Introduction
Respect and empathy are paramount for society to function and progress. Intercultural communication has helped me to realize how differences in cultural backgrounds can affect human interactions in both negative and positive ways. Now I know that proper cultural etiquette does not only allow people to be integrated into communities but also increases equality, encourages knowledge acquisition and transfer, and promotes ethical behavior (Rings & Rasinger, 2020). In this paper, I would like to reflect on how this course has helped me to expand my knowledge of intercultural communication.
Intercultural Communication Knowledge
After learning about cultural influences on one’s perception of others, I will be more mindful of others’ backgrounds. I have friends from different parts of the world, and on the Internet, it is easy to forget about some aspects of their identity, yet I will keep that in mind now. My family and our community as a whole could use some insights from this course, and I will be sharing this knowledge with them. As for my career, I believe that intercultural communication can help me to connect with both clients and co-workers with ease once I understand what differences we have.
While I had a hard time with the levels of cultural awareness, I understood that this hierarchy stems from one’s depth of emotional intelligence. The transition between levels does not always have an apparent path toward mutual understanding, and these levels include a straightforward progression. However, now I understand how this process occurs in one’s personality. To understand this concept, I applied it to my personal observations and reflected on my past interactions with people from different cultures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, intercultural communication is essential in the era of globalization, as it strengthens society and ensures acceptance for each individual. I will apply the concepts learned during this course whenever I meet a person whose culture differs from mine. I will ensure that our interactions will not be hampered by my inability to understand their personality and roots. By keeping the four levels of cultural awareness in mind, I can stay focused on expanding my worldview.
Reference
Rings, G., & Rasinger, S. (2020). The Cambridge handbook of intercultural communication. Cambridge University Press.