ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the following Problem Question is posed: ‘How does the nature of knowledge affect intercultural communication?’
Two broad approaches to human knowledge with different assumptions are discussed—objective and subjective. It is stated that knowledge cannot be completely predicted or completely understood; hence, the two approaches were shown to complement each other. Based on these ideas, the Uncertainty Principle of intercultural communication is introduced.
Intercultural communication is presented in terms of the Johari Windows model, showing that every intercultural situation is characterized by a horizon of knowledge. Next, intercultural communication is presented as a process of dis-closure in which the ‘windows’ of our awareness are constantly and simultaneously opened up and closed down by every interacting culture.
It is emphasized that this view of intercultural interactions is not pessimistic. On the contrary, different interpretations of experiences create a shared order out of uncertainty, which forms the basis of intercultural communication.
