Understanding intercultural competences in the modern world

 

                Today, we live in a world strongly marked by an intense diversity of people and communities who have been brought more closely due to globalization. According to UNESCO’s Intercultural Competences: Conceptual and Operational Framework (UNESCO, 2013), this increase in cultural diversity “implies specific competences and capacities for individuals and societies, re-learn, and unlearn” (p. 4). These competences are developed in order to allow meaningful interactions, receptive attitudes and common understanding to take place between multiple cultures so that cultural awareness is promoted and an exchange of relevant knowledge occurs.

            This intercultural competence and dialogue requires cultural literacy which is, according to UNESCO, “the lifeline of today’s world […] and an indispensable tool for transcending the clash of ignorances” (UNESCO, 2009, p. 118). To gain intercultural competences and to learn about cultural others is something that “can never be complete, for there are always still more others to meet” (UNESCO, 2013, p. 9).

            But how can these intercultural competences be really developed? According to Deardoff (2020), there are some steps that need to be implemented, namely clarifying, teaching, promoting, and enacting intercultural competences. Taking into consideration Deardorff’s own definition, which states that it is essentially “about improving human interactions across difference, whether within a society or across borders” (Deardorff, 2020, p. 5), there are two main approaches for its development, namely a formal intercultural learning and an informal learning.

            On one hand, a formal intercultural learning can occur “through educational curriculum at all levels of schooling” (Deardorff, 2020, p. 6) or through learning opportunities such as studying or working abroad. Informal and non-formal learning opportunities, on the other hand, “occur through daily lived experience in interacting with those who differ in age, gender, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, political beliefs, or physical abilities” (Deardorff, 2020, p. 6). This informal approach can also be developed through media consumption, libraries, museums, theatre, film discussions, etc. Both approaches to developing intercultural competences involve communication and behavioural skills that any individual must master.       

References

 Deardorff, D. K. (2020). Manual for developing intercultural competencies: Story circles. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

UNESCO (Ed.). (2009). Investing in cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. UNESCO.

UNESCO (Ed.). (2013). Intercultural Competences: Conceptual and Operational Framework. UNESCO.