Dimensions of Intercultural Dialogue: Catalyzing the Exchange of Diverse Narratives in the Digital Age
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Date
2011-06
Authors
Linder, Mindy Ann
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
As
of
2011,
the
European
Union
(EU)
is
comprised
of
27
member
states
with
23
official
languages;
this
does
not
include
the
roughly
20
neighboring
countries,
many
of
which
share
significant
geographic
and
cultural
ties.
As
such,
the
EU
faces
both
great
opportunity
and
challenge
in
seeking
a
delicate
balance
of
the
promotion
of
plurality
while
resisting
homogenization.
The
literature
reflects
the
suggestion
that
a
paradigm
shift
is
necessary,
summarized
as
cosmopolitan
integration
–
a
system
of
reciprocal,
fluid
intercultural
exchange.
As
humans,
we
use
a
variety
of
methods
and
tools,
complemented
by
our
senses
to
exchange
thoughts,
ideas,
and
feelings.
Advances
in
technology
have
impacted
this
exchange,
giving
rise
to
complex
networks
of
interactivity
that
transcend
geographic,
lingual
and
cultural
borders.
These
globalized
multivalent
connections,
many
digital,
influence
new
forms
of
narrative
exchange.
The
convergence
of
communication,
culture
and
technology
has
the
opportunity
to
play
a
significant
role
in
building
Europe,
creating
new
spaces
for
dialogue
and
interaction.
This
master’s
research
project
explores
how
cultural
organizations
engage
new
media
technology
to
catalyze
cultural
expression
and
interaction
to
support
the
exchange
of
diverse
narratives.
Further,
what
are
the
policy
frameworks
of
support
(or
hindrance)?
And,
how
does
this
relate
to
contemporary
thinking
on
cultural
diplomacy
and
intercultural
dialogue?
This
exploration
is
served
through
an
extensive
literature
review
and
the
rich
investigation
of
two
case
studies.
The
two
case
studies
purposively
selected
are
the
LabforCulture
(LAB)
and
the
StrangerFestival.
Each
program
was
founded
by
the
European
Cultural
Foundation
(ECF),
an
international
nongovernmental
organization,
that
serves
to
provide
advocacy
and
focus
for
cultural
policy
research
initiatives.
Each
program
was
developed
to
address
communication
capability,
engaging
publics
in
technological
and
cultural
literacy
to
realize
and
share
collective
creativity
and
the
exchange
of
diverse
narratives.
A
growing
body
of
scholarship
and
civic
research
suggests
that
literacy
–
the
capacity
of
actors
to
engage
in
the
global
environment
onsite
and
online
–
is
key
to
this
collective
exchange
process.
Each
study
provides
a
unique
perspective
for
my
research
questions:
while
the
LAB
seeks
to
provide
an
ongoing
macro
platform
for
transnational,
multi-‐lateral
exchange
across
disciplines,
the
StrangerFestival
is
a
micro
discipline
specific
project
targeted
at
youth
to
catalyze
the
exchange
of
narratives
through
video
media.
Description
129 p. : ill. (some col.) A
Master’s Research Project Presented to the
Arts & Administration
program of the University
of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master’s of Science in Arts Management.
Keywords
Digital culture, New media, Intercultural dialogue, Cultural diplomacy, Cosmopolitan integration, Globalization, European Union