Intercultural Competency

Abstract or Introduction

One might think that intercultural competency refers especially to sociopolitical aspects. But as a matter of fact, “intercultural competence refers to the real world in which we live and act, the world we have created together and continue to re-create daily” [Dea06, p. 6], as Dr. Darla K. Deardorff defines it in her work “Intercultural Competence – The Key Competence in the 21st Century?” Therefore, and that’s how she keeps on arguing, “the acquisition of intercultural competence is a continual, dynamic process, one that moves through diverse dimensions while developing and enriching itself in an upward spiral” [Dea06, p. 6]. That means that it is an ongoing development which is not restricted to any kind of area or group. The premises for intercultural competency are according to Deardorff “a general openness for and appreciation of cultural diversity and an ability to encounter and deal with individuals from foreign cultures in an open, curious and unprejudiced manner” [Dea06, p. 8]. A cultural education, for example, would promote all these skills. Thus, it is not especially speaking a foreign language, but much more “an understanding of others world views; an understanding of the role and impact one’s culture has on behavior and communication as well as historical and religious contexts; and a sociolinguistic awareness of the relation between language and meaning in a societal context” [Dea06, p. 8], as Deardorff describes it. So, if you do not speak any foreign language, you can still demonstrate intercultural competency by presenting at least one of the mentioned abilities. And always remember, even in silence you are still conveying signals that communicate with others. It is impossible not to communicate. The most important thing, however, is not to be afraid of other cultures or even reject them. Then you will see, on the one hand, that every culture has its beautiful sides and you will get to know great people with ease and, on the other hand, they will appreciate your openness and thoughtfulness immediately. So we can say that intercultural competency is very crucial in our modern world of globalization.