Processes of intercultural communication as part of shifting cultural paradigms

Intercultural communication is complex and a real part of technical communication today. Gould, Zakaria, and Yusof (2000) identified design elements for websites related to cultural dimensions, and presented a cultural comparison process, which resulted in guidelines for localization in Malaysia and the US. Building on Gould, Zakaria and Yusof´s practical application for cultural dimensions, this paper will look at how we can help technical communication students better prepare for not only understanding localization, but also engaging in intercultural communication in the workplace and at a personal level. To lay the foundation for understanding the complexities of intercultural communication, I will first present lenses for viewing intercultural communication as dimensional, learnable and interactional. Then I will discuss how reflection can help students move between the lenses, and ultimately begin to shift their cultural paradigms through understanding and engaging in the intercultural communication process.