Intercultural Competencies |
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Why Intercultural Studies? |
The emerging academic field of Intercultural Studies reflects the growing demand for tools for handling the current processes of change. Reasons for the heightened significance of Intercultural Studies include the following:
The Recent Growth of the European Union
With membership currently at 27 nations with highly diverse histories and forms of governance, 23 different languages, and different religions, the EU poses new intercultural challenges. Realising the goals that led to the formation of the EU and maximising its potential will depend on the ability to cope with the vast diversity within–and between–the EU nation states.
The Integration of Immigrants
Millions of migrants are currently scattered across the globe. While they are contributing significantly to the economy of their host country, they also support relatives back home. Research on the relationships between the cultural majority and the immigrant minorities will provide vital input for designing effective public policy.
The Global Economy
The recent acceleration in globalisation has brought new regions into focus. Mumbai and other mega-cities in India are developing at an unprecedented rate. Shanghai and other Chinese commercial centres are booming. In today’s world, economic success is to a large extent based on intercultural competencies.
What are Intercultural Competencies? |
The term ‘competence’ originated in the field of psychology. It characterises personal abilities that we rely on to complete a specific task or solve a problem. Unlike qualifications, competencies are not determined by external criteria, but rather achieved through individual personality structures and processes. While attaining a qualification may be a short-term goal, obtaining competencies is a process involving continuous development of one’s own potential. In general, competencies are rather intricate and include intellectual, social, emotional, and mediating aspects of the personality. The term ‘intercultural’ refers to all forms of relationships between people from different cultural backgrounds. Thus, ‘intercultural competencies’ refers to the skill set that enables people to successfully navigate domestic (intra-national) as well as international encounters.
"We live in a world of accelerating developments and multiple exchanges that challenges each and every one of us. Competent actions need to be based on comprehensive understandings of these processes." Burkhard Landwehr a participant in the Intercultural Competencies program 2005–2007, directs an art gallery and works with intercultural groups in the field of visual arts. |