Lesson 10: Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication Barriers

The intercultural communication barriers may be grouped into three categories - communication styles, cultural values and practices, and language.

Communication styles refer to the type of communication used by cultures to interact. Instead of thinking of this as a one-dimensional trait, it is better to consider it as a series of continuums that interact to help describe how members of a culture may interact with one another.

Cultural values and practices emphasize the things cultures do and the way that they do them. While these values and practices facilitate smooth and expected interactions within the culture, it may cause problems when people from different cultures communicate and interact.

Language refers to the things that may be done to help facilitate communicating with those using a second language. While discussed separately, it is important to realize that these categories and the aspects within each are interconnected and influence one another in a variety of ways.

Virtual communication technology (VCT) influences all communications and interactions on a GV team. Each of these barriers are influenced by the way that VCTs filter communication and interaction. Remember that with less rich VCTs, less information (cultural and other) is available to promote an increased understanding.

• Communication Dimensions
• Cultural Values and Practices
• Language Barriers

Each of the three obstacles will be described and discussed in terms of GV teams in pages following.