INTERPERSONAL AND

INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE
ROMANS DO
MAIN FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION :

1. Control
2.Motivation
3.Emotional expressions
4.Information
CULTURE

: : a way of thinking, behaving, or working that

exists in a place or organization (such as a
business)

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

CULTURE SHOCK = CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTS
FOUR GENERAL STAGES OF CULTURAL
ADJUSTMENT :
1.The “honeymoon” stage ; new environment, everything
seems exciting
2.The withdrawal stage ; difficult to cope with the
problems, language barrier, hard to undrstand people
3. The “recovery stage” : routine, confident in
functioning in the new culture
4.The stability stage : feel at home with the new
culture
WHY DO WE NEED TO RESPECT CULTURAL
DIFFERENCES?
TO GET ALONG WELL WITH PEOPLE FROM
OTHER CULTURES AND TO WORK EFFECTIVELY
WHAT IS INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION?
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

1. Verbal : The choice or the use of words

2. Non-verbal : Body languages, facial
expressions etc.
BE ASSERTIVE !

Step 1.: Actively listen to what is being said then shows the
other person that you hear and understand them.
Step 2: Say what you think or what you feel. The
word however is a good linking word between step one and
step two.
A number of reasonable alternatives , for examples on the
other hand, in addition, even so, nevertheless,
alternatively, or other conjunctions, may also be used.
Step 3: Say what you want to happen.
Effective interpersonal communication bridges the gap
between people and helps them get to know each
other more deeply.

Effective intercultural communication bridges the gap

between people of different cultures, and helps them
get to know each other better and appreciate their
differences.
“ Interpersonal-Intercultural Communication focuses on
overcoming the problems and misconceptions that
can occur as a result of different cultures interacting
as well as analyzing and interpreting situations and
problems that occur between groups or individuals
The key to cross-cultural success is to
develop an understanding of, and a
deep respect for, cultural
differences.
 Heart Set
(attitudes)

- curiousity
- sensitivity
- openness and
understanding

Mind Set Skill Set

(knowledge) (abilities/skills)

- cultural self-awareness - empathy

-knowledge of other cultural - verbal & nonverbal
frameworks communication