NOTIONS OF CULTURE, CROSS-CULTURAL AWARENESS AND INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE

Abstract

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, cross-cultural awareness and
intercultural competence have become essential for effective communication and
collaboration across cultural boundaries. This article explores the notions of culture,
cross-cultural awareness, and intercultural competence and demonstrates their
importance in intercultural interactions. The article highlights the critical role of culture
in shaping human behaviour, attitudes, preferences, and beliefs. It further discusses the
importance of cross-cultural awareness in recognizing and appreciating cultural
differences and similarities. The article presents intercultural competence as the ability
to effectively communicate and interact with people from different cultures, and it
emphasizes the need for individuals to adapt their communication style to fit cultural
norms, recognize cultural differences and navigate them appropriately. The article
concludes by highlighting the advantages of developing intercultural competence in
the globalized world.