Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Overview of Presentation
What Is Culture?
Culture is the values, behaviors,
practices, assumptions we've learned
from our membership in groups that
share them.
It is taught, learned and shared.
Intercultural interaction occurs when
people from different cultures interact
with each other to the extent that both
are expected to make accommodations
to build relationships.
Iceberg Model of Culture
When we interact with someone from
another culture, we only hear their
words and see their behavior.
It’s like seeing the tip of an iceberg; so
much more is below the surface.
Someone’s cultural values and attitudes
affect what s/he says and does.
Iceberg Model of Culture
You must look
below the surface
if you want to
communicate more
effectively with
people from other
cultures.
Eye Contact
US-Americans depend
on direct eye contact.
Why???
• US-Americans see
a prolonged stare
as a sign of aggression.
Personal Space . . .
We are all territorial.
We acquire our
“specific” space in
early childhood.
Get Info Before Going Abroad!
In the Middle
East, standing
less than 1 foot
next to someone
is acceptable.
In Europe & North
America, 2.5 – 3
feet is acceptable.
In Asia, 4 – 5 feet
is acceptable due
to bowing.
Intercultural Exchanges
on Campus
There’s more than just International
Education Week!
Become more visible on campus as an
organization
Make international events more visible on
campus
Make international students more visible
on campus
Become More Visible on Campus