Critical Incidents for Intercultural Communication - NorQuest College

Facilitator and Activity Guideto recognize the cultural differences illustrated or may beunable to see them—except in a polarized way of right/wrong, good/bad. Facilitators must also keep in mind thedegree of trust required in a group to be able to exploreissues and allow people to participate according to theircomfort level, alongside their English proficiency.Learning ObjectivesFacilitator and Activity Guide• To draw out, compare, and analyze the commonalitiesand differences of various interpretations and perceptionssurrounding culture, opening the door to a subsequentdialogue about difference• To increase participants’ awareness of their own idiosyncraticor culturally determined interpretations and explanationsof other individuals’ or groups’ behaviour, as wellas their attitudes about and responses to situations such asthose described in the critical incidents• To identify cultural differences that might have contributedto particular problems, misunderstandings, or conflictsor have influenced the various interpretations andexplanations of the participants• To assist participants in comprehending the diversity thatexists among members of each culture as well as the normativedifferences between cultures• To support participants in achieving the necessary understandingto perform in a culturally appropriate and effectivemanner in similar situations• To expand participants’ awareness of the nature of characteristicsand behaviours they should learn about andmotivate them to continue learning• To provide the basis for engaging in role play and otherclass activities that will build skills for handling problematicand everyday intercultural situationsPage 12Critical Incidents for Intercultural CommunicationCritical Incidents for Intercultural Communication Page 13