Why do small assumptions sometimes escalate into big misunderstandings? How can we avoid misreading each other? And are we all too hasty in jumping to judgement?
This workshop promotes intercultural awareness as a means of avoiding interpersonal misunderstandings. It focuses on particular forms of diversity, from the different communicative styles that characterise individuals in all cultures (the rational, emotional, and intuitive styles), to differences between cultures with regard to time, courtesy, relationship building, respect for authority, tolerance of dissent, risk aversion, and other defining variables.
The workshop seeks to find a balance in the paradox at the heart of intercultural communication: on the one hand we want to challenge prejudices and avoid typecasting, yet on the other, we need to delineate different profiles so as to provide a fair characterisation of identifiable differences. Our solution is to focus on the inevitability and advantages of diversity. Just as biodiversity enhances the productivity and adaptability of ecosystems, communicative and cultural diversity allows human communities to thrive. By better understanding this diversity, we lеаrn to appreciate others more and come to accept what might once have either perplexed or irritated us.
The workshop is exercise driven and requires active participation. Although the workshop is run in English, the lessons learned are applicable to all languages.
All participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate issued by DiploFoundation.
Workshop facilitator
Dr Biljana Scott was trained as a linguist (BA in Chinese, M.Phil and D.Phil in Linguistics, University of Oxford). She is a Senior Lecturer for the Language and Diplomacy online course at DiploFoundation, and an Associate of the China Centre, University of Oxford, where she taught for the last 25 years before her recent move to Norway. She lectures and workshops internationally.
Details
1. The workshop takes place on two consecutive evenings:
- Tuesday, 19th March, 16.00 – 20.00 hrs CET
- Wednesday, 20th March, 16.00 – 20.00 hrs CET
2. Venue: Diplo Centar, Braničevska 12a, Belgrade, Serbia
3. The workshop is offered free of charge, but due to the limited number of places (maximum 15 participants) applications will be assessed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
For further information please contact Mr Andrej Škrinjarić or +381 11 4085130.
