What is intercultural communication?

Intercultural communication refers to the verbal and nonverbal interaction between people from different cultures. This definition encompasses a wide array of communicative acts that take place when individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds engage with one another. It involves not only the spoken and written exchanges of information but also the subtleties of body language, gestures, and contextual cues that vary significantly across cultures. Successful intercultural communication relies on an understanding of both the surface elements of communication (like language) and the deeper cultural nuances that influence how messages are perceived and interpreted. Recognizing these layers of communication is crucial for fostering understanding and collaboration in multicultural environments.