Topic 4 : Cultural differences and cultural management

Top Tip

One way of avoiding intercultural misunderstanding is to make communication as explicit as possible, explaining and providing details about issues that may appear obvious in a mono-cultural setting, and repeatedly checking that the people we are communicating with have understood what we mean. Experience suggests that if we do this, we will not only enhance the quality and effectiveness of communication but foster the development of positive relationships, learning new things about ourselves as well as about people from a different cultural background. If educators adopt this approach to intercultural communication when providing support, you will reduce the risk of misunderstandings with and among the migrant learners in your group and increase the likelihood that they will come to see cultural diversity as an asset.