ABSTRACT
Every interpersonal exchange within a sport context is partly a cultural exchange, whether we are aware of it or not. Sometimes culture is easily recognizable within sport contexts, such as in circumstances when athletes and coaches exhibit distinct racial characteristics (1) or express diverse nationalities (2, 3). What we see as visual, observable differences might indicate some form of cultural diversity—though not necessarily (4). There are other instances where culture is less visible, though equally pertinent when we are attuned to it, such as in moments of verbal exchange and disclosure (5, 6). Consider an athlete's use of eye contact in conversations with coaches, his/her punctuality at training sessions, the clothing she/he wears to the training venue, choice of food, and/or religious practices (7). These examples reflect a multiplicity of intersecting cultural identities for each person (such as nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physicality, socioeconomic status), contributing to a rich cultural diversity in each sport context (8). With every sport participant bringing a unique melange of cultural values and inclinations, the sport context can become a psychologically healthy and enriched, or unhealthy and depleted, environment dependent on how members’ multifaceted identities are encouraged or subverted (9, 10).
