The article Ten Commandments of
Intercultural Communication (2005) provided some great insight on how to
overcome cultural barriers to effective communication. The first step is to learn what is meant by
culture. The definition provided states
that “Culture is a shared system of symbols, beliefs, attitudes, values,
expectations, and norms for behavior. Subcultures, in turn, are distinct groups
that exist within a major culture” (2005).
Cultures can vary greatly in four
main ways (or “elements,” according to the article): stability, complexity, composition, and
acceptance. These elemental differences
affect communication, however, by following the “commandments” of awareness
detailed in the article, one can be successful at intercultural communication.
