Intercultural communication occurs when people from different cultures interact and negotiate meanings. It involves communication between people of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations. The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) provides six stages that people progress through as they experience cultural differences, from denial of differences to fully integrating multiple cultural perspectives. Competent intercultural communicators demonstrate flexibility, reflectiveness, open-mindedness, sensitivity, adaptability, and divergent thinking. They also refrain from biases by avoiding stereotypes, challenging gender norms, and being respectful of others.
2. Let’s Warm Up!
1.In a group of 5, create a 2- minute
conversation using foreign languages
(Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc. or
native dialects(Ifugao. Ybanag, Itawes.
Bisaya, Kapampangan, etc.)
2.Perform it in class. Be sure to write its
English translation in a whole sheet of
paper.
3. Intercultural Communication happens when
individuals interact, negotiate and create
meanings while bringing in their varied cultural
backgrounds.
It pertains to communication among people from
different nationalities.
It is also a communication between different
ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations.
6. STAGES OF DMIS
Stage 1. DENIAL- an individual does
not recognize cultural differences
“All cities are the same; they all have
tall buildings, fast food chains and
coffee shops”.
7. Stage 2. DEFENSE- the individual starts to
recognize cultural differences and is intimidated
by them, resulting in either a superior view on
own culture or an unjustified high regard for the
new one.
“Our culture is certainly better than them.”
“Their ways are better than my own, I wish I
were one of them.”
8. Stage 3. MINIMIZATION- although individuals see
cultural differences, they bank more on the universality
of ideas rather on cultural differences.
“Once we see through the cultural differences, we really
are just the same.”
Stage 4. ACCEPTANCE- the individual begins to
appreciate important cultural differences in behaviors
and values.
“These people and I have different values and
experiences, and I think we can learn from one another.”
9. Stage 5. ADAPTATION- the individual is very open to
world views when accepting new perspectives.
“To address our issue, T have to adjust my approach to
consider both m own and my counterpart’s background.”
Stage 6. INTEGRATION- the individual starts to go
beyond their own cultures and see themselves and their
actions based on multifarious cultural viewpoints
“I can look at things from the perspective of various
cultures.”
10. CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPETENT
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATORS
1.Flexibility and the ability to tolerate high
levels of uncertainty
2.Reflectiveness and mindfulness
3.Open-mindedness
4.sensitivity
12. TIPS TO REFRAIN FROM SHOWING BIAS
1.Avoid stereotypes
2.Challenge gender norms
3.Do not talk down younger ones and the
elderly
4.Be sensitive to religious practices of others
5.Be polite at all times
