“Having strong intercultural communication skills is becoming more and more of a necessity in our increasingly globalized society. Globalization has resulted in increasing intercultural relationships, and the growing international phenomenon of cultural mixing adds even greater emphasis to the role of intercultural communication. Communication itself serves a variety of functions. It helps fulfill interpersonal needs, assists in gathering information about other people, establishes cultural and personal identities, and allows you to influence other people. Although communication is often used to advance relationships and share thoughts and opinions, communication between people of different cultures can present a variety of challenges.
“Because of the range of values, beliefs, and opinions that can differ from one culture to another, disagreements are likely to occur during any kind of intercultural communication. From religious values, political beliefs, and history, to cultural patterns, communication styles, and uses of language, each culture has its own distinct set of values that together create the area’s cultural identity. Dissimilar cultural values and attitudes are at the base of many controversial issues, and the only sensible course of resolution is through dialogue and agreement, which requires the use of competent intercultural communication skills.”
To learn tips on how to develop language and communication competence, continue reading Ally’s complete article on her blog.
About the Author: Ally Bonicker ’23
Ally Bonicker is a rising Sophomore at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA. She is majoring in Public Relations and Professional Writing. Ally has a passion for photography, art, music, and writing, and she enjoys spending time outdoors.
Ally created this blog as the final project for her Multi-Cultural Communications summer 2020 course. In this course, she learned the importance of developing good intercultural communication skills. She has developed a strong understanding of many different cultures, as well as the unique cultural patterns and characteristics of many of the world’s cultures.
Ally hopes this blog provides you with an insight into the cultural concepts and challenges that you might experience when studying abroad. Ally hopes to study abroad in the future and is currently considering Dr. Kathy Hughes’ May 2022 Ireland in Text and Image program.
Blue Jays Abroad 
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