Cross cultural understanding: a handbook to understand others’ cultures

2.
 
Perception
The fact that people perceive the same thing in 
different ways is particularly important in intercultural 
communication. The way we perceive is culturally 
determined, and the general lack of awareness of this is 
another barrier to intercultural communication.
3.
 
Stereotype
A stereotype is a fixed idea or image that many 
people have a particular type of person, thing, or event, 
but sometimes it is not true in reality. Generalization and 

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Cross Cultural Understanding | 51 
categories are necessary, but when they are too rigid they 
can be a barrier to the effective interpretation of a 
situation. In intercultural communication, it is vital to 
distinguish between what is part of a person‘s cultural 
background and what is part of their personality.
4.
 
Interpretation
What is the problem in this situation? 
A Japanese businessman is negotiating with an Australian