10 December 1998 Editorial I have come to learn that most people view the concept of intercultural communication in one of two ways. When we realize that others do not always see things the way we do, we are at a loss. We get scared and therefore deny ourselves the enlightenment of engaging in another culture by not communicating with those unlike us.
People communicate to each other based on their own knowledge.
Then obviously if we do not know much about the other person we cannot be effective communicators. This is even more of a problem when culture difference becomes a factor. We need to rid ourselves of this ignorance that we have of intercultural communication. It is very real, and we are faced with it every day, yet it is nothing to be afraid of or to avoid. Based on my experiences in Chicago and background in urban life, I believe that ignorant presumption are the most relevant hindrances on intercultural communication.