In the modern world, economic and political integration is actively taking place, mass communication is developing, and free movement across countries and continents has become possible. All these lead to constant intercultural contact at very different levels and to close connections between other cultures. Therefore, in order to eliminate cultural misunderstanding, improving intercultural interaction is becoming especially urgent. The formation of cultural competence ensures the integrity of the cultural space. Special attention is paid to cultural innovation as the primary mechanism of cultural dynamics.
Definitions of intercultural competence can significantly vary among different works of literature. In general, it is the ability of a person to communicate effectively with representatives of other cultures to achieve their goals in communication and, at the same time, meet the expectations of their partners (Vulpe et al., 2001). Most researchers emphasize the importance of the category’s efficiency and relevance in defining competence (Deardorff, 2009). Efficiency can be explained as the achievement of communicating the set goals, the desired results, and adequacy (Deardorff, 2009). The last feature ensures the absence of violations of significant rules operating in a given cultural context and compliance with the expectations of the opposite side. International misunderstanding continues with interethnic conflicts, attempts to use these conflicts for political purposes, and the growth of national extremism (Minkov, 2013). When appointed to a particular country, a diplomat must know it well.
The idea of intercultural capability has acquired significance in ongoing years in light of certain variables, like globalization and innovation. Intercultural ability involves the elements of intellectual, emotional, and behavioral skills. The emotional aspect of intercultural skill comprises a diplomat’s interest in other cultures, intellectual adaptability, inspiration to learn, and receptivity (Vulpe et al., 2001). Furthermore, the ability to easily learn a second or third language, interrelate dialects with one another, tune in, data social events, and critical thinking are among the intercultural abilities (Minkov, 2013). For instance, in Lebanon, it is important to know Arabic, as it is transmitted to live TV channels. The versatility of human emotional states has been proven in many studies; however, there are certain cultural differences in the manifestation and assessment of these states (Pokharel, 2020). This happens due to the fact that culture normalizes these processes – since culture is the essence of a specific set of norms and values.
In diplomacy, as in any other sphere of human activity, especially intellectual, the main criterion and indicator of quality has been and remains professional. In a rapidly, by historical standards, emerging multipolar world, it seems that the ability to come to agreements in resolving the most acute contradictions among international actors is becoming increasingly important (Pokharel, 2020). Effective tact requires both standing for the diplomat’s own interest and having enthusiasm for the other party’s objectives and points to devise a commonly advantageous goal and fabricate an establishment whereupon to base future associations.
In conclusion, the problem of interethnic tolerance today is perhaps one of the most acute issues due to the continuing social tension in modern society. Together with the knowledge of customs, diplomats should have comprehensive social mindfulness and a solid handle on existing social prejudice in different nations. Past social affectability and successful intercultural strategy expect representatives to direct critical social examination to acquire a more extensive chronicled setting for and social information on the countries with which they work together.
Reference List
Deardorff, D. K. (2009) The sage handbook of intercultural competence. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Minkov, M. (2013) Cross-cultural analysis: the science and art of comparing the world’s modern societies and their cultures. Sage Publications.
Pokharel, S. (2020) “Diplomatic language: an analysis of salutations from speeches used in international diplomacy,” Journal of International Affairs, 3(1), pp. 180–193. doi: 10.3126/joia.v3i1.29094.
Vulpe, T., Kealey, D., Protheroe, D., and MacDonald, D. (2001). A profile of the interculturally effective person (2nd ed.). Quebec, Canada: Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.