What is Culture?

When we think about culture, our initial thoughts often jump to people from halfway across the globe, with different coloured skin, speaking different languages, and having different religions from the ones we are familiar with. An important aspect of understanding culture, however, is to understand that culture does not equal race.

A person might have dark skin because their parents or grandparents were born in India, but that person might have spent their whole life living in London and connect with the British culture more than with the Indian culture.

At the same time, a person from northern Germany celebrates different holidays, eats different food and, frankly, also speaks quite differently from a person who lives in southern Germany.

Culture, therefore, is a much more complex concept than borders, skin colours, and religions.

Culture is the shared “way of life” of a group of people. It includes values, beliefs, traditions, habits, languages, social rules, and ideas about what is normal or respectful. Culture is not limited to race or ethnicity; it can also be shaped by nationality, religion, age, gender, profession, social class, region, family background, hobbies, or an organization. Even such small environments as a sports team or a school can create their own micro-cultures.

Culture influences how people see the world, what they expect from others, and how they behave in everyday situations.

What is Communication?

Communication is how people create and share meaning with each other. It includes spoken and written words, but also body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, silence, gestures, and even the use of space and time. Communication is an important part of culture because every culture teaches people what is polite, direct, friendly, rude, formal, or respectful. For example, in some cultures, strong eye contact may show confidence, while in others it may feel too intense or disrespectful. This means that communication is not only about what we say, but also about how others understand it.

What is Intercultural Communication?

Intercultural communication happens when people from different cultural backgrounds interact. It is an essential skill in today’s world because people often study, work, travel, and connect with others across cultures.

It can be rewarding because it helps us learn new perspectives and build stronger relationships. At the same time, it can be tricky because different cultures may have different “rules” for communication, and people may not always realize these rules exist. Misunderstandings can happen when we assume that others communicate or think the same way we do.

Good intercultural communication requires curiosity, patience, respect, and a willingness to ask questions and learn from mistakes.