[Writers Name]
Communicating effectively with people who are different from us is a trait very few people posses. Every person has preconceived notions about those around them and this is largely a result of the socialization process we undergo since childhood. Intercultural communication is difficult for even the best of speakers. This dilemma can only be overcome if people make an extra effort to set aside their differences and affiliations when interacting with individuals of another group. Unfortunately, people do not make that extra effort required to set aside these differences when communicating with different kinds of people. We either take these differences for granted, choose to ignore or even look down upon them. The three most prominent factors which act as barriers in inter-cultural communication are; prejudice, ethnocentrism, and assumed similarity.
Prejudice is the most significant factor because mostly it goes by unnoticed and we are constantly exposed to it. Prejudice is considered as a negative attitude which we hold towards a particular group and consequently, all members of the group are viewed in the same light. These prejudices are not an individual’s own opinions instead they are firm beliefs of the majority members of a group. Moving on to ethnic prejudice, the concept of “them” versus “us” is very common. People consider themselves as being the norm and anyone who holds different values and beliefs is labeled as “them”. Prejudice leads people to devalue members of other groups on the basis of their differences. Because of this actions of the out group members are viewed in a negative light. Furthermore, positive characteristics are dismissed which in this case is known as discounting. Moreover, any negative attribute which may come into notice is exaggerated and there is the problem of polarization. Prejudice is strongly knit into society because of it being transmitted through different modes of communication including interpersonal as well as the media.
Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others, which leads people to look down upon other groups. Whereas, in assumed similarity people ignore the differences which may be prevalent amongst groups and treat everyone according to their own beliefs and values.
