By Mari D. González
Searching for blog articles on intercultural online communication, I found one on a well- respected social media blog. To my disappointment, not only did the author use “cross-cultural” to mean “intercultural” but she also argued that most people, even academics, use the terms “interchangeably”; when I tried to clarify the differences in the comments section, she responded that I didn’t need to bother explaining. This is what I wrote:
“’CROSS-CULTURAL’ means a comparison and contrast between two cultural groups. For example, my cross-cultural study of Brazilians and Mexicans when they celebrate a birthday shows that Mexicans love to focus on cooking and sharing of the food, while Brazilians love the dancing –even grandmas are dancing the samba. ‘Intercultural’ refers to what happens when people from these two groups come together. As a Mexican, I may complain that there’s not enough food, but I love the dancing and join the group. Thus, INTERCULTURAL is what happens when the two (or more) culturally-different groups come together, interact and communicate. Both terms describe important aspects of the study.”
As an interculturalist, I also found it troubling to read the author’s definition of “culture” as “layers of identity–not as groups of people.” My instructor and intercultural communication pioneer, Milton J. Bennett (1992) defines culture as “learned and shared values, beliefs, and behavior of a group of interacting people”; this is the definition I use in offline and online communication contexts.
Myron W. and Koester (1993) define intercultural communication in their book Intercultural Competence: Interpersonal Communication Across Cultures as “a symbolic, interpretative, transactional, contextual process,” which implies the engagement of culturally-different people. On the other hand, they define cross-cultural communication as “the study of a particular idea or concept within many cultures…in order to compare one culture to another…. Whereas intercultural communication involves interactions among people from different cultures, cross-cultural communication involves a comparison of interactions among people from the same culture to those from another culture.”
In the graduate program in Intercultural Relations, from day one we learn the definitions of intercultural vs. cross-cultural in the context of communication across cultures. Because social media has become “the” online platform for collaboration, learning, and exchange of knowledge, the blog author needs to learn both the correct definitions of the terms and the principles of the new media. Trying to oblige one’s ideas through new media is a thing of the past so, as a colleague of mine put it, “she is a traditionalist.”
IXMATI 
Well written, Mari. One learns by writing, and the more I write the more I realize how little I know. I welcome the learning offered by experts such as yourself, who take the time and trouble to help me understand. It’s unfortunate that the particular writer on the Mashable, oops, I mean the well-respected social media blog, wasn’t open to your contribution.
You have, indeed, pointed out a very fundamental difference in terms. Most people who have a good command of the English language should understand that “inter-” and “cross-” have completely different meanings. You travel the interstate to go cross-country, but you can’t take the cross-state to go inter-country.
Good explanation, Mari. I have been working on presentation that includes some of these aspects and knew there were subtle yet contrasting differences in the terms.
I seem to hear the term cross-cultural thrown about more so than intercultural when navigating through the Latino market universe. However, much of my interaction is also with Native American tribes and have noticed that one term they use quite a bit is intertribal.
Your explanation was clear and very helpful. Much appreciated!
Thank you Leo and Joe for adding more knowledge to this post with your examples.
Leo: We, the “so called” experts, have the responsibility to double check the correctness of the terms we use. I just visited your blog. It’s very captivating.
Joe: Yes, the differences are subtle yet, they help us expand our perspective and support the depth of our study.
Mari, it´s a short, but awesome and must-read distinction between both terms. I´ve seen many articles and even books on the themes making use of cross- and inter- as if they were the same thing. Would you happen to have an essay or an article I could cite in my Ph.D. thesis? Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you Elysio for adding your comment. I’m glad you found my article informative. Please refer to my website’s publications section for your thesis: https://ixmaticommunications.com/our-services/publications/ Best wishes on your thesis.
[…] Viennita – From Vienna to Jakarta The Big Change in Life and Everything happening in between. « Boiling Point – By the time all water flows into one pot (Wenn alles zusammenläuft) CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL (via IXMATI communications) May 3, 2011 By Mari D. González Searching for blog articles on intercultural online communication, I found one on a well- respected social media blog. To my disappointment, not only did the author use “cross-cultural” to mean “intercultural” but she also argued that most people, even academics, use the terms “interchangeably”; when I tried to clarify the differences in the comments section, she responded that I didn’t need to bother explaining. This is what … Read More […]
Thank you Mari, you made it very clear and understandable. I am working on media’s role in cross-cultural communication and was searching for a categoric difference between these two terms.
Thank you Musa for your comment and best wishes!
