Global citizenship and Intercultural communication

Global citizenship – What does it mean?

To be a global citizen means that we acknowledge that we have rights and responsibilities that come with being a member of the world  — with a global philosophy and responsiveness — rather than solely resonating with being a citizen of a particular nation or place.

As a citizen of a country you have certain rights as well as certain responsibilities (albeit some people seem to forget the latter!).  Global citizenship is exactly as the two words suggest … worldwide rights and responsibilities.  All countries are inter-related in some way, whether by export and import, war history, immigrants, tourists, foreign policy, environmental impact, religious connections, cultural similarities … the list goes on.  The idea of being a global citizen is that your identity transcends geography or political borders and that your rights and responsibilities are not just applicable to your country, but also to your membership of a broader class … that of humanity.  This in no way means denouncing or waiving your nationality, but is an additional identity.  This very much comes into play when discussing human rights and opposing state (the political term for country) laws or violations.  This is where the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (proclaimed in 1948) comes into play.  It states that there are certain rights that should be global, regardless of any other beliefs.  It was established ‘as a common standard of achievement for all people and all nations … in recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family (being) the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world … ‘ (UDHR). 

Intercultural communication

It is verbal and non-verbal interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds.  It requires an understanding of an array of rituals and traditions, polite ways to greet and depart and things you should do, as well as those you should not. Understanding that some cultures are formal and some informal.  Realising that behavioural norms for good communication differ from country to country.  Intercultural understanding allows for positive and productive communication between religions, social groups, different ethnicity and educational backgrounds.  Essentially, it is a desire to understand how people from different countries and cultures act, communicate and perceive the world around them.  Communication requires an interest and effort from both parties.  With intercultural communication both parties should remember that there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’ … we are all humans sharing space on this globe.  In saying that however, I believe it is as important to create an interconnectedness between cultures, as it is for cultures to maintain a sense of separateness in identity, which preserves and celebrates difference.  The difference is the very reason we are fascinated by another culture, and also why It is vital to encourage education and interest around understanding and embracing difference, to ensure its survival in an ever increasing globally interconnected society.