Intercultural communication is an evolving discipline that summarizes the interactions between individuals or groups from different backgrounds. Diversity and the need for cultural awareness continues to increase, reinforcing the direction diversity will take in the future. Intercultural communication will be an important part of our future and, as individuals, it will be part of our personal, social and professional relationships.Intercultural Communication: An Evolving DisciplineEffective communication with people from different cultures can be particularly challenging. The way people interpret the world can be very different across cultures. Intercultural communication occurs when a member of one culture produces a message that is absorbed by a member of another culture. How this message is understood by the communicating party is an essential element of intercultural communication. For example, in Cambodia, it would be considered rude to discuss business in a social setting (Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette, n.d.). However, in the United States it is a common practice and is almost an encouraged event. Another important factor and consideration in intercultural communication is the importance of understanding cultures, values, history and beliefs. For example, in Cambodia, if you deliver a gift wrapped in white paper, it is considered mourning. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to assimilate into a culture and be mindful of communication across cultures (Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette, n.d.). Intercultural communication is an evolving discipline that occurs between individuals from contrasting backgrounds. It includes...... middle of paper......lm, T. (2003). Intercultural communication. Retrieved from http://africa.eduprojects.net/communication/index.php?action%5B%5D=IArticleShow::showArticle(380)Intercultural Communication. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.managementstudyguide.com/intercultural-communication.com/htmlLanguage, culture, customs and etiquette (nd). Retrieved from kwintessential: http://kwintessential.co.uk/cultural.services/articles Lee, MS, Roberts, RR and Kraynak, J. (2008). Cross-cultural sales for dummies. Hoboken: for dummies. Mogg, R. (2009). Five obstacles to intercultural communication and understanding. Retrieved February 3, 2011 from http://www.bizfaceworld.com/wordpress/2009/12/five-obstacles-to-intercultural-communication-and-understanding/Samovar, LA, Porter, RE and McDaniel, ER (2009) . Communication between cultures. Auckland: Cengage learning.