Research
Curious about articles in the intercultural field?
FASHIONing Identities Through Cultural Filters
We learn and update our cultural codes throughout our entire life. Along with language, we learn how our bodies communicate, and – early in our lives, we begin to make sense of social relations through attire, we teach and learn what “appropriate” means: we dress for the weather and for socialization. Our expectations about someone’s appearance may say more about ourselves than about that individual. The challenge lies in be(com)ing aware of our own values and assumptions. Our deeply ingrained value settings kick in every time we (un)consciously connect to others through dress codes. Failing to decode implicit values may be perceived as “cultural illiteracy”. Appearance, including attire, often sets directions in our relational orientation.
“Integrating Diverse Parental Involvement Perspectives: A Strategy to Strengthen the Teacher-Immigrant Parent Partnership in Educating Elementary School-Aged Children.”
“Parental involvement (PI) can vary across cultures, and when immigrant parents move to a new country, their PI perspectives may differ from those of local teachers. My research aims to address the problem of teachers’ lack of awareness regarding different PI perspectives and its impact on the partnership between teachers and immigrant parents in educating elementary school-aged children.”
Why transcultural approaches are indispensable in addressing mental health: a focus on Sámi Indigenous People
Which definition would you give the word transculturalism? To me, transculturalism is not just a concept that describes a mix of multiple cultures existing together. Transculturalism is the will to understand the other, finding common values, and seeing the fruits of intercultural connection––to a further extent, to see each other’s difficulties, pain, and trauma.
Cultural Trauma and Identity: How A Cruel Past Can Generate Ukrainian Strength
Former states under Soviet rule experienced cruelties that present themselves again in Ukraine – however, the past might serve as a strong connector between present communities. This post explores the collective trauma experienced by Czechs in the Communist era and how past cultural trauma can pulse through today’s communities by means of cultural identity.
What reindeer and Indigenous perspectives can teach us about climate change
The upper north of Europe, characterised by arctic landscapes, is the home of the Sámi Indigenous People who found a way of living in the region long time ago. But who are the Sámi and what can we learn from their lifestyle about climate change? Turns out to be pretty much.
Public diplomacy needs more interculturalists!
For many years, the image that came to my mind when hearing the word interculturalist was an intercultural trainer. However, while volunteering for SIETAR Europa I realized that everybody can be an...
As interculturalists, is it time to look beyond nations for a deeper understanding?
Brief summary: When it comes to understanding culture, national cultures are often the de facto option to highlight difference. But in today’s ever-evolving and globalised world, what can we gain by...
Understanding Unconscious Bias – Insights from Neuroscience
Understanding Unconscious Bias - Insights from Neuroscience by Eithne Knappitsch Understanding the nature of unconscious bias, its implications and how to reduce or correct it, is becoming...
The subtle and powerful influence of culture
The subtle and powerful influence of culture - The different leadership responses in the United States and Spain during the pandemic. by Carla Cabrera Cuadrado Culture plays a very important...
The Golden Rule vs the Platinum Rule – The trap of projecting similarity
The Golden Rule vs the Platinum Rule - The trap of projecting similarity by David Trickey In a recent poll on LinkedIn, I asked if people agreed with the following statement: We should...