Definitions

Like most terms relating to culture and globalisation, interculturalism is difficult to define in a simple sentence. Click on the soundbites below to hear definitions of interculturalism, given by Tim Haq of Society for Intercultural Understanding Leicester (SICUL).

Figure 1 is a way of seeing multiculturalism. Each circle represents a distinct cultural group. All the cultural groups live alongside each other within the rectangle of the wider society. However, the circles (and therefore the cultures) do not overlap, as cultural groups live distinct, separate lives. The arrows represent brief visits to other cultures, such as festivals like Leicester Caribbean Carnival or Diwali, or perhaps even trips to partially-authentic restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 2, interculturalism.PNG

Figure 2 is a way of seeing interculturalism. Again, each circle represents a distinct cultural group. All the cultural groups mix and live together within the rectangle of the wider society. This time, the circles (and therefore the cultures) overlap, as cultural groups live overlapping lives. There is no need for arrows this time, as the overlapping cultures indicate a much deeper degree of cross-cultural understanding that far exceeds shallow visits to other cultures, such as trips to cultural celebrations.

Definitions