Intercultural Communication by S. Paul Verluyten

1. Cultural homogeneity vs multiculturalism

The main feature of European identity may be, to a certain extent, its absence, i.e. tolerance of a wide array of cultural characteristics of various groups, with the state or EU taking no position on which characteristics are superior to which other. This must apply to regional cultural differences within one country, to particular groups (migrants, Jews, etc.) and to cultural differences between EU states.

In contrast to this stands some kind of ideal of cultural homogeneity, as some extreme right-wing parties would have it. I am convinced that cultural homogeneity of a region or country is an illusion in our late 20th century world. And even if it were a realistic alternative to a multicultural society, it would be very far from my own preferences, tastes and way of living.

Yet I do not think that this ideal of cultural homogeneity, with which I disagree, is in itself morally wrong. Therefore, I oppose what is a common defence mechanism against some extreme right-wing political parties, which consists of painting them into a corner where they are depicted as 'fascists' or 'nazis'. Some more moderate political parties may use this strategy in order to isolate the extreme right-wing, while in essence their own views are not very different. Few political parties are truly in favour of multiculturalism in their region or country, and act accordingly.

Another interesting issue is that European cultural identity, even if one of its inherent features is the acceptance of diversity, probably has some boundaries somewhere: do we accept polygamy, female circumcision, etc., or must they be prohibited by law?

2. Educating towards intercultural communication

If we see Europe as a place where a wide array of different cultures co-exist on an equal level locally, regionally, nationally and union-wide, it goes without saying that these cultures will be in frequent contact with one another. It is, therefore, utterly amazing that so little effort is made towards educating children and adults towards intercultural communication.

I know of no school or university throughout Europe where training in intercultural communication occupies a dominant place in the curriculum, say on a par with European or world history (where the differences and conflicts between peoples are stressed rather than their need to cooperate).

Yet nowadays intercultural communication is a fully developed field within social sciences, and training techniques, course books, manuals, videos and other materials are available (or can be developed) to enhance awareness of intercultural issues and to improve intercultural communication.

One important point here is to educate people to see cultural diversity as enriching rather than threatening, and to improve their communication skills when they get in contact with people from different cultural groups.

I see it as an urgent need to introduce training in intercultural communication at various levels in education in Europe: in the school system, in administration and in the business world. All the people involved will gain personally from such training, and it will be cost-effective for most institutions and businesses to organise such programs.

This will be my concrete proposal for cultural action as I wish to submit it to the seminar in Athens for discussion.

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