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Intercultural Communication

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INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION:
ITS IMPORTANCE TO VARIOUS CAREER FIELDS
AND PERSPECTIVE BY VARIOUS AUTHORS
Priscilla N. Gitimu
Doctoral Student
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Department of Workforce Education and Development
311G Quigley Hall
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901-4605
618-453-1982
ukic@siu.edu
2
ABSTRACT
Intercultural communication refers to messages transmitted between members of two or more different societies
Globalization has made intercultural communication inevitable. Communicating with other cultures characterizes today’s business, classroom, and community. Technology especially the internet has increased the probability that whatever is documented online will be read by someone from another culture. Intercultural communication is of importance in any career field thus the art of knowing how to communicate with other cultures should be a work place skill that is emphasized.
This is a conceptual paper whose purpose is two fold. First the paper gives a synopsis of the importance of efficient and competent intercultural communication in various career fields; namely, education, business, medicine and in counseling. Secondly, the paper presents studies and perspectives that various authors have on intercultural communication. INTRODUCTION
Globalization has made intercultural communication inevitable. Communicating with other cultures characterizes today’s business, classroom, and community. Hence, the art of knowing how to communicate with other cultures should be a work place skill that is emphasized. Various authors have studied about intercultural communication; however their studies have diverse perspectives and emphasis. The various views give a balanced approach to intercultural communication. This paper outlines the various facets that authors have on importance of

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