[…] Cross-Cultural vs. Intercultural […]
[…] I published the article “Cross-Cultural vs. Intercultural,” it has consistently been the top post according to Ixmati Communications’ WordPress dashboard […]
[…] CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL (via IXMATI communications) 8 Jan By Mari D. González Searching for blog articles on intercultural online communication, I found one on a well- respected social media blog. To my disappointment, not only did the author use “cross-cultural” to mean “intercultural” but she also argued that most people, even academics, use the terms “interchangeably”; when I tried to clarify the differences in the comments section, she responded that I didn’t need to bother explaining. This is what … Read More […]
[…] CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL (via IXMATI communications) 8 Jan By Mari D. González Searching for blog articles on intercultural online communication, I found one on a well- respected social media blog. To my disappointment, not only did the author use “cross-cultural” to mean “intercultural” but she also argued that most people, even academics, use the terms “interchangeably”; when I tried to clarify the differences in the comments section, she responded that I didn’t need to bother explaining. This is what … Read More […]
[…] CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL (via IXMATI communications) 8 Jan By Mari D. González Searching for blog articles on intercultural online communication, I found one on a well- respected social media blog. To my disappointment, not only did the author use “cross-cultural” to mean “intercultural” but she also argued that most people, even academics, use the terms “interchangeably”; when I tried to clarify the differences in the comments section, she responded that I didn’t need to bother explaining. This is what … Read More […]
[…] found this little article helpful, too. Mari González explains that both terms have their uses: cross-cultural refers to the […]
Mari, I couldn’t agree with you more! And, interestingly, the point you make about the distinction between “inter-” and “cross-” is applicable to a number of areas of study, not only cultural studies. For example, as a professor of Communication Studies, I routinely teach a seminar that deals with both inter- and cross-generational communication, especailly as it applies to family settings. I always make it a point to spell out the difference between the two concepts at the start of each semester. My students learn to appreciate the importance of the distinction as time goes on, especially when it’s time for them to propose reasonable hypotheses about intergenerational family communication. Their hypotheses are so much better informed when they are able to grasp some of the key differences in the ways that people from different generations tend to communicate. Thanks for your well thought out post…
Richard, you brought an additional and important insight to this conversation. I agree, by defining key terms from the onset, the subsequent analysis becomes more substantial. Thank you for adding your comment.
I loved your article, and I need to know how to translate “cross-cultural communication” to spanish! , since “multicultural communication” is “comunicación intercultural”. I NEED this urgently, I’m giving a lecture tomorrow!!!
Thank you for your comment Lucy. “Cross-cultural” communication translates as, “comunicación cross-cultural.” No, multicultural communication is not translated as “intercultural. Los tres terminos son diferentes.
The three terms have different meanings and should not be interchanged when translated.
Hola Mari:
Me parece muy importante que hagas la diferencia. Sin embargo no me queda claro la traducción al español de ‘cross-cultural’ es ‘croscultural’ ? El problema podría radicar en que ‘cross-cultural’ e ‘intercultural’ son términos que son usados con el mismo significado en francés y español pero no así en inglés.
Hola T’aka y Ana, Gracias por tu nota. Yo uso el mismo termino en español “cross-cultural” sin traducir. De esa manera se indica y aprecia el significado único de cada termino. Dependiendo de las preferencias de estilo al escribir, también se podría usar “croscultural” sin la doble “s” ya que el español es una lengua fonética y no necesita dos eses. Aquí mismo voy añadir un pequeño blog sobre el tema. Me encanto tu pregunta. Saludos!
Your article is insightful. I love it. I want to Know your explanation of cross- cultural adaptation. So far as I have understood from Young Kim that cross- cultural adaptation means intercultural communication or does cross- cultural adaptation lead to intercultural communication. Really, im going nuts with these terms. I am applying these terms and concepts to literary works so I need to know the differences!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Abeer, Adaptation can only be intercultural, not cross-cultural. People accommodate and adapt through interacting and coming together. Please note the “inter” on intercultural and interacting -which means between. Cross-cultural analysis is done to compare and contrast two or more societies as separate social, cultural or national groups.
A very concise and indepth approach of explanation
Thank you Lancelot. This post gets at least seven views a day. I need to continue writing about this topic.
[…] Although it was within the same state, the cultural differences were vast. That was my first cross-cultural […]
I thank you Mari for the inspiring explanation you give on cross-cultural and inter-cultural communication. Actually, these are two terms I always knew were different, but it has been difficult for me to make that difference. I’m a linguistic student, who has come to understand that we can’t further science correctly, unless it is studied at least from a cultural relative view. I’m about to defend my Masters and was wondering before now: “what if I’m asked to tell the difference between the two terms, since I use a cross-cultural framework”. But now I know and understand the difference. Special thanks to the leading team of Scoop it, and many thanks to you Mari!
