Here's why:
* Respect vs. Agreement: Intercultural communication emphasizes respect for diverse cultures, not necessarily agreement. This means understanding, appreciating, and acknowledging different cultural practices without necessarily adopting them as your own.
* Critical Thinking: A competent intercultural communicator engages in critical thinking about cultural differences. This involves understanding the reasons behind different customs and being able to analyze their impact, without simply accepting them as "right" or "wrong."
* Open-mindedness: A key aspect of intercultural communication is being open-minded to new perspectives and ways of life. This involves being willing to challenge your own assumptions and biases, and to learn from others.
* Adaptability: Effective intercultural communication involves being adaptable and flexible in your communication style. This means being able to adjust your approach depending on the cultural context, without compromising your own values.
Example: You might not agree with a specific custom like arranged marriages, but as a competent intercultural communicator, you would:
* Understand the reasons behind it: Perhaps it's based on strong family values and a belief in societal stability.
* Respect the cultural context: Acknowledge that this custom is deeply ingrained in that culture and has its own logic and history.
* Engage in respectful dialogue: You can discuss your own perspective and beliefs while acknowledging the other person's viewpoint, without judgment or condemnation.
In short, being a competent intercultural communicator means being respectful, understanding, and open-minded, even when you don't agree with everything. It's about finding ways to bridge cultural differences through dialogue and empathy, not about suppressing your own beliefs or values.