Communication (intercultural)

Intercultural communication refers to an „interpersonal interaction using linguistic codes between members of different groups or cultures“ and is composed of the term interculturality, a „term for the philosophical and cultural studies conception of relations between […] cultures“ and the Latin word communicatio „communication/understanding“ (Metzler Lexikon 2013, 343-344 u. 389).

Form of interaction

In this context, the „mode of communication studied in particular in the context of ethnolinguistics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics“ in the form of „speech, gestures, facial expressions“ (Lexikon der Sprachwissenschaft 2008, 302) and, according to Lüsebrink, also by taking into account „material culture“ (Lüsebrink 2004, 10), represents a form of interaction „of people from different (sub)cultural groups, whose successful communication is often jeopardized by prejudices (stereotypes) and misunderstandings due to cultural differences“ (Lexikon der Sprachwissenschaft 2008, 302).

Key qualification

The term was coined during the 1960s in the United States as part of the formation of theoretical concepts on interdisciplinary communication studies. Since the 1970s, there has also been a development of empirical research in Germany focusing on „the linking of language, situations, and identity with forms and interpretations of action“ (Metzler Lexikon 2013, 344).

In the context of steadily advancing globalization, that „dynamic (communication) process conditioned by empathy, tolerance, and culture-specific knowledge forms the goal of producing shared meanings“ and, against this backdrop, represents a key qualification in demand today in „all areas of society“ (Metzler Lexikon 2013, 344).

Cultural orientation system

According to Podsiadlowski, this is an adaptation to other cultures, which presupposes (intercultural) competence. It is about „understanding the orientation system of perception, thinking and values […] of other cultures“ and applying it in one’s own „thinking and acting in the foreign cultural field of action“ (Podsiadlowski 2004, 50). For example, intercultural communication contributes to „successful international activity“ in the context of business travel (cf. Podsiadlowski 2004, 45-47).

Ethnology and power

For Lüsebrink, on the other hand, the „considerations of the historical context“ as well as the current development processes, taking into account the development of the media, also play an essential role in order to obtain the most differentiated overall picture of intercultural communication (cf. Lüsebrink 2004, 12).

At the same time, he criticizes its strong focus on the sphere of action of the economy, referring to the „social centers of power“ as well as its often resulting „inhumane instrumentalization by those centers.“ The actual field of work of ethnology, i.e., the exploration of the complex and multi-layered „concept of culture,“ is then missed if „groups and societies living on the periphery, [i.e.,] on the margins of power in the global system“ are not taken into account (Lüsebrink 2004, 46 f.). It is also doubtful to what extent the one-sided adaptation to foreign cultural contexts brought into play by Podsiadlowski can enable successful human coexistence in the long run.

Literature

Bußmann, Hadomud (2008): Intercultural communication. In: Lexikon der Sprachwissenschaft. 4th ed. Stuttgart: Kröner, 302.

Lüsebrink, Hans-Jürgen (2004): Concepts of Intercultural Communication. Theoretical approaches and practical references in an interdisciplinary perspective. St. Ingbert: Röhrig Universitätsverlag.

Müller-Hartmann, Andreas (2013): Intercultural communication. In: Nünning, Ansgar (ed.): Metzler Lexikon. Literary and cultural theory. Approaches – persons – basic terms. 5th ed. Stuttgart/ Weimar: J. B. Metzler, 344.

Podsiadlowski, Astrid (2004): Intercultural communication and cooperation. Training intercultural competence. With exercises and case studies. Munich: Franz Vahlen.

Schmidt, Siegfried J. (2013): Communication theory. In: Nünning, Ansgar (ed.): Metzler Lexikon. Literary and cultural theory. Approaches – persons – basic terms. 5th ed. Stuttgart/ Weimar: J. B. Metzler, 389.

Sommer, Roy (2013): Interculturality. In: Nünning, Ansgar (ed.): Metzler Lexikon. Literary and Cultural Theory. Approaches – persons – basic terms. 5th ed. Stuttgart/ Weimar: J. B. Metzler, 343 f.