You’re welcome Solange. I am glad you found my post helpful. I agree with you. Our views of the world are relative to our contextual experiences.
We start with the theory and then, we move into the application. I attempted to clarify these two terms through my personal observations after having a good grasp of their scientific definitions. Best wishes on defending your Masters!
well explain. but some question further. you mention the intercultural communicaiton emphasizes the engagement while the cross-culture in the comparision. but we may study the difference why people act or react differently when we in engagement. can we think this is a cross-culture communication? thanks
If the analysis is based on interactions, it is considered intercultural. Think of Geert. Hofstede vs Edward T. Hall. Hofstede’s pioneering analysis was purely cross-cultural. He studied people in their own countries or in-culture. Conversely, Hall studied encounters between American businessmen in Japan and the local Japanese, thus his analysis was intercultural.
Hello Mari,
I am currently studying a Cross-Cultural communication Masters degree and one of our essays has to do with the importance of CCC studies. Our lecturers have mentioned that CCC and ICC can be used in the same way. What are your views on that? Would you agree in the context of the essay theme?
Thank you
Hello John:
No, CCC and ICC cannot be used in the same way. You need to understand each one as a separate concept. Please, carefully read all the comments on this thread. They explain and provide more specific examples on the differences.
Yes, I’ve read the above comments, and although we have been told that ccc is about the comparison of different cultures while icc is when different cultures interact, I just wonder why they told us that we could use them interchangeably. They did not stress the fact that we should always use one or the other, but rather that ccc sometimes comes in icc’s way and vice versa (which I assume, is why they said we can use them interchangeably). Or perhaps they meant the broader sense, ccc and icc being both based on more than one culture as opposed to communication in general.
Because most people do not the difference, they won’t notice. But, I insist, we must educate ourselves in order to educate others. For instance, the terms interpreter and translator are commonly used interchangeably. Is that correct, no. So, I always make a point in telling people the difference.
Hi Mari – Thank you very much for diving into such a delicate topic. Over the past couple of months I’ve hearing all the terms you mention being used over and over again, with no distinction between one or the other. I have seen marketing agencies take different adoptions to each term as well.
– I was born in Mexico city, traveled to the US twice, or sometimes 3x a year. Went to school and college in both countries. Have family on both sides. Just like me, there are millions of people here in the US with the same life experience. My question is: Will this make us cross-cultural? Multi-cultural? or, inter-cultural? Thoughts?
Gracias por tu ayuda! Estoy tratando de definir el termino correcto para nuestro tipo de cultura (prinicpalmente mexico-americana)
BTW, te recomiendo el el articulo de @jrvilla – Jose Villa (Presidente de Sensis – Cross-cultural Agency) http://bit.ly/1fjXSK2
Saludos! OP
Hi Oscar, Intercultural and Cross-cultural are not terms that define a state of being or people, but the actions or the type of activity one engages. Your interactions with Americans and acculturated Latinos in the U.S. are referred as Intercultural. While your analysis on what makes you different from Americans and U.S. Latinos is Cross-cultural. I refuse to use the term Multicultural because it has been overused. However, multicultural fits well when you have an event in which people from different national cultures showcase their big “C” Culture–cuisine, dance, and music–then you’d say the event was Multicultural. So, multicultural is an adjective.
And, honestly speaking marketers, most of the time do not get the academic lexicon. They go by what it sounds good, cool, or sexy, in order to sell. Thus, terms lose their original meaning. In other words, marketers kill the real meaning.
Hi Mari,
I found your article very insightful. But I still have a question. So far I have understood cultural variability and cross-cultural conflict styles affect intercultural conflict. Is the conflict between married couples from two different cultures ‘cross-cultural’ or ‘intercultural’?
The conflict, because it’s an actual interaction, is intercultural. Whatever analysis you do in your head, in writing, or when reading is cross-cultural.
Thank you very much for your response. One of my friends is doing a research about managing conflict between intercultural couples. She argues that as it is also about cross-cultural differences, the study is “Cross-cultural conflict and negotiations in Intercultural marriages”. I think it should be “Intercultural conflict and negotiation in intercultural marriages”. Which one is correct? Or does it depend on what actually she is going to compare and explore?
It should be “Cross-cultural study of conflict and negotiation in intercultural marriages.” The study is cross-cultural, the negotiation and the actual conflict are intercultural (between couples).
I’d recommend your friend to read the work of Stella Ting-Toomey. She specializes in intercultural conflict resolution and teaches at UCI. Best wishes.
