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Intercultural Communication

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Intercultural  Communication Intercultural communication is defined as situated communication between individuals or groups of different linguistic and cultural origins. This is derived from the following fundamental definitions: communication is the active relationship established between people through language, and intercultural means that this communicative relationship is between people of different cultures, where culture is the structured manifestation of human behavior in social life within specific national and local contexts, e.g. political, linguistic, economic, institutional, and professional. Intercultural communication is identified as both a concept and a competence. (Lanqua)  Intercultural competence is the active possession by individuals of qualities which contribute to effective intercultural communication and can be defined in terms of three primary attributes: knowledge, skills and attitudes. In the context of this document, the acquisition o...

Why is non-verbal communication important?

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IMPORTANCE OF NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION Basically, it is one of the key aspects of communication (and especially important in high-context culture). It has multiple functions: •Used to repeat the verbal message (e.g. point in a direction while stating directions. •Often used to accent a verbal message. (e.g. verbal tone indicates the actual meaning of the specific words). • Often complement the verbal message but also may contradict. E.g.: a nod reinforces a positive message (among Americans); a “wink” may contradict stated positive message. •Regulate interactions (non-verbal cues covey when the other person should speak or not speak). •May substitute for the verbal message (especially if it is blocked by noise, interruption, etc.) — i.e. gestures (finger to lips to indicate need for quiet), facial expressions.