INGLESE 8/11/2023
Mediation aimed at creating mutual understanding between individuals or groups of different
cultural backgrounds. That mediation includes exchange and negotiation of common ground and
differences with particular focus on the cultural frames that shape interpretations of verbal ad non-
verbal behavior as well as the results of that behavior (norms, beliefs, products, systems and
institutions).
The idea of providing information about cultures for travelers is not new.
In the 18° century, so called Volkertrafel, with descriptions of people in different countries, were to
be found in inns in Germany and Austria. The modern equivalent is the guide to local customs and
good manners for business people working abroad.
These guides tend to be short and oversimplified lists of dos and don'ts and run the risk of
reinforcing stereotypes.
There are different cultural dimensions:
- Non-verbal communication
- Communication style : being loud, saying things straight forward.
- Time and space: we are always late: being multitasking… doing a lot of things in the same
time. Italian loves “invade” personal space, for example touching people while talking.
- Power: the relationship with someone who has more “power” than us.
- The individual and the group: we are more individualistic and not so collectivistic
- Uncertainty (incertezza):
- Nature
What characteristics do you think people from other
countries associate with your national culture?
Football; fashion;pasta; pizza; ecc...
The keys to become interculturally competent are:
- Being openminded
- Being able to listen
There are structural models, proposed by Micheal
Byram 3 main categories:
- Interpreting and relating (savoir comprendre)
- Discovery and interaction (savoir apprendre/faire)
- Cri
tical awareness (savoir s’engager)
Intercultural competence as transfer
competence. Bolten outlines how structural
and
process-
oriented dimensions complement each other.
Changing the comfort zone, is a better way to live your life. It is essential to
understand the concept as open, dynamic and always depending on
context.
There is a gradual difference between people's action competence in their
own culture and their intercultural competence in less familiar terrains.
Intracultural and Intercultural competence depend on knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant for a particular
context.
