1. Importance of Intercultural CommunicationBy
Jay Barrett

2. History of Cultures
Throughout history, MOST people lived and died within a few miles of where they were born
They rarely had much to do with people from different cultures (backgrounds)
Today is a different story!!
We live in a “GLOBAL VILLAGE” (Marshal McLuhan)

3. Change Factors
Relatively cheap transportation has reduced the barrier of distance
International travel is easier for more and more people
Cell phones and the internet have made it possible to meet and keep in touch with people from almost any where in the world

4. Changing Demographics
Immigration and birth patterns have changed the ethnic makeup in the United States and other Western countries
Miami, Florida is two-thirds Hispanic
African Americans make up two-thirds of the D.C. population
San Francisco is one-third Asian
According to the U.S Census Bureau, the nation’s Hispanic and Asian populations will triple over the next one-half century
By 2050 the White Non-Hispanics will represent about one-half of the TOTAL U.S. population

5. International Business
As our world becomes, more multicultural the likelihood of working with people from different parts of the world will increase
Over 10,000 foreign companies and their subsidiaries operate In the United States
Eight out of the10 leading chemical companies, 9 of the 10 leading banks, and ALL of the leading construction companies are based outside the United States

6. North American Economy goes Global
More and more Americans are working abroad
Over eight million were working overseas in 2003
Many for the 3,000 U.S firms with global operations
Still others work for 36,000 foreign companies in more than 180 countries