The Importance Of International And Intercultural Communication

We are now living in a globalised world where cultural diversity is considered as the norm, which resulted in international and intercultural communication skills being essential. English language spread in accordance with the process of globalisation. Because it was passed on to many different nations with diverse cultural perspectives, the ownership of English no longer belongs to typical English speaking inner circle countries (Kachru, B. B., 1984). Since international communication involves an international language, it is vital that we are informed of the concept of changed ‘ownership’ of English language, by considering denationalisation and renationalisation. This will then enable us to understand and communicate well in between different

Because communication is situated and contextual, behaviours are dependent on what we have perceived beforehand, which may complicate communications (Jackson, J. 2014, p84). It is necessary to be clear with the updated ownership of English, as well as individual’s differing behaviours. For instance, in Korean culture, it is extremely rude to look into people’s eyes when having a conversation with them, however in Australian culture, it is rude if you do not do so. Therefore, when I first came to Australia, it was very difficult for me to get used to, which often lead to misunderstanding. Moreover, parameters of politeness varies. As a learner of Japanese language, it was highly evident that Japanese culture emphasises on honorific terms to convey politeness, when in some other cultures, politeness is expressed in other ways. From my experiences it can be confirmed that, possibilities of miscommunication increases, especially when a second language is involved (Jackson, J. 2014, p. 83). Since there are more chance of an unintentional communication getting misconceived when communicating internationally. To be a well prepared international communicator, who commutes sensitively across different cultures and ethnicities, it is pivotal to be aware of both vastly differing verbal

In order to be a good international communicator, we have to be able to “learn how to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar environments, and contribute to our planet in a constructive, peaceful manner” (Jackson, J. 2014, p. 4). We have to be fully aware of the culture to correctly use the language (Jackson, J. 2014, p.88), but as an international language this does not particularly account on a single culture. I believe it is crucial to be fully acquainted about the background of the English language to appreciate the fact that English is “no longer linked to a single culture or nation but serves both global and local needs as a language of wider communication” (McKay, S. 2002). Which allows us not to be xenophobic towards other cultures but to respect them in every way when interacting by using English, one of the international