Principles of Intercultural Communication Free Essay Example

Communication skills are the set of skills that enables a person to convey information so that it is received and understood. It also refers to the range of behaviors that serve to convey information for the individual. It is this skill that differentiates between human beings and animals. The better the skills, the better is one able to socialize. Of the different types of communication skills, some of the commonly used skills are inter personal skill, verbal and non verbal communication skill, focused and unfocused communication skills etc.

The communication skill that is used for Inter-cultural communication is mainly interpersonal skill.

Inter cultural communication refers to communication between individuals from different culture. The study on intercultural communication is not a new concept. People from cross boundaries have been interacting and communicating with each other since time in memorial with respect to trade and commerce, war, religious journey etc. However, in today’s world with growing economy and easy flow of information through print and electronic media, apart from the elite or a particular section of the privileged society, it is the marginalized that also have the opportunity to interact with people from other cultural backgrounds.

The interaction with people from multi cultural background has lead to the evolution of a new culture. Cultural diversity and multiculturalism are the realities of working and domestic life everywhere across the globe. People must be competent in intercultural communication in order to live and function in this multi cultural environment which we see in today’s world.

Inter cultural communication arises when a message is produced by a person from one culture and must be understood by the other. Because of cultural differences in these kinds of contacts, the potential for misunderstanding and disagreement is great.

Thus, to reduce this risk, it is important to study intercultural communication. Some of the principles that need to be followed to carry out intercultural communication are:- a. To know the cultures of both ‘yourself’ and the ‘target culture’. b. To be objective and c. To communicate actively REFERENCES 1. Larry A. Samovar and Richard E. Porter 1991: Basic Principles of Intercultural Communication. In Larry A. Samovar and Richard E. Porter: africa. eduprojects. net/communication/media/Theory%20for%20teachers. doc- viewed on 3rd June 2009. 2. On the promotion www. linguist. org. cn/doc/su200709/su20070916. pdf -viewed on 3rd June 2009.