Intercultural Communication: Definition, Purpose, and Its Process
In an increasingly connected global world, understanding intercultural communication has become highly important. Through the Master’s in Communication Studies program, students not only study communication theories but also gain deeper insight into how communication occurs between individuals or groups from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Definition of Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication is the process of exchanging messages between individuals or groups with different cultural backgrounds. The primary goal of this type of communication is to build understanding, mutual comprehension, and cross-cultural tolerance.
Cultural communication is a part of communication studies that emphasizes how culture influences the way individuals communicate.
Functions of Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication has several important functions, including:
- Building cross-cultural social relationships
- Bridging differences in perception and values
- Preventing cultural conflicts
- Supporting international cooperation and globalization
Forms of Intercultural Communication
There are several common forms of cross-cultural communication, including:
- Verbal communication: the use of different languages and dialects across cultures
- Nonverbal communication: body movements, facial expressions, eye contact, and physical distance
- Symbolic communication: cultural symbols such as colors, clothing, or emblems
- Cross-cultural digital communication: the exchange of messages via digital platforms among individuals from different countries
How to Maintain Intercultural Communication
To sustain healthy and effective intercultural communication, several communication strategies are needed, such as:
- Showing respect toward other cultures
- Avoiding stereotypes and prejudice
- Developing active listening skills
- Using clear and easy-to-understand language
- Learning to understand the context of local cultural communication
What Happens If There Is No Intercultural Communication
Without effective intercultural communication, several negative impacts may arise:
- Misunderstandings and cultural conflicts
- Discrimination and intolerance
- Failure in international cooperation
- Decreased productivity in multicultural work environments
The Process of Intercultural Communication
The process of intercultural communication can be divided into several stages:
- Message encoding by the communicator
- Selection of communication channels (verbal/nonverbal/digital)
- Message delivery to the communicant from a different culture
- Decoding or interpretation of the message by the communicant
- Response and feedback
In each of these stages, cultural context plays a vital role in determining the success of communication.
Channels of Intercultural Communication
Some commonly used channels in intercultural communication include:
- Direct communication: face-to-face conversations, formal meetings
- Mass media: television, radio, film
- Digital media: email, social media, video calls
- Organizational communication: among multinational teams, global companies
Intercultural Communication Studies in the Master’s Program in Communication Studies
In the Master’s Program in Communication Studies, especially at Telkom University, intercultural communication is taught through theoretical and practical approaches. Students will study:
- Theories of cultural and cross-cultural communication
- Case studies on multicultural conflicts and cooperation
- Practices of cross-country digital communication
- Global communication ethics and media literacy
Lecturers in this program come from strong academic and professional backgrounds, and are actively involved in international research and collaboration.
Career Prospects for Graduates of the Master’s in Communication Studies
Graduates of the Communication Studies Postgraduate Program with a focus on intercultural communication have wide-ranging career prospects, such as:
- Cross-cultural communication consultant
- Diplomat or international relations officer
- International public relations specialist
- Global communication manager in multinational companies
- Lecturer and researcher in cultural communication
Conclusion
Intercultural communication is not just a science, but a skill that is highly needed in the era of globalization. Through the Master’s in Communication Studies program, students will be equipped with knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and in-depth communication skills to adapt and contribute to multicultural societies.
A Master’s degree in Communication from Telkom University will open career opportunities and make you a part of the global solution through inclusive and effective communication. Join us now!
Activities Carried Out by the Master’s in Communication Studies Program at Telkom University
The Master’s in Communication Studies Program at Telkom University offers a variety of academic and non-academic activities designed to enrich students’ insight and develop their communication skills. This program includes interactive lectures with experts, seminars, and workshops with engaging themes. Through these activities, students are equipped with the competencies to become innovative, adaptive communication leaders ready to face global challenges.
According to an article from mcomms.telkomuniversity.ac.id, the Master’s in Communication Studies program has carried out various activities to support the academic development of its students. The following is one example:
Telkom University and JNE Hold a Collaboration by Organizing the Creative Workshop: Narrative & Communication in the Digital Era Vol.1
(Bandung, May 21, 2024) Telkom University (Tel-U) Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences (FKS) held a collaboration by organizing a joint event with JNE in “Creative Workshop: Narrative & Communication in Digital Era Vol.1” held in the Intata Building Hall of FKS. This event aims to develop the creativity and communication skills of the participants in the rapidly growing digital era. This event was attended by the JNE Content Competition 2024 Jury, namely Maman Suherman and Rio Purba, as well as the Head of the Telkom University (Tel-U) Master of Communication Studies Program, Dr. Martha Tri Lestari.
