How does communication work?

Cooperation and networking with persons from other cultures depend totally on the awareness of the impact of intercultural differences on communication. Intercultural communication competence can be inherent or require practice.

Plurilingual and intercultural education is guided by the following founding principles:

Recognition of linguistic and cultural diversity as guaranteed by Council of Europe conventions.
Everyone’s right to use their language varieties as a medium of communication, a vehicle for learning and a means of expressing their affiliations.
Every learner's right to gain experience and achieve a command of languages (language of schooling, first language, foreign language etc.) And the related cultural dimensions according to their personal needs and expectations, be they cognitive, social, aesthetic or affective, to be able to develop the necessary competences in other languages by themselves after leaving school.
The centrality of human dialogue, which depends essentially on languages. The experience of otherness through languages and the cultures they carry is the precondition (necessary but not sufficient) for intercultural understanding and mutual acceptance.
Self-awareness: Your own beliefs, potential biases, communication style and behaviours can influence a conversation. Understanding all these factors will enhance your ability to engage meaningfully with others.
Respect: Individuals have different opinions on a specific group’s culture. However, you can show respect by acknowledging their right to hold their views and practices.
Empathy: According to the intercultural communication definition, individuals should empathize and appreciate different perspectives to foster genuine connections across cultures.
Adaptability: Intercultural communication aims to help individuals adjust their communication style to eliminate conflict and confusion while promoting collaboration and harmony. Remaining flexible in your thoughts and engaging with others are essential.
Positivity: Misunderstandings are common, and they are usually not the result of intentional miscommunication. Those unfamiliar with other cultures may miss the intended meaning of a message. Hence, it is crucial to keep a positive mindset and approach each intercultural interaction with a constructive perspective.
Patience: Cultural differences make it challenging to understand new information fully. Instead of rushing to master the best practices, individuals should gradually incorporate them into their daily interactions.
Emotional intelligence: Your ability to interpret messages effectively reflects the extent of your understanding and sympathy toward others’ perspectives. When interacting with individuals from different cultures, you need to catch the nuances of communication to promote mutual understanding and avoid misunderstandings.