Intercultural Conflict
Intercultural Conflict happens when two different parties get into a conflict due to cultural differences. We all have predetermined ideas of how things should be. This is due to how we are raised and our culture largely affects how we are raised. When we meet someone of a different culture, we can mistakenly think that they have the same ideas as we do about everything in life. We need to realize that each culture has their own rules and ideas. We need to learn how to maneuver through our conversations to have it result in the most effective communication.
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As humans, our biology makes it so that we automatically get anxious when confronted by anything new and different. Our biology also tends to make it so that we try to simplify everything. We want to take as little time as possible to process things, so sometimes we make assumptions. Things like stereotypes and generalizations are a possible outcome of this. In order to prevent this from happening we need to keep in mind the dynamics of intercultural interactions.
The Dynamics of Intercultural Interactions
Person 1
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Cultural Perspective
Person 1
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Intercultural Expectations
Person 2
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Intercultural Expectations
Person 2
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Cultural Perspective
Shared Meaning
There are some things that can be done in order to get to shared meaning. You can develop an understanding of what everyone involved needs. Learn how everyone thinks they get to a shared meaning. Implement values that allow everyone to achieve the reaching of shared meaning safely. It is important to know that in any situation either they adapt, you adapt or everyone sticks to the status quo.
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No matter what, just be mindful of language. How one uses it provides insight to cultural norms. Practice patience. You may need to speak in different tones and paces and even use simpler word choice. Use gestures, words, or visual aids to help get the message across. Of course, it always helps to research the rules of the culture you are going to come into contact with. This makes it so that you won't accidentally do something that can be offensive to the other party.