Letter from the Board: Embracing Intercultural Communication

"People of different cultures share basic concepts but view them from different angles and perspectives, leading them to behave in a manner which we may consider irrational or even in direct contradiction of what we hold sacred.  We should nevertheless be optimistic . . . "

Canada and the United States, the two countries represented in this issue, are both multicultural nations that are part of a multicultural world. We are beset with many pressures, stressors, and difficult realities, both globally and at home. As professionals seeking to help people resolve conflict, it behooves us to stretch our understanding and competence across racial and cultural differences. Unfortunately, many of us, even the best-intentioned, may not fully appreciate the importance of doing this.  

Meaningful communication and increased understanding between parties are at the heart of alternative dispute resolution. They are essential to strengthening the fabric and foundation of our complicated society. Where racial and cultural differences may be impacting a situation, fueling undercurrents of tension and distrust, they are necessarily an essential part of the anatomy of that dispute and, as such, need to be recognized and addressed. Ignoring these factors perpetuates misunderstanding and deepens divides, making problems worse not better. Therefore, it is imperative on all of us to acknowledge and address these dimensions, particularly within the mediation process. By doing so, we work toward resolving the immediate conflict and create opportunities for healing and greater empathy and understanding.

For those of us who may not yet be conversant in culturally responsive conflict resolution practices, in this issue we provide a sampling of people, organizations, and practices embracing intercultural dispute resolution in both the United States and Canada, countries home to a diverse array of cultures and identities. Each article serves as a lens through which we can explore, reflect upon, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich and fascinating world around us.

In this issue, we include articles that serve to educate, critique, and reflect upon issues in intercultural communication. Karen Carroll’s article teaches us how to make space to reflect on our own practices in order to improve. Joselys Cornelio explains the underlying problems with neutrality in intercultural situations. We explore the role of identity, that of the mediator and those of the parties, in Teneile Warren and Crystena Parker-Shandal’s article on anti-racism in mediation. Alma Robinson describes a long-running arts mediation program and its role in intercultural mediation. And, finally, we examine human rights investigations undertaken by higher education and other institutions in an article by Christopher Taylor and Cheryl Thompson.

Mediation has the potential to be a powerful tool for addressing personal and social issues and harms. Recognizing, understanding, and incorporating the different histories, values, communication styles, and conflict resolution practices being brought to the table by the mediators and the parties is a fundamental part of the mediation process and enriches us all.