INTERCULTURAL LEARNING

INTERCULTURAL LEARNING

Darvesh Karim

Assistant Instructor

Professional Development Center, North

University Road, Konodass, Gilgit.

Ph. No: (+92) 05811-454132-4 Ext: 3017

Fax No: (+92) 05811-454135

Cell No: (+92) 03465419307

Email (Official): darveshkarim@pdcn.edu.pk

Email (Private): dk_hunzai@yahoo.com, darvesh.karim@gmail.com

Online Blogs: www.dkhunza.blogspot.com; www.scribd.com/dk_hunzai

This paper describes the synthesis of different perspectives about intercultural learning based upon four different sources. The synthesis between all the sources has been mentioned in various themes. Before describing the themes, I tried to define intercultural learning according to my understanding through four different sources. A short conclusion is drawn, covering the information given in the themes.

Intercultural learning refers to the awareness and understanding of a person’s own culture and relation of that culture to other cultures of the world. It is aimed at to create tolerance among various communities of the world by accepting the differences as strengths. These differences include beliefs, and social and cultural practices. It results in creating the sense of harmony among different nations and practitioners of the world.

 Intercultural awareness is considered to be one of the key factors in developing intercultural learning. Different strategies have been used in different sources to create intercultural awareness. In Aly 2008, a link is created between Lahore and a school in British systems, where Pakistani students are in minority. To create bilateral awareness relationships and friendship, different methods like video conferencing, joint books and drama playing are used between the characters of both systems. In Noora 2006, various cultural artifacts have been used to create awareness among different cultures. He has compared the Irish culture with his own culture to explore cultural diversity. In Haleema 2008, the emphasis is given on all the age levels, by denying the general perception that intercultural learning is limited to advance levels. I think, the present scenario through out the world reflects that there is utmost need to create intercultural awareness among all the communities of the world.

Cultural diversity is described as strength among various cultures. Noora 2006 describes that it allows us to know about the commonalities and differences between different cultures. It provides a platform to know about the backgrounds of various cultures. So, by creating intercultural learning, we know about the history of different cultures. In the article, it is used as improving language skills to comprehend and communicate in the global village. For me, this becomes not just information; it also allows the learners to study about the positive aspects of various cultures.

A misconception about different cultures is another problem through out the world now a day, resulting conflictions among different cultures. This is because of having very little knowledge about different cultures. It can be reduced through intercultural learning in real senses. Aly 2008 describes that the purpose of creating intercultural learning between British and Pakistani system is to breakdown the negative stereotypes between the two cultures. In the article it is said that intercultural learning creates intercultural communicative competence which attempts to raise student’s awareness of their own culture and in doing so, help them to interpret and understand other cultures. So, intercultural learning becomes a source of bringing communities together by removing misconceptions among different cultures.

The conclusion is that intercultural learning is the most important aspect of life now a day. Because of denying this reality, the whole world is in a serious trouble to understand each other. If we will be able to incorporate and practice the messages given by four different sources, it will certainly help to create tolerance and harmony among various nations, resulting peaceful environment in the whole world.