INTERCULTURAL

COMMUNICATION
Intercultural communication
happens when individuals
interact, negotiate, and create
meanings while bringing in
their varied cultural
backgrounds
- Communication among people
from different nationalities
(Gudykunst, 2003)

- ethnicities, religions, sexual

orientations
- Sending and receiving
messages across language
and cultures
Developmental Model of Intercultural
Sensitivity (DMIS)

1. Denial
2. Defense
3. Minimization
4. Acceptance
5. Adaptation
6. Integration
Characteristics of Competent Intercultural
Communicators

1. flexibility and the ability to tolerate high levels

of uncertainty
2. reflectiveness and mindfulness
3. open-mindedness
4. sensitivity
5. adaptability
6. ability to engage in divergent thinking and
systems level thinking
7. politeness
Tips on how to avoid biases

1. avoid stereotypes
2. challenge gender norms
3. do not talk down on younger people and
the elderly
4. be sensitive to the religious practices of
others
5. be polite at all times
Individual Activity

Exercise II and III