Intercultural dialogue: an overrated means of acquiring understanding examined in the context of Christian mission to Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Intercultural dialogue: an overrated means of acquiring understanding examined in the context of Christian mission to Africa
Author:	Harries, Jim
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Exchange: Journal of Contemporary Christianities in Context
Volume:	37
Issue:	2
Pages:	174-189
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	communication culture contact missions
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1163/157254308X278576
Abstract:	Intercultural dialogue is at depth impossible, because mutual understanding is only possible in so far as cultures and languages used are common, and not different. Assuming the wrong topic of conversation will result in a realization of error and not productive progress. Having a common language (such as English) alone does not bring mutual understanding because languages are integrally rooted in cultures. Conversations always being engaged with a view to potential and actual overhearers of all sorts, means that mutual understanding requires a clear knowledge of overhearers on both sides. Power issues and types of reasoning often being in the context and not the content of dialogue means that failure to realize the context from which someone is dialoguing is in effect misunderstanding. The author discusses these issues in the context of Christian mission to Africa. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]