Cross-Cultural Communications: Reflections on the Origins of Intercultural Misunderstanding

The topic of cross-cultural communications is becoming especially relevant due to the growing contradictions caused by the difficulties of mutual understanding. Misunderstanding in cross-cultural communications is a popular multifaceted research issue. The starting point for cross-cultural communications studies is the question of what determines intercultural differences. By understanding the formation of national and ethnic cultures, one can develop a more balanced and pragmatic attitude to intercultural differences, which leads to greater tolerance and awareness of the need to preserve national identity. The article reviews publications that focus on the origins of mutual misunderstanding in cross-cultural communication. By describing the category of culture, the author explains the problems of intercultural communication as a subjective component of culture that reflects the national values, stereotypes, behavior, and thinking. National and ethnic differences take roots in such cultural factors as geography, nature, climate, religion, economy, and politics. This complex correlation shapes the cultural component of people’s life. The principle of equality of cultures may help to preserve cultural diversity.