The term "intercultural communication" refers to the communication that occurs between people belonging to different cultures. As a rule, these are personal contacts or mass communication, although such indirect forms as, for example, correspondence can often be found.
Intercultural communication is a concept that is studied by several sciences at once, for example, psychology, cultural studies, sociology, ethnology, linguistics, anthropology. Each teaching uses its own theories of studying this branch of knowledge.
Section 1. Intercultural communication and its place among other types of communication.
Depending on the number of people participating in the discussion, in general, communication can be divided into:
- Interpersonal. In this case, the dialogue is conducted in the so-called small group, for example, in the family or in a close circle of friends. The number of participants is minimal, and the relationship between them is fairly direct. The nature of such communication is primarily determined by the increase or decrease in distance.
- Intra-group or inter-group. The distance is already increasing, because the number of participants in the dialogue is also growing.
- Professional. Communication only on business issues.
- And finally, intercultural, which includes not only direct communication (interpersonal, intra-group, inter-group, professional) between representatives of different nationalities, but also correspondence.
Section 2. Intercultural communication. History of appearance.
Initially, this concept was introduced into speech in 1950. The famous American anthropologist Edward T. Hall was engaged in the adaptation of diplomats and various businessmen from the USA to other countries of the world.
It is then that the scientist puts forward the need for the introduction of this term. Although his theory was narrowly focused and was mainly based on different cultural stereotypes (generally accepted norms, values, rules, artifacts of a certain region or country).
At the moment, the prevailing understanding of culture as a system of understanding the lifestyle, norms and values ββof a particular country as a whole, but of a single social group. For example, the culture of organization, city, generation. The very modern concept of culture is considered dynamic, because, according to scientists, it can very well be modified and adjusted depending on a particular social situation.
Today, it may well be a question of forming a certain scientific discipline, which will be called "Intercultural Communication." Having formed, this applied science will become indispensable for alleviating difficulties arising in the process of communication between representatives of different cultures, as well as in cases where it will be necessary to reduce the potential conflict potential. The importance of this science is increasing in connection with the intensifying processes: globalization and intensive migration.
Section 3. Linguistics and intercultural communication.
Traveling to all corners of the world is becoming easier and easier. It's no secret to anyone that we live in the so-called global village, but this does not mean at all that all the people of the world are obliged to behave the same. Each nation has its own traditions, signs, superstitions and customs. Sometimes they seem strange and incomprehensible, and sometimes they are completely contrary to the norms adopted in our native country.
I will give some examples
How should you behave when you meet a person for the first time? Americans or Canadians shake hands and look into each other's eyes. At a time when in many parts of Asia any physical contact is simply unacceptable.
When greeting the Japanese, the Japanese should bow to the opponent, and the bow should be lower, the more respected the person. Thais greet each other, clutching their hands in front of the chest and tilting their heads slightly forward, as in prayer. In both countries, any eye contact is prohibited.
Many countries have special clothing rules. In Muslim and Asian countries it is not allowed to strip the body, especially women. According to local traditions, they only wear long-sleeved clothing and skirts below the knees.
We all know that in a business meeting it is customary to exchange business cards. However, few people realize that intercultural communication offers a whole set of rules regarding this element of business life. Firstly, your name and the name of the company you represent must be written on the business card. Secondly, the reverse side of the business card involves writing all of the above in the local language, at worst in English. Thirdly, before traveling abroad, try to find out as much information as possible about the rules for presenting this very business card. Are you surprised that they exist? But in vain! For example, in Japan, no one will sign a contract with you unless you transfer your card with both hands and spend at least a minute studying your opponentβs business card.