Importance of Nonviolent Communication in Intercultural Dialogue

Abstract

In a globalized world, where there is global interdependence and consciousness, highlighting the virtues of particularism, are bound to produce new cultural conflicts. In such conflicts, religious traditions play a special role, since they can be mobilized to provide an ultimate justification for one's view of the globe. Closely linked to the process of globalization is therefore the problem of interaction between cultural or religious actors and communities holding different views of world order. Therefore, while the very idea of a clash of civilizations is wrong, a civilization of clashes is today's reality. That is what makes intercultural dialogue among cultures and peoples an urgent matter of national and international affairs. Therefore it is pertinent to understand whether in today's world cultures should, could and would engage in an intercultural dialogue with each other therefore this article will explore the importance of nonviolent communication in the arena of intercultural dialogue and the various strategies for utilizing nonviolent communication for effecting intercultural dialogue utilizing Mahatma Gandhi's Theory of Nonviolent Communication. This paper aims to establish how by imbibing nonviolent communication as a habit to reach out to people even opponents, people can take the lead globally to contribute towards a culture of peace and nonviolence with intercultural dialogue.