ACTA FAC MED NAISS 22009; 26 (1): 37-41

Original article

WHY IS TEACHING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IMPORTANT IN AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACADEMIC COURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIS
MEDICAL SCHOOL?

 

Natasa Bakic-Miric

University of Nis, Faculty of Medicine

SUMMARY

Communication and culture reciprocally influence each other. This intertwinement produces intercultural communication which serves as a mode of understanding for the members of one culture to learn how to communicate, behave and interpret messages coming from members from other cultural groups. The introduction of the intercultural communication concept to students from the Departments of Pharmacy and Nursing at the University of Nis Medical School during compulsory English language classes keeps the future healthcare providers in pace with modern pharmacy and medicine, forcing them to realize how important it is to comprehend what happens when intercultural contacts and interaction take place.

Key words: intercultural communication, English language classes, students, pharmacy, nursing