We embrace a new definition of intercultural communication to be holistic, multidimensional, developmental, and critical — “intercultural praxis.” Previous definitions of intercultural communication emphasized the communication part of the term, and were largely based in applied anthropology and psychology. They were also enthralled with the “behavioral schools” of the twentieth century, which aimed to make intercultural communication a hard science.
By “intercultural praxis,” we mean both the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to communicate cross-culturally AND the process of greater cross-cultural understanding through the exchange of knowledge. The latter part of the definition incorporates knowledge of global systems, global competence, and cultural humility. One of the best expressions of this more contemporary definition is the Intercultural Praxis Model, developed by Kathryn Sorrells.
