COMMUNICATION, CULTURE AND EDUCATION IN EUROPE, pages: 75 - 83, 2017

Values of Intercultural Communication in the Relationship Between the European Citizens

Abstract: From a general perspective, we attempt to approach the issue of intercultural communication, mainly because through intercultural relations we should leave aside the differences between cultural and national traditions, way of life, customs and attitudes. In this article we aim to briefly present some theories of intercultural communication, to observe whether intercultural education is implemented in the practice of schools and how European Union institutions are favourable to integrating diversity, fostering interculturalism and promoting intercultural dialogue. Language is the main medium in where information circulates and it assembles itself as the message transmitter and, therefore, we should give special attention to the mediating role of language in the process. Particular attention is to be focused on the characteristics and perspectives of intercultural communication as well as the key factor of understanding this concept and phenomenon. The present study proposes an historical excursion into matters of European culture and identity. This whole brief journey is intended to highlight the reality, but also the imamance, of this approach for the future of Europe.