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Intercultural Competence

Chapter Notes
Chapter 1

Explain the purpose of this book- p. 2.

 The purpose of this book is to give the reader a comprehensive understanding on what it
means to be Interculturally competent. It aims to show the importance of certain aspects
in life that we may take for granted that are vital in attaining intercultural competency.
Some of these aspects are related to communication and what it encompasses; implicit
biases and worldview; cultural tolerance; technological advances in the web and the
internet. This book aims to give the reader the proper tools to become interculturally
competent by helping him/her grasp the essentials of communication, tolerance, and
perception in order to construct a better understanding of what culture is, so we can
become positive contributors to the increasing multicultural society we live in.

List and explain the five imperatives for intercultural competence.

 Demographic – Our nation and world is becoming increasingly more intercultural. For
example, in the U.S., by the year 2050, there will be more people of color than European
Americans.
 Technological – The internet and social media made the world a much smaller place. We
are able to get current events and communicate with people all over the globe in a matter
of seconds.
 Global – Nations are increasingly interdependent with each other financially an
educationally. For example, international tourism benefits the U.S. because the visitors
spend money in the country which injects that money into the economy.
 Peace – Since we are growing multiculturally, there need to appreciate, tolerate, and
understand one another and our backgrounds is vital.
 Self-Awareness – We must be aware of who we are and how our experiences have an
ability to form presumptions and prejudices about other people. This can have an effect
on how we interact with people from other cultures and background.

Define communication.

 There is no ultimate or unequivocal meaning to the word “communication”. But for the
purposes of intercultural competence, communication can be defined as the symbolic,
interpretive, transactional, contextual process in which people create shared meanings.
Application

 In the realm of intercultural competency we must be able to enhance our understanding of


different cultures and how they might interpret different symbols and other forms of
communication in order to successfully engage and immerse ourselves in an increasingly
multicultural society. This applies in our business dealings in our global and economic
initiatives. It also applies in our own communities as our neighbors are more than likely
connected to someone or people who have a different cultural background than our own.
As educators, it applies because if we are to build a rapport with our students we must be
sensitive to their cultural experiences. This can only happen if we have a self-awareness
of our implicit biases and how it might influence how we perceive those who we aim to
teach.

Biblical Links

 If you are a Christian it is important to understand that Christ does not discern by race,
color, creed, or gender. If we are to be Christ-like we must be able to accept all cultures
whether they come from a different background or believe in a different religion. In
God’s eyes, we are all his children.

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