Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book formulates ten fundamental principles, based on the study of the most important concepts, propositions, and theories that exist in the field of intercultural communication. Different concepts relate to one another, forming propositions. The word ‘proposition’ comes from Latin ‘proponere’ and means ‘to put or set something forth, to declare something’. Different propositions relate to one another, forming theories. A theory is a system of interrelated concepts and propositions, explaining the nature of a certain object; in our case—intercultural communication. It is important to study intercultural communication for a number of reasons. Such reasons are sometimes called ‘imperatives.’ The Inter-cultural Communication Competence system is made up of three interconnected componentsCognitive, Affective, Behavioral. All these components are equally important: only taken together can they enable us to communicate successfully with people from other cultures.