Effective Intercultural

Communication
Definition and Nature of Intercultural
Communication
Intercultural communication is the communication between people with several cultural
contexts.

intercultural communication pertains to communication among people from different nationalities

(Gudykunts, 2003)

Intercultural communication takes place when people draw from their cultural identity to
understand values, prejudices, language, attitudes, and relationships. Gudykunts and Kim, 2003

Intercultural communication can flow smoothly and become very interesting for a
cross-cultural group.
 The developmental model of
intercultural sensitivity
Dr. Milton Bennett. Created a basic outline model for us to understand the
different reactions that people have to cultural differences.
 STAGE 1: DENIAL
This are the people or individuals who does not
recognize cultural difference

Common phrases that you might use at this stage:

"All big cities are the same; lots of buildings, too many cars, and McDonald’s.”

"With my experience, I can be successful in any culture without any special

effort.“

"I never experience culture shock“

"As long as we all speak the same language, there's no problem." 

STAGE 2: DEFENSE
Individuals starts to recognize cultural
differences and is intimidated by them,
resulting in a superior view on own culture
or an unjustified high regard for new one.

Common phrases that you might use at this stage:

"I wish these people would just talk the way we do.“

"When you go to other cultures, it makes you realize how much better the U.S. is.“
 
"Boy, could we teach these people a lot of stuff.“

"I wish I could give up my own cultural background and really be one of these
people." 
STAGE 3: MINIMIZATION
On this stage you must begin to find commonalities between
yourselves and people to other cultures. 

Common phrases that you might use at this stage:

"I have this intuitive sense of other people, no matter what their culture." 

"It's a small world after all“

"Technology is bringing cultural uniformity to the developed world.“

"No matter what their culture, people are pretty much motivated by the same things."
 It is where the individual begins to
appreciate important cultural
differences in behaviors and
eventually in values.

STAGE 4: ACCEPTANCE
Common phrases that you might use at this stage:

"The more difference the better- more difference results in more creative ideas.“

"I always try to study about a new culture before I go there or interact with the people.“

"Our new student is from Mexico. Where can I learn about Mexican culture so I can be
more effective in the classroom?"
 STAGE 5: ADAPTATION
This are the individuals who are very open to world
views when accepting new perspective

Common phrases that you might use at this

stage:

"To really help this student, I'm going to have to

change my approach.“

"I interact with my male and female colleagues

somewhat differently to account for differences in
the way respect is communicated." 

"I can maintain my values and also behave in

culturally appropriate ways." 
STAGE 6: INTEGRATION 

Individuals starts to go beyond their own cultures

and see themselves and their actions based on
multifarious cultural viewpoints.

Common phrases that you might use at this stage:

"Sometimes I don't feel like I fit anywhere.“

"Everywhere is home, if you know enough about how things work there.“

"I feel most comfortable when I'm Bridging differences between the cultures I know."   
Characteristic of Competent
Intercultural Communication

1. flexibility and the ability to tolerate high levels of uncertainty

2. reflectiveness or mindfulness
3. open-mindedness
4. sensitivity
5. adaptability
6. ability to engage in divergent thinking (or thinking creatively) and systems-level thinking
(or thinking how each one in a system or organization influences each other)
7. politeness
1. Avoid stereotypes, i.e., generalizations about a certain group.
2. Challenge gender norms; avoid using “he” and “man” to refer to a general group of people. To
remedy this, you may use plural pronouns or rewrite a sentence to avoid using pronouns. The use of
his/her is also acceptable.
3. Do not talk down on younger people and the elderly.
4. Be sensitive to the religious practices of others.
5. Be polite at all times; do not belittle people you perceive to be on a lower social class than
you.
Answer the ff:

What I know: Numbers 1-10 Only

What I can do: Answer only the task given in the table. Dis regard “ In Words and Actions activity.

Work on Summative Assessment