While they all might be under the same roof, they describe entirely different rooms. The differences in the meanings have to do with the perspectives we take when interacting with people from other cultures.
Multicultural refers to a society that contains several cultural or ethnic groups. People live alongside one another, but each cultural group does not necessarily have engaging interactions with each other. For example, in a multicultural neighbourhood people may frequent ethnic grocery stores and restaurants without really interacting with their neighbours from other countries.
Multicultural definition in accordance to The Cambridge dictionary: "Including people who have many different customs and beliefs."
Cross-cultural deals with the comparison of different cultures. In cross-cultural communication, differences are understood and acknowledged and can bring about individual change, but not collective transformations. In cross-cultural societies, one culture is often considered “the norm” and all other cultures are compared or contrasted to the dominant culture.
Cross-cultural definition in accordance to The Cambridge dictionary: "Involving two or more different cultures and their ideas and customs."
Intercultural describes communities in which there are a deep understanding and respect for all cultures. Intercultural communication focuses on the mutual exchange of ideas and cultural norms and the development of deep relationships. In an intercultural society, no one is left unchanged because everyone learns from one another and grows together.
Intercultural definition in accordance to The Cambridge dictionary: "Relating to or involving more than one culture."
The Cross-cultural Training and Consulting programmes at Prime Institute are committed to promoting mutual respect among cultures by strengthening intercultural understanding within organisations.
Find out more about how we can help your organisation become a model of intercultural communication and inclusiveness. Email us on info@prime-inst.com for more details.
Images are credited to Schriefer.
