Webinar
Inclusive communication and the TOPOI-model. Beyond intercultural communication: ‘Cultures don’t meet people do.’
16 October 2024
17:30 - 19:45 CE(S)T
International workshop in cooperation: SIETAR Europa, SIETAR France and SIETAR Polska
Inclusive communication goes beyond the culturalist character of intercultural communication which is still dominant in the intercultural field. Culturalist approaches stimulate learners to ‘zoom out’ (Jürgen Bolten) from the actual individual persons in an interaction and to reduce them to larger schematic cultures and cultural dimensions (national; collectivistic/ individualistic; linear-active/multi-active/reactive; shame/guilt…) they seem to be part of, to explain the encountered differences and misunderstandings. Inclusive communication and the TOPOI model, on the other hand encourage to do the opposite and zoom in on the encounter between unique individuals at an intersection of identities, embedded in social contexts in a unique situation. In this way, an inclusive approach humanises ‘the other’ and it humanises ‘otherness’ (Milton Bennett): people from other origins are as complex and multi-layered human beings as we are ourselves. Intercultural communication is interpersonal communication: Cultures don’t meet, people do.
Inclusive communication means seeing people – regardless of their background – as unique personalities, connected to different social groups, with multiple identities and with their own (life) stories. A practical tool for inclusive communication is the TOPOI model, which can be used to identify and address differences and misunderstandings in conversations. The TOPOI lens subsequently helps learners ‘zoom in’ on interpersonal interactions of unique individuals embedded in social contexts, in order to detect possible misunderstandings during or after an intercultural encounter. Rather than making generalizing culturalist statements, a TOPOI-based communicative reflection allows for more nuanced hypotheses about the possible misunderstandings and thus a wide range of intervention options.
Dr. Edwin Hoffman (born in Indonesia, Dutch nationality, living in Austria) is an independent trainer, lecturer and author in the field of inclusive communication and diversity competence. In addition, Edwin is an external lecturer at Alpen Adria University in Klagenfurt, Austria. He developed the TOPOI model, a tool for inclusive communication with his slogan: Cultures don’t meet, people do.
Edwin has several publications to his name, the most important of which are. together with Arjan Verdooren Diversity Competence. Cultures don’t meet, people do (2018) Bussum: Coutinho. In German: Hoffman, E. (2015) Interkulturelle Gesprächsführung. Theorie und Praxis des TOPOI-Modells and (2020), Interkulturelle Gesprächsführung. Menschen begegnen einander, nicht Kulturen. Wiesbaden: Springer Verlag. In Dutch:Hoffman, E. (2018), 4e herziene druk. Interculturele Gespreksvoering. Theorie en praktijk van het TOPOI-model. Houten: Bohn Stafleu Van Loghum en met Arjan Verdooren (2018) Diversiteitscompetentie. Niet culturen, maar mensen ontmoeten elkaar. Bussum: Coutinho.
Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83544176768?pwd=RLyXzBQExRvKHANRMr5k4wAeeElUew.1