Page 10 - CROSS CULTURE

comparison of interpersonal communication patterns among individuals
from different cultures. From a sociological perspective on
communication, cross-cultural communication becomes a focal point of
sociology that emphasizes social interaction.

Cross-cultural understanding is crucial for those who are involved in
daily interactions with people from different cultures. Heyward (2002)
defines cross-cultural literacy as "competence, understanding, attitudes,
language proficiency, participation, and identity required for effective
cross-cultural engagement." Competence includes the ability to
empathize, tolerate, and communicate. Understanding involves an
understanding of how a culture operates from the insider's perspective.
Attitude includes appreciation for the integrity of a culture. Language
proficiency includes bilingual or multilingual language skills.

Cross-cultural understanding is a combination of cognitive knowledge
about other cultures and a set of attitudes at the affective level. Knowledge
involves understanding of one's own culture, the cultures of others, and
knowledge of the similarities and differences among these cultures.
Attitude involves appreciation for the integrity of a culture.

Misunderstandings between cultures can be reduced by having at least
knowledge of the language and behaviour of other cultures, understanding
the principles of intercultural communication, and practicing them when
communicating with others. Cross-cultural understanding can help reduce
the impact of cultural shock and enhance the cross-cultural experience.

The importance of cross-cultural communication understanding is
increasingly felt in the era of globalization, where the world seems smaller
and without boundaries of space, ethnicity, and even gender. Although
there are positive outcomes of cross-cultural interactions, such as tourism,
trade, environmental cooperation, politics, and defence/security
collaboration, there are also negative relationships that lead to chaos,
conflict, and even war.

Cross-cultural understanding helps to realize the importance of
understanding cultural differences, where different cultures create
different worldviews that are clearly reflected in language and
communication patterns, both verbal and non-verbal. Therefore,
differences in interpretation, opinions, and overall differences should be
understood as early as possible to minimize misunderstandings that often
lead to conflict.

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