Intercultural competence

Interact thoughtfully across cultural differences and recognise that norms and perspectives may vary.

Why it matters

Checking meanings and expectations helps people communicate when familiar behaviour is interpreted differently. Cultural background can be part of that context, but it does not tell you everything about an individual. Asking leaves room for people to explain their own expectations.

What this can look like

• recognises that familiar behaviour may have a different meaning in another cultural context
• checks what someone means when an expression or custom is unfamiliar
• adjusts communication after discussing different expectations

Youth relevance

In culturally diverse classrooms, youth groups or exchanges, expectations about speaking up, humour or disagreement may vary. Young people can discuss those expectations and adjust how they communicate without assuming everyone from a background shares the same norms.

Ways young people can practise this skill

• work with people from different cultural backgrounds and reflect on differing expectations
• compare how the same behaviour may be interpreted in different cultural contexts
• adapt communication after discussing differences in meaning or expectations

Connected themes

• Main theme · Inclusion & diversity
• Communication
• Participation & citizenship