The event began with a public lecture on creative communication in the digital era, which was attended by more than 200 participants from high school students, university students, lecturers, and the general public. The lecture provided important insights into the utilization of digital technology to design and deliver compelling and effective narratives.
In the Creative Workshop Narrative and Communication in the Digital Era, JNE presented 3 speakers, namely Maman Suherman who is a book writer who is active in supporting the progress of Indonesian literacy, Rio Purba who is a Brand Designer and Content Creator. and Dr. Martha Tri Lestari as the Head of Prodi (Kaprodi) Master of Communication Science Telkom University.
The first material in this event was delivered by Maman Suherman, a writer and literacy activist better known as Kang Maman. He shared his insights and experiences through a session entitled “Productive Writing in the Digital Age”. Kang Maman emphasized the importance of writing as a valuable asset for various aspects of life.
Furthermore, the Head of Prodi (Kaprodi) Master of Communication Science Tel-U, Martha Tri Lestari, presented material about hypnowriting. In the session, Martha also emphasized the importance of reading and writing habits for today’s digital native generation.
The lastly, Rio Purba as a leading brand designer from Medan. Rio delivered a presentation titled “Design Elements and Design Principles”. In his presentation, Rio not only shared knowledge about design elements and principles, but also motivated the participants to develop their creativity further. In addition, Rio also invited the participants to join the JNE Content Competition 2024 as a step to hone and show their skills.
In addition to the public lecture, the event also included a JNE Creative Workshop supported by Teropong Media EO. This workshop gave participants the opportunity to learn directly from experts in the field of communication and digital narrative, focusing on techniques and strategies for creating interesting and relevant content in the digital era.
As part of this event to continue developing creativity, JNE also announced the return of the JNE Content Competition 2024. This competition challenges participants to produce their best work in the form of digital content. With a theme that focuses on narrative and communication, the competition is expected to encourage more innovation and creativity among participants.
The collaboration between Telkom University and JNE in organizing this event shows the commitment of both parties to support the development of creativity and communication skills in the digital era. With public lectures, workshops, and content competitions, it is hoped that participants can apply the knowledge and skills they have gained to create more creative and effective content, and Telkom University (Tel-U) is the first place visited in the implementation of Creative Workshop 2024, which is part of the JNE Content Competition 2024 which has been held for eleven years. Read more here
Join the Master’s Program in Communication Studies at Telkom University and Discover Its Advantages!
Why should you take a S2 in Communication Studies at Telkom University? There are several main advantages that make this campus a great choice, if you want to improve your career in the digital age. This master’s program puts its focus on the development of research and entrepreneurship in the field of information technology-based communication sciences. This is in line with Telkom University’s commitment to innovation and industry relevance. In addition, there are two main concentrations, namely Digital Media & Culture and Digital Communication. These two concentrations are designed according to the needs of the market and the trends that occur in the current market.
Telkom University is known as the No.1 private university in Indonesia based on the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking 2023. In addition to affirming its position as a quality institution, this reputation also means that Telkom University has received international recognition If you have already taken an undergraduate program at Telkom University, you can also take advantage of the Fast Track S1 + S2 program in just 5 years. That way, you can graduate faster, be more cost-efficient, and have the opportunity to get a scholarship. Through the advantages above, getting a S2 degree in Communication Science at Telkom University offers a promising option.
Please visit the Telkom University New Student Selection website here. The website provides information about registration, selection paths, tuition fees and also offers scholarship programs. For more information related to Postgraduate (Master of Communication Sciences) click here
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Reference:
- https://mcomms.telkomuniversity.ac.id/kontak-kami/
- https://smb.telkomuniversity.ac.id/cerita-telutizen/tingkatkan-kariermu-dengan-s2-ilmu-komunikasi-di-telkom-university/
- https://mcomms.telkomuniversity.ac.id/telkom-university-dan-jne-mengadakan-kolaborasi-dengan-menyelenggarakan-creative-workshop-narasi-komunikasi-era-digital-vol-1/
Tags: S2 Communication Sciences | Communication Science | S2 Communication Sciences, Telkom University
Author: Sophia Margaretta – Directorate of Information Technology Center
