Cultural Awareness

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Page Updated: 20th July 2022

UCD is a global university committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring that everyone, no matter their culture, feel valued and included. Cultural awareness is an important aspect of the work of the EDI Multicultural Group, who focus on key themes including promoting multiculturalism, languages, faith and religion and race and ethnicity.

What is Cultural Awareness?

Cultural awareness (or cultural sensitivity, cross-cultural / intercultural awareness) refers to the awareness of our own cultural identity, values and beliefs and the knowledge and acceptance of other’s cultures. Cultural awareness helps break down cultural barriers and brings a better understanding of ourselves and a better appreciation of those who are different. This enhances our interpersonal skills, enables us to relate to people from other cultures and to build connections in a more meaningful way.

Cultural differences affect how we behave, work and communicate. In a work context, understanding that there are differences in values and belief systems between ourselves and people from other cultures and backgrounds results in better communication and fewer misunderstandings. It enables us to work in multicultural environments effectively and to make more collaborative decisions.

Examples of Cultural Differences:

Communication: level of eye contact; how to be polite; directly saying what is meant versus using indirect speech and taking the context into account; preferring written or face-to-face communication etc.
Attitudes to hierarchy and respect for authority figures (including superiors at work or Lecturers)
Dress code
Attitudes to time: some cultures value punctuality and others are more flexible towards time; some cultures are future-oriented and others are past-oriented

Find out more about the work of the Multicultural group and about promoting multiculturalism and eliminating discrimination in UCD.

LinkedIn Learning: “Cultural Awareness and Cross-Cultural Communication”

EDI curated a LinkedIn Learning collection on (opens in a new window)Cultural Awareness and Cross-cultural Communication for those working in multicultural environments who have an interest in improving their intercultural competence. Through the featured courses and videos, you will learn about cultural differences and how they impact communication and working styles and will be able to better understand colleagues from other cultural, leading to more effective collaboration and communication.

Topics Included in the LiL Collection:

Communicating Across Cultures (within teams, virtually, in person etc.)
Developing Cross-cultural intelligence
Giving Feedback Cross-culturally
Collaborating Across Cultures
Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues
Cultivating Cultural Competence and Inclusion

Find out more on our Learning Supports page.