Culture as a Vector of Intercultural Communication in Times of Crisis

Abstract

Abstract Culture and communication are two tightly intertwined concepts. The process of communication, seen as social interaction, facilitates the transmission of messages between individuals of the same culture or belonging to different cultures. The process as a whole is influenced by the culture both the speaker and the listener/receptor belong to. When both participants in the communication process belong to different cultures, they automatically bring perceptual elements to the situation, as well as social and cultural traits and (verbal as well as non-verbal) means of communication characteristic of their respective cultures. Thus, differences between these elements, their recognition or the lack of acceptance towards them are often cause of difficulties or even conflicts which are the result of inefficient communication. The present paper examines, based on relevant secondary literature, the cultural variables which influence the communication between members of different cultural groups. In order to fulfil the desired objective, empirical research will be conducted based on observation and analysis. The research solution advanced in view of achieving efficient and authentic intercultural communication is based on an approach to situational subculture, namely the construction referred to as “third culture”.