BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES - Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie

(also frequently referred to as intercultural communication) - a field of
study that looks at how people from differing cultural backgrounds
endeavor to communication. Beside that the significant objective of this
discipline is to produce intercultural communication principles designed
to guide the process of exchanging meaningful and unambiguous
information across cultural boundaries, in a way that preserves mutual
respect and minimizes antagonism.
Rules of efficient Intercultural Communication
1. The key to effective cross-cultural communication is knowledge.
It is essential that people research the cultures and communication
conventions of those whom they propose to meet. This will minimize the
risk of making the elementary mistakes.
2. When language skills are not high or unequal, clarifying one’s
meaning in five ways will improve communication:
avoid using slang and idioms, choosing words that will convey
only the most specific denotative meaning;
listen carefully and, if in doubt, ask for confirmation of
understanding (particularly important if local accents and
pronunciation are a problem);
recognize that accenting and intonation can cause meaning to vary
significantly;
respect the local communication formalities and styles, and watch
for any changes in body language;
Investigate their culture's perception of your culture by reading
literature about your culture through their eyes before entering into
communication with them. This will allow you to prepare yourself
for projected views of your culture you will be bearing as a visitor
in their culture.
3. If it is not possible to learn the other's language, it is expedient to
show some respect by learning a few words. In all important exchanges, a
translator can convey the message.
4. It is essential that people understand the potential problems of
cross-cultural communication, and makes a conscious effort to overcome
these problems. It is important to assume that one’s efforts will not always
be successful, and adjust one’s behavior appropriately. For example, one
should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural
differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be
patient and forgiving, rather than hostile and aggressive, if problems
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