Developing Intercultural Competence - Part I

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Amy Moreno, Director of Inclusive Culture at the University of Colorado Boulder, delves into intercultural competence, emphasizing its significance in fostering inclusivity. She outlines it as an ongoing process of learning about one's own and other cultures, shifting perspectives, and adapting behaviors. Moreno highlights the importance of cultural self-awareness, empathy, and flexibility in navigating cultural differences, connecting these concepts to broader themes of diversity and inclusion.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Intercultural competence is a passion for Amy Moreno, who directs Inclusive Culture at the University of Colorado Boulder's College of Engineering and Applied Science.
• 📚 There isn't a single definition of intercultural competence, but it generally involves understanding and adapting to cultural differences and similarities.
• 🔄 Dr. Mitchell Hammer's definition emphasizes the ability to shift perspectives and adapt behavior across cultures.
• 🤔 Understanding one's own culture is foundational to appreciating other cultures, as it allows for a deeper exploration of personal values and behaviors.
• 🌐 Recognizing and comparing cultural values, such as respect, can help understand how they manifest differently across cultures.
• 🌱 Intercultural competence is an ongoing learning process that involves self-awareness, cultural knowledge, and the development of skills like empathy and adaptability.
• 💡 Conflict can be a productive space for cultural learning, as it provides opportunities to reflect and discuss cultural differences.
• 🌈 Diversity is about who makes up a group, inclusion is about creating an environment where all diversity is valued and engaged.
• 🔗 Intercultural competence is crucial for leveraging diversity and fostering inclusion, as it helps create a sense of belonging.
• 📈 Darla Dierdorf's literature review highlights the importance of attitudes, awareness, knowledge, and skills in intercultural competence.
• 🌐 Culture is omnipresent and can vary greatly even within a single country, emphasizing the need for continuous cultural learning and adaptation.

Q & A

What is Amy Moreno's role at the University of Colorado Boulder?

Amy Moreno is the Director of Inclusive Culture with the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder.

What does Amy Moreno consider her passion?

Amy Moreno is passionate about intercultural competence.

How long has Amy Moreno been in her current role?

Amy Moreno has been in her role for about four months.

What does Amy believe intercultural competence involves?

Intercultural competence involves expanding our knowledge, experience, understanding around attitudes, values, and beliefs of not only our own culture but others that we do not belong to.

Who is Dr. Mitchell Hammer and what does he say about intercultural competence?

Dr. Mitchell Hammer is a theorist often referenced by Amy. He defines intercultural competence as the capacity to shift our perspective and adapt our behavior across cultural differences and similarities.

How does understanding other cultures help us understand our own culture better according to Amy Moreno?

Understanding other cultures helps us understand our own culture better by sparking curiosity about our own cultural patterns, values, and beliefs, and by comparing and contrasting our values with others.

What is the connection between intercultural competence and diversity and inclusion according to Amy Moreno?

Intercultural competence connects with diversity and inclusion by leveraging diversity to create an inclusive environment, ensuring that all cultures are valued and create a sense of belonging.

What tool does Amy Moreno's campus use to measure intercultural development?

The campus uses the Intercultural Development Inventory as a prominent tool to measure intercultural development.

What are the key attitudes associated with intercultural competence according to Darla Dierdorf's literature review?

The key attitudes associated with intercultural competence include demonstrating respect, being curious, open, and wanting to discover many ways of knowing and doing in the world.

Why is cultural self-awareness important in the context of intercultural competence?

Cultural self-awareness is important because it allows us to understand our own culture, values, and beliefs, which is crucial for engaging productively across cultures.

How does Amy Moreno suggest we start understanding culture within our own environment?

Amy Moreno suggests starting by reflecting on our own values and beliefs, considering where they come from, and how they impact our daily behavior and decision-making.

What does Amy Moreno mean when she says culture is everywhere?

Amy Moreno means that culture is present in every aspect of our lives, including within classrooms, departments, or organizations, and it is important to understand the guiding values and behaviors that demonstrate these cultures.