Intercultural communication is an internationally recognized academic field, as it responds to the knowledge and skills needed to be developed in the contemporary internationalized environment, which is characterized by mobility of human resources and an increased need for multilevel communication among people from different geographical areas, different linguistic and cultural environments for a range of purposes.
In this diverse, complex and ever-changing world, knowledge of international languages of communication is not enough. In particular, awareness of diversity, understanding of different cultures and a multifaceted view of language and culture are required, which will enable individuals to communicate properly in a variety of linguistic and cultural environments.
Interdisciplinary subject that involves knowledge from various sciences:
- Linguistics
- Cultural Studies
- Translation studies
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Education
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- Tourism
- Education and / or services to people with an immigrant or refugee background
- International business transactions and trade collaborations
- Mobility due to study and work
- International scientific meetings and collaborations
- Work in international organizations / multinational companies and / or with multicultural human resources
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Business
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Education
The educational barriers of refugee children through the eyes of children themselves, of their parents and teachers.
- Study of cultural differences in the organization of communication.
- Understanding of the typological classification of languages and the role of interlinguistic transfer in learning a second / foreign language.
- Research in the mechanisms of acquisition, learning strategies and ways of using a second / foreign language.
- Understanding of the role of language in the construction of social identities (e.g. gender, age, nationality / ethnicity) during intercultural communication, as well as of cultural differences in the construction of social identities.
- Study of social behavior patterns in different cultural contexts and during intercultural contact.
- Understanding of social attitudes and prejudices attached to different types of multilingualism (e.g. elite vs. folk multilingualism).
- Research on European policies in the field of intercultural communication.
- Study of the educational management of linguistic and cultural diversity.
- Critical account of the image of the national / ethnic ‘other’ and the ‘self’ in cultural practices.
- Understanding of the role of interlinguistic mediation in intercultural communication.
- Study of translation and interpretation practices in intercultural communication, as well as of the intercultural aspects of translation practice.
- Understanding of the dimensions of culture and the impact of (national) cultures on the behavior of businesses and consumers.
- Familiarity with features of language and culture of countries of international economic, commercial and tourist interest (the example of Russia and German-speaking countries).
- Critical analysis of issues related to intercultural communication, identity and intercultural relations.
- Acceptance of linguistic and cultural diversity.
- Intercultural awareness and intercultural literacy.
- Interlinguistic ability.
- Communicative and cultural sensitivity.
- Critical thinking, reflection and empathy.
- Cognitive flexibility.
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Perceptions and stereotypes
See more:
Representations in pop culture
The movie Spanglish: Scene “The Interview”
The movie Spanglish: Scene “Cultural differences”
The movie Lost in Translation: Trailer