Foundations of Intercultural Pragmatics
2. What Is Intercultural Communication?
Intercultural communication refers to communication between people from different cultural, linguistic, or social backgrounds. Culture influences how people speak, listen, interpret meaning, express politeness, show emotion, manage disagreement, and build relationships.
Communication styles can vary significantly across cultures. In some contexts, direct communication is considered clear and honest, while in others, indirect communication is preferred because it is viewed as more polite or respectful. Similarly, behaviors such as eye contact, silence, interruptions, personal space, or expressions of disagreement may carry different meanings in different communities.
Importantly, intercultural communication is not about memorizing stereotypes or assuming that all members of a culture behave in the same way. Instead, it involves developing awareness, flexibility, empathy, and sensitivity to context.
Intercultural communication also requires reflection on our own communicative habits. Many behaviors that feel “normal” to us are shaped by cultural expectations that we may not notice until interacting with people who communicate differently.
Example
A student from one cultural background may view classroom debate as a sign of engagement and critical thinking, while another student may see open disagreement with a teacher as disrespectful.
Both perspectives make sense within their own communicative traditions.
Optional Open-Access Supplement
Open Resource:
The Saylor Academy – Intercultural Communication Course Materials