Intercultural Communication: Cultural Diversity and Co-existence

This essay delves into the complexities of intercultural communication, beginning with a personal reflection on early cultural learning experiences in Canada, highlighting the harmonious co-existence of Black Canadians and Asian immigrants. It explores Canada's cultural diversity and tolerance, referencing the increased interest from American students seeking education in Canada. The author identifies with a monochromic culture, emphasizing the importance of orderliness and focus, and illustrates this trait's impact on completing college projects. Furthermore, the essay discusses an interpersonal communication incident involving differing religious views and the importance of understanding diverse cultural beliefs. It concludes with a project experience involving a partner from a polychromic culture, applying the Communication Accommodation Theory to achieve effective collaboration and project completion. The essay underscores the value of adapting communication styles to foster understanding and cooperation in intercultural settings.

Running head: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Intercultural Communication
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Answer 1)
My earliest memory of learning my culture was a picnic party held at Abbotsford where I
lived. I saw that Black Canadians along with the Asian immigrants were invited in the event that
showed that different cultures can co-exist harmoniously. This event had a great impact on my
life and showed me the advantages that one can get from being open to people belonging to other
cultures. I saw that people from different kinds of cultural backgrounds. I have the mixture of
both oriental and occidental culture. I have lived in different countries from eastern and western
region which made me believe and understand the cultures. I also appreciate the different values
of the cultures.
Answer 2)
Canada is a nation that has cultural diversity. The people in Canada are tolerant towards
that of the foreigners (Houshmand, Spanierman & Tafarodi, 2014). The college students of
Canada are encouraged to participate in the clubs of the college, student government and
volunteer opportunities. This makes them more prone to appreciating people from different kinds
of backgrounds. The University of Toronto observed an increment of 70% in applications in
2017 from American students as many American students did not supported Donald Trump as
the President and they came to Canada to precede their further studies (Utoronto.ca, 2018).
Answer 3)
I consider myself to belong to the monochromic culture. The people belonging to the
monochromic culture like to do a single task at a time. The element of orderliness is valued by
that of the Canadians and they believe that there is an appropriate time for anything. Interruption
is not valued by the people who belong to the monochromic culture. They want to focus on a

2INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
particular job and they conceive of commitment in a very serious manner. The monochromic
trait has helped me in completion of my college project. I had to finish a project on “ Analysis of
business Transaction” and I was able to finish it within two days owing to our monochromic
culture (Alimardi 2013).
Answer 4)
Interpersonal communication is the conversation between two or more people where they
exchange information. An incident occurred when two people were fighting with each other
regarding their religions. They were not able to understand each other’s views and tried to defend
themselves without being concerned about each other’s thoughts. I communicated to them about
the benefits that one can get when people of different cultural back grounds co-exist
simultaneously and how one can learn from the other culture. I made them realize the importance
of understanding each other’s cultures and beliefs.
Answer 5)
I once had to do a project in college with a person of Latin American origin. They belong
to the polychromic culture and they like to do many things simultaneously. They have a
tendency of changing plans on frequent basis. I was given a project with a person who belongs to
different culture and I have practiced the principle of Communication Accommodation Theory
with his partner. Collocation helped me in getting the project done in an efficient manner with
the perfect co-operation of my partner. Task oriented approach towards the work helped me in
accomplishing my objective and complete the project. The Communication Accommodation
Theory concerns the changes in behavior that people make to adjust the communication with

3INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
their partner and the level to which people distinguishes their partner as appropriate adjustment
(Gallois & Giles, 2015).

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References
Alimardi, M. M. (2013). The Concept of Monotheism and Oneness in Islam and Sikhism. The
International Journal of Humanities, 19(1), 71-84.
Gallois, C., & Giles, H. (2015). Communication accommodation theory. The international
encyclopedia of language and social interaction.
Houshmand, S., Spanierman, L. B., & Tafarodi, R. W. (2014). Excluded and avoided: Racial
microaggressions targeting Asian international students in Canada. Cultural Diversity
and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 20(3), 377.
University of Toronto. (2018). Utoronto.ca. Retrieved 6 March 2018, from
https://www.utoronto.ca/