Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication focuses on the interactions between people within different cultural groups and examines how each culture influences and perceives these personal interactions. When looking at intercultural communication, it is important to consider the necessary background and culture knowledge before attempting to communicate. This is vital in business communication more now than ever due to a growing multicultural society, also intercultural communication is becoming increasingly important as a result of cultures being reshaped through globalization, or what the text refers to as the “global village” (Dao, 2009). People from around the world can come together and take part in an event via television or internet engaging with varying nationalities and cultures. Values, attitudes, beliefs, religions, etc. once unique to a certain geographical place or culture is no longer unique to that culture as different ethnic groups in society are starting to share through “music, film, fashion, language and other forms of symbolic expressions” (Pieterse, 2004). Hooksey’s Fish ‘n Chips is a perfect example of sharing through symbolic expressions, which in this case is food.

Despite the fact that to Canadians having an omelet or bacon for breakfast is normal, to someone from another cultural group, such as India, eating omelets and bacon for breakfast may not be the norm. Hooksey’s Fish ‘n Chips is sharing its culture with other cultures. Hooksey’s Fish ‘n Chips do not go out of their way to bring in customers of other ethnic backgrounds, but they do in fact have an extremely varied cultural customer base. Hooksey’s Fish ‘n Chips is sharing its culture of breakfast foods and Greek dishes like Chicken Souvlaki, providing individuals from other ethnic backgrounds with the ability to come and enjoy something new, while sharing a different cultural experience.