Hi Mari, Thank you for sharing this. It really clarified for me. I myself was having trouble with this, and going back and forth between the two when I talked to people. As an exchange student, I knida knew I didn’t really get it and I didn’t think it really matters that much, but after readying your article I feel clearer on these particular words. My intention to start “Intercultural Communication Workshop Programs” is as solid as ever! Thank you. 🙂
Thank you for your comment Kenji. I’d love to hear more about your workshops.
[…] CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL […]
[…] CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL. […]
Dear Mari,
Thank you for the explanation. It helps me to differentiate the terms in my dissertation. I have been reading a lot of articles but failed to differentiate the terms and in fact I have wrote in my dissertation that these 2 terms are interchangeable. And your explanation make a clear distinction between cross- and inter-cultural….FYI, I am currently doing my doctoral study in international business and interested in intercultural communication in global virtual team. Will proceed with my proposal defense in 4 months. Thank you so much again for the inspiring post.
I am glad to hear my post was helpful to you. One should never stop the inquiry when our intuition calls for it. Thank you for your comment. Best wishes with your dissertation and proposal defense. Mari
You just made me realize the biggest mistake I did on my blog, instead of intercultural, I was using cross-cultural interactions. Thank you 🙂
Thank you for your note. Once we understand the difference, we understand the process. We may first compare and contrast and then, we study the interaction if there is one.
[…] [i] I am helped here by Mari D. González’s article, “Cross-Cultural vs. Intercultural.” In the article she cites this phrase, attributing it to Milton J. Bennett who she identifies as an intercultural communication pioneer. See https://ixmaticommunications.com/2011/02/03/cross-cultural-vs-intercultural/ […]
Thank you for your note. Please tell me, how a church can be “cross-cultural”?
[…] Some believe passionately that terms are important and their definitions should be respected. […]
Amateurs, might not care, but professionals do
In her blog article, Kimberly VanLandingham concludes, “For me, cultural training is critically important, but whether it’s called cross-cultural or intercultural training isn’t critical. It’s more important to use the terms wrongly, than not to use them at all.”
First, there is a difference between big “C” or little “c” culture. Second, how one uses terminology determines the type of depth and breadth one has of field knowledge. Simply put, experts avoid sloppiness. #InterculturalTraining
Dear ma’am,
Can you please explain the difference between intercultural communication and cross-cultural communication in the Indian context or in the form in which we can make a role- play. It is very important to us but we could not find the proper explanation anywhere on the internet.
Intercultural communication is what happens, for example, when a Punjabi marries a Bengali. Think of the wedding conversations or even the miscommunication “between” the families from both sides.
Cross-cultural communication relates to your own ideas and knowledge about Punjabis vs Bengalis. It does not require interaction only observation and interpretation. You could say, Punjabis are very extroverted in the context of Bengalis, for example.
If you read my latest article, you’ll notice that it is merely a cross-cultural analysis of Mexican and Indian philosophies based on my own experience and understanding.
It is not an intercultural communication analysis because I am not referring to what happens when a philosopher from Mexico meets another philosopher from India.
Please let me know if this makes sense. I’ll be happy to continue this conversation. Best wishes on your assignment!
Yes, It makes sense, Thank you so much!!.
Dear Ma’am
I am a PhD student at UDS in Ghana. I am interested in doing a comparative study on Friday sermons – a weekly sermon delivered by Muslims on Fridays before their prayers – among the various Islamic sects in Ghana (Shiite, Tijaniyya, Ahlus Sunnah).
The study seeks to understand, to what extent are the difference in the mode of delivery, choice of topics for discussion, sources of reference emanating as a result of their ideological difference.
Having gone through your contribution on “Cross-cultural vs Intercultural”, this topics came to mind: “Cross-cultural Study on Friday Sermons among Islamic Groupings in Ghana: Mode, Theme and Authority”.
Kindly give me a guide on the above.
Thanks 🙏
Hello, Mr. Dankwabea,
Thank you for your question and congratulations on your studies. Based on your statement–“The study seeks to understand, to what extent are the differences in…”–you are correct by choosing “‘Cross-cultural’Study” (as opposed to Intercultural) for your title.
The key word here is “differences.” When we study differences, we do a comparative study and that is “cross-cultural.”
If you ever want to study “what the dynamics are when these different sects ‘interact,'” then it would be an ‘Intercultural’ Study.”
Please let me know if you have any further questions. I’ll be happy to help.
All the best in your studies!
Mari
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHT.
[…] 2011, while in graduate school, I wrote an article titled, CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL, after listening to an awkward, inaccurate, and rather dismissive explanation of these terms at a […]
[…] 2011, while in graduate school, I wrote an article titled, CROSS-CULTURAL vs. INTERCULTURAL, after listening to an awkward, inaccurate, and rather dismissive explanation of these terms at a […]