Become culturally literate

According to Salo-Lee (2007), cultural literacy can be feasibly developed with education from “ethnocentric stages” (denial, defence and minimization) to “ethno-relativistic” stages (acceptance, adaptation and integration). In the ethnocentric stages “one’s own standards and customs are still, to various degrees, used to judge people”. In the ethno-relativistic stages “people gradually start to be comfortable with many different standards and customs. They have an ability to adapt behaviour and judgements to various settings”. At the integration stage, “people have gained a multicultural identity and they are able to interpret and evaluate behaviour from different cultural frames of reference. Their behaviour is appropriate in various cultural settings, and they display contextual awareness and ethical responsibility” (p. 82).

In addition, one can possibly improve intercultural literacy from a dialogue that goes beyond mere discussion since dialogue entails openness, empathy and trust (Salo-Lee, 2007), and dialogue presupposes and creates an atmosphere where understanding can be reached and new ideas emerge (Wesley, 2008). Intercultural dialogue jointly travel path towards learning and understanding, respect and responsibility because different opinions become a source for new solutions, and culture turns to a valuable resource, so in the multicultural and interdependent world intercultural dialogue is one’s chance to make a difference (Salo-Lee, 2007; Wesley, 2008).

Furthermore, in accordance with Dorscher and Normore (2008), to become intercultural competence, one should first be adaptable and flexible to being tolerance of ambiguity, empathy, non-judgmentalness and meta-communication skills. One should then be to be participative competence that is the ability to participate fully in an interaction so that knowledge is shared and the learning experience is professionally rewarding. One should finally have personal attributes explicitly openness that contributes to successful intercultural interactions and certain skills, such as listening. Although these qualities may not be easily acquired, they can be learned and improved.

Similarly, as stated by Luke and Carrington (2002) there are nine essential skills or qualities of an inter-culturally effective person should include: “(1) adaptation skills (adaptation includes acceptance, participation and satisfaction); (2) attitude of modesty and respect; (3) understanding of concept of culture; (4) knowledge of the host country and culture; (5) relationship-building; (6) self-knowledge; (7) intercultural communication; (8) organizational skills; and (9) personal and professional commitment” (p. 24).

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