Interpersonal Communication

Discussion/Response: Improving Intercultural Communication Competence [ICC]
1010 unread replies.1010 replies.
While formal intercultural experiences like studying abroad or volunteering for the Special Olympics or a shelter for LGBTQ youth can provide opportunities for deep learning, informal intercultural involvement also plays a significant role in our ability and desire to build Intercultural Communication Competency [ICC]. Taking the time to reflect on “critical incidents” or what we call the “a-ha! moments” in our lives, bring those formal and informal experiences together and provide a tool for meta-competence. Furio Bednarz, “Building Up Intercultural Competences: Challenges and Learning Processes,” in Building Competencies: A Handbook for Professionals in Education, Social Work, and Health Care, eds. Maria Giovanna Onorati and Furio Bednarz [Leuven, Belgium: Acco, 2010], 47–51.
After carefully studying this unit’s 4 lessons on Intercultural Communication [14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4.], watch the following video and describe–
What this speaker is attempting to say to you
How she has helped or hindered your understanding of intercultural competence
How you would respond to the belief that– We cannot truly understand and appreciate another person’s culture until we recognize, understand, and appreciate our own
What else are you thinking about? What are you feeling? What are you believing? Do you have other comments you’d like to make?
Remember as you develop your response, you’ll want to include your perspective supported by materials from the video and the readings within this unit.
Click on “cc” at the bottom right of the video for assistance with closed captioning.
TEDx Talks. [2016b, December 14]. The Muslim on the airplane | Amal Kassir | TEDxMileHighWomen [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIAm1g_Vgn0
After you’ve posted your response [of a minimum 15 to 20 sentences], take time to view as many of your classmates’ comments as possible. What are they saying? What are they describing? What have they learned about improving intercultural competence? Does it coincide with your perspective?
Take time then to respond to at least 3 of your peers. This will be your final opportunity to connect with the individuals in your class. Make it count. Use what you’ve learned to engage in a crucial conversation about intercultural communication.