Culture plays an important role in the formation of a person's worldview, opinions, behaviors and daily activities individual. Thanks to technological advancements and increased opportunities to travel, people now have the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, build strong personal relationships, and expand their knowledge. It therefore becomes imperative to understand culture better in order to avoid misunderstandings and cultural conflicts. To understand culture, it is crucial to establish a definition. As Zimmermann (2017) suggests, culture encompasses the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, including language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and the arts. However, this definition can be expanded to include distinctive characteristics of specific nationalities, behavior patterns, interactions, socialization, and cognitive constructs. Essentially, every aspect of a society, such as clothing, food, language, music, and character, contributes to the unique and authentic culture of a group of people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Given the uniqueness of each culture, it is beneficial to recognize specific differences that may be noticeable. An important distinction is the contrast between individualism and collectivism. In individualistic cultures, such as that of the United States, there is an emphasis on personal development, autonomy, and independence (Nine Cultural Value Differences, n.d.). Individual achievements take priority in these societies. Conversely, collectivist cultures prioritize the concept of community and view themselves as members of groups (Nine Differences in Cultural Values, n.d.). The value placed on collective harmony, social interdependence and family is significantly higher in these cultures. Communication is an area where many cultural differences can be observed. For example, cultures that are very people-oriented tend to be more open and easy-going. Individuals are more likely to engage in in-depth conversations, maintain close proximity, and make direct eye contact (Atkinson, 2020). However, such behaviors may be considered inappropriate in cultures that value privacy and limit their closest relationships to a few select individuals. This particular difference often leads to misunderstandings between cultures and hinders the development of relationships. It is therefore essential that individuals educate themselves and adapt their behavior to engage in respectful and appropriate communication with others. In conclusion, the study of culture is a complex subject that requires in-depth research. As individuals continue to travel, meet new people, and form personal relationships, it becomes crucial for them to educate themselves about existing cultural differences that can lead to misunderstandings. The examples mentioned above are just a few of the many differences that arise in intercultural communication. By learning more about these differences and practicing how to adapt, individuals can not only save time, but also build meaningful friendships with people from different cultural backgrounds. References Atkinson, G. (2020). 6 examples of cultural differences in business communication. Berlitz. Retrieved from]