Understanding Intercultural Communication

 Intercultural communication is much more than just "talking to someone from another country." It’s about making sense of how people from different cultural backgrounds interpret, express, and give meaning to the world around them. The truth is that communication doesn't happen in a vacuum—it’s shaped by our culture, our language, and even the way we think.

But what exactly is culture?

According to William Gudykunst (2000), culture can be seen as a system of shared meanings—sometimes cognitive, sometimes symbolic, always social. In other words, culture is not just what we wear or eat; it's how we think, speak, and relate to one another. And it is that very system that influences how we understand messages in a second language.

✦ Think about it: have you ever misunderstood someone—not because of the language, but because they meant something differently due to their cultural background?

1. Language, Culture, and Thought: A Complex Relationship

Different academic disciplines approach the link between language, culture, and thought in different ways (Sharifian, 2015). Some view language as a reflection of culture, others as a tool that shapes thought. For instance, when we say, “She’s just a pretty face,” we’re not just using words—we’re drawing from a shared cultural shortcut (a mental frame) that equates physical appearance with identity. This is known as metonymy (Barcelona, 2012).

Similarly, when we say “LOVE IS A JOURNEY” or “ARGUMENT IS WAR,” we’re using metaphors—not poetic expressions, but cognitive shortcuts deeply embedded in how we reason (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980; Kövecses, 2010). These metaphors affect how we experience life and relationships, often without us even realizing it.

✦ For example, if you say “We’ve come a long way in our relationship,” you're thinking of love in terms of a journey. That’s not just language—that’s culture at work in your brain.

2. Cultural Knowledge and Assumptions in Communication

The way we interpret conversations is heavily influenced by our cultural background and prior knowledge. These pre-established assumptions function like mental filters. They help us make sense of things quickly—but sometimes they also cause misunderstandings.

✦ Imagine a joke told at your workplace that only your coworkers understand. Without the shared context, others might feel lost or even offended.

This is where cultural relativism comes in—the idea that there’s no one “correct” cultural lens. What makes sense in one culture might not in another. Being aware of this helps future bilingual teachers like you become more sensitive, more open, and more effective communicators.

3. Categorization: How Our Brain Organizes the World

Every day, without noticing, our brains sort the world into categories. This is not a flaw; it’s how we survive and process complex information. But there's a catch: these categories are hard to change consciously.

Our brains don’t usually throw away old categories—instead, we build new ones based on new experiences. This explains why stereotypes are so persistent. They’re mental shortcuts that offer quick, though often misleading, judgments.

✦ Stereotypes like “men are more logical” or “Asians are good at math” are not just socially problematic—they are cognitive structures built through repeated exposure.

4. Mental Frames and Image Schemata

We interpret the world through mental frames—also known as image schemata. These are deeply rooted mental patterns based on our bodily experiences (Lakoff, 1987). For example, the concept of “up” as good (e.g., “I’m feeling high”) and “down” as bad (e.g., “I’m feeling low”) is a product of how we physically experience gravity.

These schemata shape our metaphors, our emotions, and ultimately, our teaching.

✦ As a teacher, being aware of your own mental frames—and those of your students—can help you design lessons that resonate on a deeper, more human level.

In Summary: Why This Matters for Your Teaching Practice

Understanding how language, culture, and thought intersect empowers you to:

• Build stronger connections with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Identify potential misunderstandings before they escalate.
• Reflect on your own assumptions and reframe your approach.

The truth is that intercultural communication is not just a theory—it's a daily practice. Whether you’re explaining grammar, sharing a story, or managing conflict in the classroom, the cultural lens you use will shape your message.

So, take a moment. Listen. Reflect. And remember: every interaction is an opportunity to build a bridge.

References

Barcelona, A. (2012). Metonymy and language: A cognitive linguistic approach. John Benjamins Publishing.

Gudykunst, W. B. (2000). Intercultural communication: An introduction. Wadsworth Publishing.

Kövecses, Z. (2010). Metaphor: A practical introduction (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors we live by. University of Chicago Press.

Lakoff, G. (1987). Women, fire, and dangerous things: What categories reveal about the mind. University of Chicago Press.

Sharifian, F. (2015). Cultural linguistics and language teaching: Reflections on the cultural dimension of language. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 3(1), 1–16.