Understanding verbal and nonverbal meanings of a message is difficult even  when communicators share the same culture. Whentehy comer from different cultures , special sensitivity and skills re necessary .Global business, new communication technologies , the Internet and social media sapn the world, reducing distances .However, cultural differences still exist and can cause significant misunderstandings

What is culture ?

• The complex system of values, traits, morals, and customs shared by a society
• A powerful operating force that moulds the way we think, behave and communicate

The objective of this section is to help you broaden your view of culture and open your mind to flexible attitudes so that you can avoid frustration when cultural understanding is necessary.

Key dimensions of culture 

To help you better understand your own culture and how it contrast with other cultures, this section looks at the five key dimensions of culture

• high and low context
• individualism
• time orientation
• power distance
• communication style

There are several frameworks included and an introduction to the key thinkers of intercultural communication which will act as a toolbox to identify and avoid misunderstandings