What does intercultural mean?
Intercultural is an adjective describing interaction, exchange, or understanding between different cultures. It is used when people, institutions, or ideas move across cultural boundaries and learn from one another, as in intercultural communication, intercultural dialogue, or intercultural education. The word does not simply mean that several cultures coexist; it suggests meaningful contact and mutual engagement. It is especially common in academic, professional, governmental, and international contexts, and it often conveys an inclusive and constructive outlook. Intercultural work can involve language learning, respectful communication, cultural awareness, and adaptation to differing customs and perspectives. The term is useful because it highlights that cultural exchange requires more than tolerance: effective engagement asks people to listen, question their assumptions, and respond thoughtfully to different ways of life.
adjectiveInvolving or promoting interaction, exchange, or understanding between different cultures.
- Involving interaction, exchange, or understanding between different cultures.
"The school developed an intercultural program to help students collaborate with classmates from around the world."
"Intercultural communication requires patience, curiosity, and awareness of differing social conventions."
"The museum's intercultural exhibition brought together art and oral histories from several communities."
Intercultural is the bridge between difference and understanding: it names the work of meeting cultures without pretending they are identical.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intercultural come from?
The word was formed in English by combining the prefix inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” with cultural. The prefix comes through Latin from inter, while cultural is derived from culture, which comes from Latin cultura, associated with cultivation and refined practice. The compound reflects the modern idea of relationships and exchange occurring between distinct cultural groups.
Related word forms
How intercultural is actually used
The term is commonly used in education, business, diplomacy, tourism, and social policy. It generally carries a positive, inclusive connotation and emphasizes active engagement across cultural boundaries rather than merely describing cultural diversity.
Easily confused with intercultural
Intercultural emphasizes interaction and exchange between cultures, whereas multicultural describes the coexistence or presence of multiple cultures within a society or setting.