Ethnocentrism as the Barrier to Communication between Different Cultures

Abstract

The paper is a sociological attempt to analyze ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism should not be treated as an embarrassing issue. It makes up inevitable barrier to communication between different cultures. Its representatives ought to be aware of it and do their best to minimalize its negative symptomps that are the reason for numerous contemporary conflicts. We can head them off by promoting direct, interpersonal relations and reflective communication. In prospect of European co-operation this topic is particularly important because it marks the common ground and proposition of safe and satysfying relations. Lifting ethnocentric barrier to communication by implementing competence into the process of intercultural education should turn out to be helpful in dally realization of multicultural society also in Europe. Negative signs of ethnocentrism are avoidable but, as proved above, we need to start this process very early by promoting the idea of tolerance and open dialog as soon as possible.