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10: Building Relationships- Connecting Across Cultures

  • Page ID
    305326
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    Learning Objectives
    • Define intercultural relationships and identify impact on belonging, identity, and connection
    • Describe the benefits and challenges of intercultural relationships
    • Identify different types of intercultural relationships and the unique cultural dynamics of each type
    • Understand different communication skills to promote healthy intercultural relationships

    • 10.1: Introduction- Intercultural Relationships and Communication
      This page highlights Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's marriage as a symbol of intercultural relationships, igniting global discussions on race and identity. It celebrates the complexities and beauty of love that transcends cultures, emphasizing shared values that unite people. The page also addresses the Harvard Study on Development, which notes the crucial role of relationships in well-being.
    • 10.2: How Relationships Shape Identity, Connection, and Belonging
      This page discusses the concept of belonging through Ubuntu, emphasizing the importance of relationships in shaping identity. It presents the Communication Theory of Identity, showing how these connections enhance emotional well-being. The text highlights loneliness, especially among young adults, and stresses the necessity of relational connections for inclusion and acceptance. It also acknowledges the challenges and growth opportunities presented by intercultural relationships.
    • 10.3: Your Global Advantage- The Benefits of Cross-Cultural Connection
      This page explores the transformative impact of intercultural relationships, exemplified by Emily's friendship with Maria. It highlights how such bonds enhance cultural understanding and teach valuable skills like listening and adaptability. The relationships challenge stereotypes and promote open-mindedness, contributing to personal growth and social awareness despite challenges.
    • 10.4: When Things Get Tricky- Challenges of Intercultural Love and Friendship
      This page explores the complexities of intercultural relationships, highlighting challenges such as communication barriers, differing family values, and the interplay of individualism and collectivism. It underscores the importance of honest communication, empathy, and curiosity to foster connections, while addressing societal prejudices. The necessity of identity negotiation and active listening is emphasized for navigating diverse cultural identities.
    • 10.5: Where Do We Connect? Friendships, Love, and Family Across Borders
      This page discusses intercultural relationships, defined as connections among individuals from different cultural backgrounds, including various factors like gender and age. It highlights the diversity of these relationships, from casual workplace friendships to deep familial ties via marriage, and focuses specifically on friendships and romantic partnerships.
    • 10.6: Growing Your Intercultural Communication Skills for Successful Relationships
      This page highlights the essential core communication skills for intercultural relationships, such as kindness, active listening, and behavioral flexibility. It illustrates how these skills foster empathy and manage cultural differences, ultimately enhancing trust and understanding. Practical examples are provided to demonstrate the effective application of these skills, encouraging individuals to navigate intercultural interactions and build meaningful connections.
    • 10.7: Conclusion
      This page highlights the importance of personal relationships in achieving happiness, discussing different types such as friendship, family, romantic, inter-racial, and LGBTQ+ relationships. It reviews the characteristics and benefits of intercultural relationships, addressing their challenges. An intercultural toolkit is provided with communication strategies for building and maintaining these relationships.


    10: Building Relationships- Connecting Across Cultures is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Angela Hoppe-Nagao & Kim Yee, Cerritos College..