Reflection on Intercultural Communication

In my everyday life I interact with many people from different social groups and cultural
backgrounds. I have for long believed that as long as we shared a language we could easily
communicate with each other. However, from my Intercultural Class, I have learnt that language
is not the only requirement for effective communication between people from different cultural
backgrounds. Culture is important too. It was quite a revelation to learn that cultures have
different thought patterns, social mores, standards, and customs which have a major impact on
the way that they communicate.

With this knowledge, I plan to make myself a more competent intercultural
communicator through gaining as much knowledge as possible about the cultures that I have to
adapt to and understanding how various components of those cultures impact different aspects
of their behavioral norms. For instance, an understanding of Scandinavian culture and how this
culture makes Scandinavians to speak more directly will allow me to take little, if any offense,
when they do not use pleasantries when communicating with them. More importantly,
understanding the culture that I am to adapt to and its role in communication behaviors of the
people of that culture will keep me from causing unnecessary offense and discomfort when
communicating. Equally important, I have learnt from the lesson to be tolerant and open-minded
when communicating with people from different cultures.

Additionally, I will strive to be aware of my own culture, values and beliefs. Without
proper self-awareness, it is hard to have effective intercultural communication. For instance, I
realized that I use a lot of gestures in my communication. From the lesson, I have learnt that
gestures and other non-verbal cues hold different meanings in different cultures. Thus, I will try

REFLECTION ON INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION 3
to minimize use of non-verbal cues when communicating with a person or persons from different
cultures.