feel comfortable communicating and collaborating. Using these essential skills, intercultural teams can overcome differences and achieve great things together.

Related: Group Communication

Final Thoughts

Becoming an intercultural communicator is difficult, but it’s worth the effort. If you’re up for the challenge, we recommend you start by studying the different cultures around you and learning as much as possible about them. You should also focus on developing your communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal.

And lastly, be prepared to face some challenges along the way; after all, working with people from different cultures will never be easy. But if you’re willing to do the hard work, you’ll undoubtedly become a successful intercultural communicator.

Have you ever worked with people from different cultures? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comment section below!

FAQ