In the globalization context, intercultural communication has become indispensable for every global citizen. It requires cross-cultural understanding, communication skills, and grasping of sensitive information. Set in an era where the flat world, or the world without borders, is gradually becoming a trend, is intercultural communication really a challenge?
For many language learners, learning about culture has always played an important role in becoming fluent in that language. Even the writers of the Standards for Foreign Language Learning: Preparing for the 21st Century have pointed out that “it is impossible to truly master the language until they have also mastered the cultural contexts in which the language occurs”. Because only when mastering the culture can learners understand the behaviors of society.
Understanding that the Department of Student Affairs via the Schools of Foreign Languages is organizing a workshop with the topic “Intercultural Communication in Working Contexts: Stereotypes and practices” within the framework of periodic activities Language seminar at English Zone UEH with the participation of Mr. Vu Ngoc Tung, lecturer at University of Languages & International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
For the first time coming to the Language Workshop at UEH English Zone, Mr. Vu Ngoc Tung shared many valuable experiences with learners, helping the attendees to have a more comprehensive and complete view of Intercultural communication in different environments. The speaker shared, because of the diversity and richness of cultures, when communicating between cultures, learners need to respect and adapt to differences.
These differences will become valuable life experiences that assist learners in regulating relationships in a multicultural community. In addition, learners need to understand that intercultural communication is about understanding the meaning and content and showing empathy and empathy. Learners must gradually improve their intercultural sensitivity according to a scale model divided into two parts: “Ethnocentric Stages” and “Ethnorelative Stages”. Going along the scale, readers will find expressions from the state of “denial” to the state of “integration.” Thereby, readers can self-assess and improve themselves closer to the state of “integration.”
Each content in the scales is analyzed in detail by the speaker, as well as methods to help learners improve their skills.
At the same time, the speaker shared more about the intercultural competency model (Deardorff, 2003, 2009, 2012) and introduced to the learners the step-by-step process of cultivating intercultural communication skills. First, learners must be respectful and curious about the new culture. Next, learners will learn more about that culture by listening, observing, and finding commonalities with their own culture. After the above process, learners will become more adaptive and empathetic about the new culture. Finally, from the above accumulation, learners can communicate interculturally and appropriately in specific cases and adapt to the environments.
The seminar was successfully held and received much attention from the community passionate about learning and improving English at UEH. The seminar took place within 2 hours with a joyful atmosphere, filled with the spirit of learning and the active contributions of the participants. With the theme of January: “Intercultural Communication in Working Contexts: Stereotypes and practices,” the program sheds light on methods to help strengthen intercultural communication in academic and practical contexts. Besides, the seminar also answered the questions and concerns of the attendees about effective communication in the multicultural community. In the online platform, attendees can send questions directly to the program’s speakers or through the fan page UEH English Zone. This form has helped increase connections and expand opportunities to learn and improve English in the UEH community.
You can rewatch Language Workshop here.
Through the sharing of the speakers, the attendees had a lively discussion and exchange on the topic.
The workshop is part of a series of periodic activities at UEH English Zone, held every month with many practical topics to help learners and officials feel interested in learning English. Create habits and stimulate curiosity in each individual, contributing to affirming and improving self-worth in today’s dynamic integration environment.
Let’s experience the international environment at UEH by liking/following the UEH English Zone fan page and being updated with the latest activities!
References
https://js.vnu.edu.vn/FS/article/view/4184 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320981062_NANG_LUC_GIAO_TIEP_LIEN_VAN_HOA_MOT_MO_HINH_DE_XUAT
News, photos: Department of Student Affairs UEH