CULTURAL CONFLICT

Intercultural communication is communication between members of different cultures. In

intercultural communication, people will deal with different perception, attitudes, and
interpretations. Even two people from the same culture can have communication problems.

The obvious way we communicate is by using words. However, as we have seen, we also
use non-verbal communication: our tone of voice, body language, gestures, posture and facial
expressions all impact on communication. Often people think that the use of gestures and facial
expressions will be sufficient to convey an accurate message, without regard for the different
rules of non-verbal communication which may apply in the other person‘s culture. However, just
as verbal communication rules differ across cultures, so too do the rules of non-verbal
communication. These rules are specific to each culture and are largely taken for granted. We
respond to these rules without being aware of them.

Therefore, it is important to be aware that our own nonverbal communication might be

insulting to others. For example, in some cultures, maintaining constant eye contact while talking
is interpreted as disrespectful, meanwhile other cultures see it as a sign of honesty and
confidence.

A. The Cause of Cultural Conflict

Cultural conflict occurs as a result of ethnocentrism, misinterpretation, and stereotype.

Ethnocentrism often entails the belief that one's own race or ethnic group is the most important
or that some or all aspects of its culture are superior to those of other groups. Within this
ideology, individuals will judge other groups in relation to their own particular ethnic group or
culture, especially with concern to language, behavior, customs, and religion.

Speaker from different cultures assume that what they believe is right, because they have
grown up thinking their way is the best and this may result in negative attitudes and judgements
toward other cultures. These ethnocentrism attitudes cause people become critical of individuals
from different cultures.
 Misinterpretation happens because people fail to interpret the verbal and non-verbal
communication correctly. As we know that non-verbal language is more difficult than verbal
language because one culture to another has different sign and meaning system.

Stereotypes are generalizations of people groups based on past experiences, which are
deep-rooted in the psyche of the people. These stereotypes develop from jokes, textbooks,
movies, and television. Stereotypical beliefs prevent us from seeing people as individual with
unique characteristics. Negative stereotype may lead to prejudice, suspicion intolerance or hatred
toward members of other cultural groups.

B. Dealing with Cultural Conflict

All kinds of cultural conflicts as the result of ethnocentrism, misinterpretation, and

stereotype can be prevented by increasing awareness of our own attitude and sensitivity to cross
cultural differences.

There are some ways dealing with cultural conflict:

 If we are subjected to upsetting or offensive behavior, or if you witness such a

thing happening to someone else, clearly, firmly and simply state that the
behavior is upsetting.
 If the behavior is offensive, but not threatening or aggressive, whether the person
apologises or says nothing, let it go the first time.
 If the behaviour is threatening or aggressive, or if the offensive behaviour recurs,
tell someone and follow the guidelines.
 If we feel unable to confront the situation directly, or if we are unsure about
whether or not to act upon something promptly, discuss the issue with someone
such as a friend, colleague, supervisor, employee advisor, or councelor.
 No matter who is involved in the negative interaction, whether the offensive
behaviour is directed at us or we witness it happen to someone else, it is important
that some action is taken promptly.

EXERCISE 1:

1. How could misunderstanding create negative feelings and confusion?

2. What is meant by cultural conflict?
3. What kinds of cultural conflicts exist in a heterogeneous society?
4. Find the examples where stereotypes turned to hatred that cause cultural conflict!
5. In your opinion, in what areas of culture create the most serious problems in intercultural
communication? Explain!