The more we can understand the communication process, the more likely we are both to be able to communicate effectively, and to enjoy doing so.

As social animals our lives are defined by interpersonal communication. Because we invariably live in groups, our interpersonal communication is also intercultural communication. And here's the rub: culture is about values, attitudes and beliefs. Through most of human history people have been afraid of groups who are different and have frequently fought violently to oppose them. We live in times of culture wars, not only internationally but locally as our different groups struggle to communicate with each other. But why this struggle?

'The life history of the individual is first and foremost an accommodation to the patterns and standards traditionally handed down to his [sic] community. From the moment of his birth the customs into which he is born shape his experience and behaviour.'

Ruth Benedict (1934); reprint (New York, New American Library, 1959: p. 18)

This is Ian Paisley, a Unionist politician and Protestant religious leader from Northern Ireland.

During the 1970s and 1980s Paisley bitterly opposed a power-sharing solution to the troubles in Northern Ireland. He became famous for his divisive rhetoric as the Anglo-Irish agreement slowly evolved. He could never perceive the world in ways in which those he saw as his enemies perceived the world?

Why was that?

Try not to over-think this one. The idea is to be as spontaneous and immediate as possible. I know that can be difficult if you feel you're being judged - but you're not.

There is no right or wrong answer here.

You have ... 30 seconds ... scribble!

Again ... Go!

Quick. Write anything that comes into your mind.

Last one. 30 seconds. See how many ideas you can list.

How do these responses compare to your own? Why might some things be the same and others completely different? What might it mean if you don't 'recognise' any of the responses?

The most common responses here are:

cross
plus
crossroads
letter T
hands of a compass
check mark (correct)
check mark (incorrect)
Red Cross
death
sacrifice
life after death
redemption
crucifixion
Number 10

State of Israel
Jewish star
star of David
peace
chicken soup
two triangles
Christmas decoration

Fascism
Hitler
Nazism
Nazi Germany
Nazi Swastika

Indian symbol for peace

river
snake
corkscrew
intrauterine device (IUD)
puff of smoke
signature
signal

There will always be conflict. Better communication is not a panacea.

However, if we can facilitate interpersonal, inter-group or international communication through improved understanding of communication itself, there is less likely to be mis-perception and fear of others; and, if people are in conflict they are likely to be clearer what that conflict is actually about.

Understanding communication really is crucial.

But how could that understanding be improved?

Three influential books by these authors are:

Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond culture. Garden City, N.Y: Anchor Press.

Singer, M. R., & Singer, M. R. (1998). Perception & identity in intercultural communication. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press.

Agar, M. (1993). Language shock: Understanding the culture of conversation. New York: Wm. Morrow.