Navigating Cultural Differences: The Importance of Intercultural Competencies

Intercultural competence is crucial in a diverse and pluralistic society. It encompasses not only linguistic abilities but also interpersonal skills that facilitate smooth intercultural interactions. These skills become especially relevant when individuals decide to live in a foreign country or in a community with a culture different from their own. Characteristics of intercultural competence include empathy, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to handle contradictions and ambiguities. Achieving intercultural competence is a continuous learning process.

Personal Experience: Understanding Personal Space in the Workplace

Originally from the West Indies, Thérésa encountered considerable cultural challenges during her initial six months in Canada. A notable difference was the Canadian approach to personal space in the workplace. While closeness is accepted in the West Indies, Canadians place a premium on personal boundaries. This cultural gap became evident on Thérésa's second workday in Canada, when she greeted a new colleague with a kiss on the face, a gesture considered inappropriate in a Canadian professional setting. This incident became a pivotal point in her acculturation journey, highlighting the need for robust intercultural competencies in a multicultural society.

Thérésa's experience emphasizes the value of adaptability, a key element of intercultural competence. Adaptability entails not just comprehending the customs and norms of a new setting, but also integrating them into one's daily life. This is particularly crucial for professionals, like teachers, who interact frequently with others and may come from various cultural backgrounds.

Thérésa's story illustrates the necessity of honing such skills for successful adaptation in a diverse environment. By cultivating intercultural competence, we not only enrich our own experiences but also contribute to building a more inclusive and empathetic society. In this context, each individual bears the responsibility to develop these skills for a harmonious and inclusive coexistence.

Acquisition of Intercultural Competencies

"Intercultural learning is a lifelong learning process that yields the best results through conscious, planned, and facilitated experiential learning" (Kolb, Experiential Learning Cycle).

"It's important to note that exposure and interaction with people of different cultural affiliations do not imply, and certainly do not guarantee, intercultural learning" (Y. Amir, Contact Hypothesis in Ethnic Relations).

Here are some examples that offer unique opportunities to enhance your understanding and respect for other cultures, which is essential for the development of intercultural competencies:

Cultural Awareness Training: Participating in workshops or courses that raise awareness of cultural differences can be an excellent starting point. These sessions often cover topics such as social norms, religious practices, communication styles, and attitudes toward work and family across different cultures.

Linguistic and Cultural Exchanges: Engaging in a language exchange or spending time in a foreign country can provide invaluable hands-on experience. Immersing yourself in a different culture not only improves linguistic skills but also deepens your understanding of the nuances and subtleties of that culture, including norms regarding personal space, for example.

Dialogue and Active Listening: Taking the time to engage in dialogue with individuals from different cultures is also beneficial. Active listening and open questioning allow you to learn much about others' attitudes and beliefs, which can help prevent misunderstandings and foster empathy.

Literature and Media: Reading books, articles, or watching films and series from other cultures can enrich your understanding of the world. This can be an affordable and accessible way to expose yourself to different perspectives.

Local Communities: Participating in local cultural events, such as festivals or ethnic markets, can also be a good way to immerse yourself in other cultures. This offers the opportunity to sample different cuisines, listen to traditional music, and engage in cultural customs and practices.

What has been your experience?