Broadening Horizons: A Big, Big World

As we learn about a new language and/or culture and adopt features of it, our world view can begin to change rapidly. Our eyes are opened to new perspectives we may not have been aware of before, and the world may not look the same as what we are used to.

This can feel overwhelming, especially when we come into parts of a new culture that are not exactly what we expected. However, this is an excellent time to practice “cultural intelligence.”

But What is “Cultural Intelligence?”

Cultural intelligence is described as “the ability to understand why members of other cultures act in the ways they do. Rather than dismissing foreign behaviors as weird, inferior, or immoral, people high in cultural intelligence can appreciate differences even if they do not necessarily share another culture’s views or adopt its way of doing things” (Biswas-Diener & Thin, 2024).

And why is it Important?

When a language learner is exploring the culture of the language they are studying, if they approach members of that culture with cultural intelligence, those “insiders” are much more likely to be open to the learner. Just as language and culture become richer as they develop over time and interact with one another, when you intermingle learning about language and culture, your skills are likely to grow much stronger and more deeply than one without the other.

Let’s put it into context using a few interviews with study abroad alumni and their own experience with intercultural communication…

*Interview mini project*

In the following video, Helena Merschdorf explains more about why understanding culture is crucial for communication. She touches on many of the subjects we’ve covered in this chapter, so feel free to refer to previous sections to check in on your comprehension as she speaks.

As you can see, even actions seemingly as small as hand gestures or seating arrangements can cause some large miscommunications. As Helena explains, our own world view is likely anything but “normal”. Instead, it is a combination of our unique gained experiences throughout life influenced by a myriad of factors. As responsible global citizens, it’s crucial for us to acknowledge how those influences may affect our perception of the world and how we communicate.