The importance of intercultural communication | Dr. Maria Luján Stasevicius | TEDxRiceU

Summary

In this engaging talk, the speaker explores the complexities of identity and intercultural communication, emphasizing how we are constantly perceived and categorized by others based on visible traits like nationality and gender. Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking questions, the speaker challenges stereotypes and encourages the audience to engage with difference in daily life. By drawing on experiences such as the first days of kindergarten and offering an experiment on intercultural communication, the speaker advocates for curiosity, reflection, and intentional interaction as key tools for navigating diverse perspectives and fostering better understanding in an increasingly multicultural world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grad school can be stressful, and social activities like dancing can help manage stress.
• 😀 The speaker's experience of being perceived differently because of her nationality demonstrates how people often categorize others based on stereotypes.
• 😀 People are constantly defined and categorized by others based on salient aspects of their social identity (e.g., nationality, gender).
• 😀 Our identities are fluid and change throughout the day depending on the context, like when the speaker feels different walking through an empty parking lot at night versus being on campus.
• 😀 Successful intercultural communication is a dynamic process involving the negotiation of values and meanings between individuals from different backgrounds.
• 😀 Identity categories like nationality and culture are complex and often don't align in predictable ways—nationality is not the same as culture.
• 😀 Intercultural communication requires curiosity and the willingness to engage with people from different cultures, even in everyday settings like the grocery store or the gym.
• 😀 Stereotypes may offer quick answers, but they limit our ability to truly understand and engage with cultural differences.
• 😀 True intercultural communication isn’t about memorizing formulas or acquiring new jargon; it’s about engaging with others as complex, multifaceted individuals.
• 😀 The speaker challenges the idea that traveling or reading alone can cure racism or cultural misunderstandings, stressing that genuine engagement with others in daily life is more impactful.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of the speaker's talk?

The primary theme of the talk is intercultural communication, focusing on how identity and communication are fluid, and how we are constantly perceived and categorized by others based on different characteristics.

How does the speaker demonstrate the fluidity of identity?

The speaker illustrates the fluidity of identity by describing personal experiences where they are perceived differently depending on the context, such as walking alone at night or engaging in academic discussions. These varying perceptions highlight that our identity is not fixed and changes throughout the day.

What role do stereotypes play in intercultural communication, according to the speaker?

Stereotypes are presented as shortcuts that people often rely on because they are comfortable and quick. However, the speaker challenges the use of stereotypes, arguing that they do not truly capture the complexities of individuals or cultures and can hinder meaningful communication.

How does the speaker suggest overcoming the messiness of intercultural communication?

The speaker suggests that overcoming the messiness of intercultural communication involves engaging with others with curiosity and openness, rather than relying on pre-existing assumptions or stereotypes. This approach allows for more genuine and dynamic interactions.

What experiment does the speaker conduct to illustrate intercultural communication?

The speaker asks the audience to close their eyes and recall their first days of kindergarten, encouraging them to think about how they navigated a new environment by looking for clues, observing, and engaging with others. This exercise is used to show that successful intercultural communication involves similar instincts and willingness to engage with new people and scenarios.

What does the speaker mean by 'engaging with difference'?

Engaging with difference means actively choosing to interact with people who are different from oneself, whether in terms of culture, background, or perspectives. This engagement requires curiosity and an openness to learn from others rather than making assumptions based on stereotypes.

Why does the speaker disagree with the idea that racism can be cured by traveling?

The speaker argues that while traveling can expose people to different cultures, it does not automatically lead to enlightenment or reduce racism. They point out that travel requires privilege, money, and time, and people may still exhibit negative behavior while traveling. True intercultural understanding comes from engaging with different people on a deeper level.

How does the speaker define successful intercultural communication?

Successful intercultural communication is defined as the willingness to engage with others, acknowledging the complexities of identity and perception, and avoiding simplistic assumptions about people based on nationality or cultural stereotypes.

What example does the speaker use to discuss cultural assumptions related to nationality?

The speaker shares an experience where a local woman assumed the speaker could dance well simply because they were from Argentina, a country known for tango. This assumption was based on cultural stereotypes and highlights how people make judgments about others based on their nationality.

What is the significance of the quote attributed to Miguel de Unamuno, and how does the speaker interpret it?

The quote 'fascism is cured by reading, racism is cured by traveling' is often interpreted as suggesting that exposure to different ideas and cultures can reduce ignorance. However, the speaker disagrees with the literal interpretation of this idea, arguing that traveling alone is not a solution to racism. They emphasize that true intercultural understanding comes from engaging with people and ideas, not simply accumulating travel experiences.