CROSS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION: THE SYNERGY AND COOPERATION BETWEEN BORDER COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This article explores the importance of cross-cultural understanding and communication in promoting inter-ethnic and cross-border co-operation, community development and in harmonizing government policies to support the process of African integration. The presentation is in three parts.  The first deals with the explanation of the key concepts.  The second part identifies the areas of possible cooperation and collaboration between and among border communities.  The last part explains how shared or cross-cultural values and effective communication can be harnessed to promote understanding and cooperation between and among border communities. In concrete terms, the paper recommends the establishment of cross-border dialogue frameworks to widen the interpersonal channels crucial for forming or changing attitudes towards new ideas and the setting up of community radio and television stations in selected borderlands to create awareness of government policies and actions.