About the course
Welcome to this e-learning course on Intercultural Competence!
This course will improve your ability to effectively and appropriately communicate, interact, and work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. It will also help you understand, appreciate, and respect cultural differences while enabling you to navigate them in various social and professional contexts.
Moreover, intercultural competence is closely related to intercultural relations and intercultural communication. Therefore this course will also provide you with an overview of the principles and practices of effective intercultural communication. You will learn about the cultural differences and similarities that can impact communication, as well as strategies for building successful relationships with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The course will also examine the role of language, nonverbal communication, and cultural stereotypes in intercultural interactions. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to effectively navigate cultural differences and build positive, productive relationships with representatives from other cultures.
Learning objectives
After completing this course you will be able to:
- Reflect on your own understanding of culture, as well as on important elements of your culture.
- Identify both visible and non-visible components of culture.
- Explore some of the potential misunderstandings that may occur when individuals with different communication styles interact.
- Use generic strategies for improving intercultural relations and communication.
Course contributors
Mr. Danny Chibinda (Zambia)
ICLD Mentor, expert in Sustainable Development, Project Management and Community Engagement/Mobilisation.
Ms. Wendy McCallum (South Africa)
ICLD Mentor, a Development Economist
Mr. Deon Pretorius (South Africa)
ICLD Mentor, professor of Sociology and Development Studies
References
Fuse, K., Land, M., & Lambiase, J. J. (2010). Expanding the philosophical base for ethical public relations practice: Cross-cultural case application of non-Western ethical philosophies. Western Journal of Communication, 74, 436–455.
Jandt, F. E. (2017). An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global Community 9th edition. California State University.
Kale, D. W. (1997). Peace as an ethic for intercultural communication. In L. A. Samovar & R. E. Porter (Eds.), Intercultural communication: A reader (8th ed., pp. 448–452). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Curriculum
- 3 Sections
- 12 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Introduction to intercultural competence8
- 1.1Definitions1 Minute
- 1.2What is intercultural communication?2 Minutes
- 1.3Intercultural communication ethics1 Minute
- 1.4Intercultural communication competence (ICC)2 Minutes
- 1.5The importance of building ICC while participating in an ICLD programme8 Minutes
- 1.6Understanding different cultural norms7 Minutes
- 1.7Intercultural checklist
- 1.8Reflection exercise
- Do's and don'tsIn today's interconnected world, intercultural relations play a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. To navigate this complex landscape effectively, it is essential to be aware of the do's and don'ts that contribute to respectful interactions. Here are some advice to you.2
- Building stronger intercultural teamsWhen participating in ICLD's programmes, building strong intercultural teams is essential for successful collaboration. Effective teamwork requires building trust, fostering open communication, and respecting diverse perspectives. In this context, it is important to develop cultural awareness and promote teamwork to achieve project goals. In the following module, we will explore some practical strategies for creating a cohesive and high-performing intercultural team, including fostering open communication, developing cultural awareness, and promoting teamwork.4
