Globalization. Internationalization. Multilingualism. Diversity. Cross-cultural training. Intercultural competence. These are just a few of the terms that are being used with increasing frequency in education and the business sector today.

The two most common places in the U.S. where people from different backgrounds are brought together are the workplace and the classroom. These environments have become increasingly more diverse over the last decade, and these trends will continue into the next century. The increasing diversity is not just in ethnic backgrounds and gender, but in age, religions, abilities and lifestyles.

The increasing globalization of the economy will necessitate changes in the way that we communicate. It will require that we have the skills to build a sense of community in the workplace and create an environment of common purpose and trust. Cultural differences greatly affect communication. In order to enhance communication and develop intercultural competence, we need an understanding of what culture is, and its impact on individuals.

What elements make up culture?

Simply defined, culture is the sum total of the ways in which a nation or group of people think, act and live. The elements of a culture include its language, religion, and customs. Culture is acquired or learned over many years, and is passed on from one generation to the next. Each culture has a unique history which is continually added to with the passing of time.

It is important to point out that culture is deeply rooted and resistant to change. In spite of the increased internationalization of the education and business communities, it would be a mistake to presume that there is a comparable trend toward creation of a single, global culture. In fact, in recent years, there has been a strong resurgence in cultural awareness and identity. This was particularly true in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region, where cultural and national identity surged as Soviet influence was removed.

It is important to develop a comprehensive viewpoint about other cultures, and an awareness about how your own culture affects you. Interestingly enough, members of the dominant culture in any society will think of themselves as "culturally neutral." It is essential to be aware of the values, attitudes and manners that your culture has imposed on you. The more aware you are about how you have been influenced by your own culture and background, the less likely you are to impose those beliefs and values on someone else.

The intrinsic value of diversity can be seen when it is defined from a biological perspective. In biology, diversity is valued because it is the combination of a common base and varied influences leading to a stronger product or outcome. There are many ways, too numerous to list here, to incorporate the advantages of diversity in the classroom. Some examples are introducing group projects and alternative thinking modes within your discipline, or finding elements of your subject matter that connect with various cultures or global issues.

Obviously, there may not be time to gain a comprehensive understanding of every student's cultural background. However, the effort to learn something about each of the cultures in your classroom will certainly be appreciated, and will result in better communication.

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