Background Information
Intercultural communication dates back to the olden days when our ancestors had to interact with people of different cultures. People from diverse ethnical backgrounds had to interact with one another to facilitate such common activities as trade. Today, communication has gone beyond trading and it involves virtually every facet of an individual. Ideally, communication has been fueled by the ever changing technology. The introduction of the different tools of communication has acted as a foundation for the improvement and expansion of the interactions by individuals from diverse backgrounds (Gudykunst 153). The world of technology is drastically elevating communication to higher grounds where people can interact beyond the geographical boundaries. In light of this, the objective of this paper is to address the experience this writer ahs had while interacting with individuals from a different culture.
Aspects of Intercultural Communication
Communication is a vital tool in this current world where technology and globalization are greatly transforming nations. In order to survive and fit in the communication world, people need to update themselves with changes which come along with it. For instance, after the introduction of the electronic mail (email), it was essential for people especially in the job market to be acquainted with this form of communication. Basically, communication narrows down to how we talk and interact with other people. Nowadays people are not only centered within their own culture but also with various communities (Monaghan and Leila 54). For a long time people were self centered within their own cultures although the world today has brought different communities together. It is important to put aside our cultural differences that often play a big role in dividing people. Probably some people limit their interactions with other communities because they believe they have different cultures. According to Corbin and White, intercultural communication is mainly limited by language differences which make communication difficult (Monaghan and Leila 54). Owing to this factor, there are people who may be interested in intercultural communication though language can be a big barrier to them. Intercultural communication is especially easy among those who engage in intercultural marriages. As such, when a lady is married to another community, she will be obligated to learn not only the language but also the cultures of her new family.
Naturally, one may experience difficulty in learning other cultures since they are not familiar with them. Sign language can be used in intercultural communication more so during initial stages when one can not understand a particular language. Thus, sign language can be used to enhance communication between different cultures. Intercultural communication has extended even to the most isolated minority groups whop also interact with other communities. Intercultural communication is a contributing factor to national unity since it brings people together regardless of their ethnical backgrounds (Monaghan and Leila 54).
My experience with other cultures
Having talked about the intercultural aspects of communication, it is also ideal to share about my experiences with other cultures. Basically, I am always interested in knowing other cultures because I believe that every community is special in one way or the other. Learning other cultures is particularly interesting because it broadens one’s knowledge. Apart from this, it is very easy to interact with other communities so long as one knows their languages. My desire to learn other cultures was motivated by the fact that I like travelling to different places. Because of this, I normally feel obligated to learn about many cultures as I can so that I may not feel out of place. In order to fulfill my interests, I always ensure that I make good use of every opportunity I get by interacting a lot with the people I meet. Thus, I always develop good relationship with those that I meet and ask as many questions as possible. However, this is never easy since there are people who may not be willing to share about their cultures. It may be very difficult to develop good interaction with such individuals because of their attitudes. In America, I often get good reception more so from whites and the African America. Perhaps I have always been lucky to interact with nice and understanding people since not everyone is the same. Other places where I have visited are North and Eastern America which encompasses very many ethnic communities.
There was this particular time when I went to visit some of my Indian friends who really treated me well. My experience there was spectacular since it was during one of their wedding ceremonies. Honestly, I was surprised to learn that Indian ladies marry their men instead of the vice versa. My friends introduced me to their Indian people who were very friendly and interactive. Everything in the ceremony was well organized not forgetting their delicious foods that were cooked with different spices. Particularly, Indians like using paper in their food as it provides a nice taste. During my stay with the Indians I never felt lonely for any single moment because there were so many people to interact with. The Indians could speak English so I did not find much difficulty in learning their language. Normally, Indians stay together as extended family so most of their houses are spacious to accommodate all of them. I spent only three days at my friends place since I was supposed to go back school. On my departure day I felt like I was going to miss a lot considering the kind of reception I was give. I remember some of my friends family members accompanied me up to the airport because they did not want me to leave. This is just but one experience that I have got during my numerous visits. I have also been to Germany where I went during my vacation. I must admit that I did not enjoy my stay over there even though I was hosted by a family friend. I did not manage to interact with so many people because those that I met were not willing to socialize with me. Interacting with the Germans was also difficult because some of them were racists and not willing to interact with an African American like me. I went back home without learning much about the Germans. Severally, I like visiting France because am familiar with the French language which is spoken in the country. People in France are friendly and that’s why I always make new friends whenever I visit the country. In order build good friendship, I normally develop positive attitudes towards those I interact with no matter how negative they may be. I also make good use of the computer by mailing my friends so as to keep touch with them. Thus, I can not visit all of them frequently and so we chat through mails as we update each other of various issues. Naturally, am not interested in social networks like Face book so I always prefer using e-mails while communicating with friends.
Conclusion
Fundamentally people should embrace intercultural communication as it brings together people from diverse ethnical backgrounds. Communication is a vital tool in life considering the fact that it is dynamic. Interaction with different people is essential as it strengthens relationships within ethnical grounds.
Works Cited
Monaghan, Leila, and Goodman, Jane. A cultural approach to interpersonal communication. New York: Wiley Blackwell, 2007. Print.
Gudykunst, William. Cross- Cultural and Intercultural Communication. California: Sage Publications, 2003. Print.