D-I-E and BASIC Frameworks: Enhancing Intercultural Communication

This essay explores the application of the D-I-E (Description, Interpretation, Evaluation) and BASIC (Behavioral Assessment Scale for Intercultural Competence) frameworks in analyzing intercultural interactions. The author reflects on a personal experience with a potential client, interpreting the client's behavior through the D-I-E framework, considering alternative interpretations, and evaluating their own behavior using the BASIC dimensions. The analysis reveals the author's initial judgmental attitude and low tolerance for ambiguity, highlighting the need for improved intercultural relations. The essay concludes with insights gained on cultural differences and the importance of using the D-I-E framework to avoid judgment and enhance understanding in international job assignments, emphasizing the value of evaluating statements and information objectively.

D-I-E and BASIC Frameworks and Tools 1
D-I-E and BASIC Frameworks and Tools
Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course
Date

D-I-E and BASIC Frameworks and Tools 2
My Personal Experience
There was a time I was having a conversation with a potential client. I noticed several
issues in our conversation such as wrong pronunciation of words, poor formation of sentences
and from time to time, his poor choice of words which are considered sensitive in other cultures.
The potential client was also distracted from time to time which affected his concentration on the
conversation. The potential client found it even more difficult for him to make an eye contact. I
felt disrespected as I had never experienced such an attitude before in a business meeting.
Interpretation Using D-I-E Framework
My interpretation of our conversation was based on my potential client’s choice of words,
the informality of our conversation and also the lack of maintaining an eye contact. I become
judgmental on his choice of words which are mostly used in his culture. Some of the words he
used in the conversation are considered sensitive in my society. I also interpreted his attitude of
not making an eye contact as rude and that he did not take the meeting seriously (Staples, 2015).
My alternative interpretation was that he wanted a more informal kind of a meeting where we
could establish a bond of friendship as we do business. This gave me another perspective which
made me question my judgmental interpretation.
Evaluating Behaviors Using BASIC Dimensions
In reference to BASIC dimensions, my interaction attitude was judgmental. I also did not
provide empathy and look at the situation from the other person’s perspective. My tolerance for
ambiguity was rather low since I had to react to his behavior (Staples, 2015). I, however,
managed to steer the meeting to the end without any conflict arising from the above stated

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experiences. This reveals that I need to work on improving my intercultural relations so as to
avoid conflicts while dealing with people from different cultures.
Interpretation for an International Job Assignment
This exercise has helped me in understanding that people from different cultures have
different traits that one may find rude and offensive. These traits are however part and parcel of
these people and therefore one needs to understand this when dealing with people from a
different culture. Using DIE framework tools in preparations for my international job
assignments, I will be able to describe a person without any judgment about the culture one is
from (Lustig, Koester & Halualani, 2018). Have also learned to evaluate a statement and give
interpretations of pieces of information. This will, therefore, enhance my experience when
undertaking an international job assignment.

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References
Lustig, M., Koester, J., & Halualani, R. (2018). Intercultural Competence:Interpersonal
Communication Across Cultures (8th ed., p. Chapter 3 n.p). Boston: Pearson.
Staples, B. (2015). Ch 3. Intercultural Communication Competence. Retrieved from
https://prezi.com/kuopqgj7o-8i/ch-3-intercultural-communication-competence/