THE EFFECT OF CULTURAL AND LANGUGE DIVERSITY IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS: IN THE CASE OF THIRD YAER ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITRATURE STUDENTS

Abstract

This study, investigates the effect of cultural diversity in interpersonal communication specifically at Wolkite University third year English major students. The purpose of this study is to assess interpersonal communication, how culture influences it and to set out alternative’s solutions for intercultural communication barriers in Wolkite University students. The researcher used qualitative and quantitative design in this study. To undertake the study, the researcher applied questionnaire and interview. The study indicates that interpersonal communication among Wolkite University students who come from different cultural backgrounds was highly influenced by culture and cultural diversity. So, cultural diversity affected interpersonal communication among students. As it implies, intercultural communication could not exist due to lack of effective interpersonal communication and most of students experienced this problem during their University life. To increase students’ intercultural communication, the researcher recommended that creating positive attitude and awareness mandatory.