Introduction to Intercultural
communication
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
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
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
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
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
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

Introduction to intercultural communication

  • 1.
  • 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 betweenpeople 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 Clientservices •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 Presentsociety • 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 Teamworkaspect • 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 ifyou 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