About interculturality

Interculturality is "a dynamic process by which people from different cultures interact to learn about and question their own and each other's cultures. Over time this may lead to cultural change. It recognises the inequalities at work in society and the need to overcome these. It is a process which requires mutual respect and acknowledges human rights."

This working definition of interculturality was agreed upon by the Baring Foundation, following a number of discussions, in 2006/7, to explore the idea of interculturalism. Discussion led to an understanding that the key feature of interculturalism is the sense of openness, dialogue and interaction. This understanding is central to Comedia's work on the Intercultural City.

In his paper, Interculturalism: theory and policy, Malcolm James reveals that debate around interculturality in Europe and the UK is becoming ever more closely aligned.

The European Commission describes interculturalism as a dialogue between different cultural groups which will enable individuals to more readily deal with today's more open and complex environment. This is in fact the first aim of the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
The UK model for interculturalism is based on the idea of 'contact' between different groups as a means to improving intercultural dialogue and communication. The Cantle Report (Home Office, 2001) and Our Shared Future (Commission on Integration and Cohesion, 2007) share a vision for interculturality in Britain through the promotion of contact and dialogue between cultures.

In March 2008, ERICarts published the findings of a study carried out for the European Commission, Directorate-General for Education and Culture. Their report, Sharing diversity: national approaches to intercultural dialogue in Europe, proposes, for further debate, the following definition of intercultural dialogue:

...a process that comprises an open and respectful exchange or interaction between individuals, groups and organisations with different cultural backgrounds or world views.
Among its aims are:

to develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and practices
to increase participation and the freedom and ability to make choice
to foster equality
and to enhance creative processes.

In this sense, intercultural dialogue processes or encounters are to go beyond a mere 'tolerance of the other' and can involve creative abilities that convert challenges and insights into innovation processes and into new forms of expression. The "shared space" in which such processes take place can be located outside of physical spaces, situated in the media or in a virtual environment.

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About interculturality

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