Culture and Meaning in Intercultural Interaction

Intercultural communication is an interconnected entity that encompasses both literature and culture. Its purpose is to examine the impact of culture on communication. The discipline explores the variables that can influence communication between two distinct cultures, along with the specific collection of variables that contribute to successful communication between individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds (Croucher et al., 2015). Furthermore, intercultural communication explores the additional aspects that one must comprehend when interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, such as the thought patterns associated with specific cultures and other social characteristics.

Symbolism is an essential component associated with intercultural communication. Diverse cultures attach various interpretations to specific aspects by utilizing distinctive items or creatures to convey complicated notions (Lwin et al., 2010). For instance, specific cultures associate pigs with dirt, while other nations consider pigs to be comparable to other animals. These cultural symbols have deep significance and are frequently employed to represent beliefs, values, and traditions (Li, 2018, p. 812). For instance, the owl is commonly associated with wisdom in numerous Western cultures, yet in certain Asian societies, it may be regarded as an omen of misfortune. Therefore, before using symbolic language to effectively communicate a message, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of other cultures.

Verbal and non-verbal cues are integral and crucial components of intercultural communication. Verbal cues, such as speaking at a slower pace, speaking with a higher volume, or altering one's speaking tone, might differ across different cultures. Lack of information regarding cross-cultural communication might result in misunderstandings due to differences in cultures (Hurn & Tomalin, 2013, p. 16). Prior to engaging in an intercultural conversation, it is essential to make an effort to understand the key characteristics of the other culture's communication style. Nonverbal cues, including gestures, facial expressions, and physical touch, serve as both complements to verbal cues and demonstrations of one's expertise and comprehension of the topic being discussed. In a multicultural conversation, it is crucial for speakers to understand and utilize non-verbal cues, even in the presence of cross-cultural disparities.

One of the primary purposes of communication is to convince or influence the other side. Prior to acquiring the specific techniques for persuasion, it is important to possess an in-depth knowledge of the cultural background of the other party involved. Understanding facilitates the process of persuasion by strategically employing issues that are attractive to the other party, thereby enhancing its effectiveness (Wright & Ferenczi, 2018, p. 1). Intercultural communication may involve prejudice, where the individuals involved have preconceived notions and opinions about the other side, which may or may not be accurate. These biases may have originated from social encounters and can either positively or negatively impact the attainment of specific discussion objectives. Prejudice frequently results in a skewed opinion of the other party, which can consequently impact the desired outcome of a communication. Therefore, it is necessary to possess accurate information about the culture of the other side instead of relying on stereotypes to shape one's thoughts and opinions.