Introduction to intercultural communication
Intercultural communication involves communication between people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Culture encompasses language, values, beliefs, behaviors, etiquette, and expectations, and helps form cultural identity. Intercultural communication is important for library and information services as it helps clients be understood and services delivered effectively through skills like listening, speaking clearly, observing body language, and having patience and flexibility across cultures to minimize misunderstandings. In today's multicultural world and workplaces, intercultural communication is key to building relationships, resolving potential problems from cultural ignorance, and improving teamwork and cooperation between diverse staff.
Introduction to intercultural communication
- 2. Definitions Culture •Difference in language, values, belief systems, ethics, behavior etiquette and expectations •Culture is part of a person’s identity •Experience is also part of cultural identity •Varies with the countries as well as the regions •A country can have multiple cultures •Culture can be link to a place or a region •Communication is the basis of cultural identity •Verbal communication •Body language •Social interaction
- 3. Definitions Intercultural communications •Communications between people from different cultural and ethnical background •Expression significance •Same word, different meaning •Cultural reference •Understanding the different issues, guidelines and consequences related to the subject •Is about respect and understanding •Make communication easier for both parties •As a negative and complicated connotation for the general public •Lack of trust, fear, and stereotypes in certain culture
- 4. Importance to LIS Client services •Understanding the clients needs and cultures makes helping them easier •Understanding request •Easy skills to good communication •Listening: being able to understand what the client wants •Speaking: making sure to communicate clearly •Observation: body language is a key aspect of communication •Patience: makes understanding easier and creates respect •Flexibility: being able to accept other culture and adapt to them •Misunderstanding can lead to conflict or bad services •Disrespect regarding culture is quite easy to achieve
- 5. Importance to LIS Present society • Multi-cultural interaction are becoming common in today’s society • International awareness and communication in easier with technology • Interaction is either social and business related Building relationship • Relations with coworkers and clients • Minimise confusion regarding cultural difference and problems related to ignorance • Better relations means better work environments
- 6. Importance to LIS Teamwork aspect • Cultural diversity in common in most work places • Easier travel methods • Increased immigration • Cultural diversity changes with the context in which it is approached • Different meaning for different people or situation • Cultural awareness increases effective communications between staff members • Less awkwardness in regards to cultural ignorance • Understanding makes for easier acceptation and team building • Eliminates the stereotypes and distrust in regard to other culture
- 7. Lets see if you paid attention… 1. What is culture? a) A person’s personality b) A person’s country of origin c) A person’s identity d) None of the above 2. Intercultural communication means… a) Being able to speak every language known to man b) Knowing how to communicate respectfully c) Being an expert in body language d) Never directly speaking to a human being