2008

Dialogue is a delicate process.

Many obstacles inhibit dialogue and favor more confrontational communication forms such as discussion and debate. Common obstacles including fear, the display or exercise of power, mistrust, external influences, distractions, and poor communication conditions can all prevent dialogue from emerging.

2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
Intercultural dialogue has long been a principle supported by the European Union and its Institutions. The year 2008 has been designated European Year of Intercultural Dialogue by the European Parliament and the Member States of the European Union. It aims to draw the attention of people in Europe to the importance of dialogue within diversity and between diverse cultures.

Definitions
There is no single and universally accepted definition of Intercultural Dialogue. However, a forum organised by the Council of Europe in November 2006 suggested the following:


 * an open and respectful exchange of views between individuals and groups belonging to different cultures that leads to a deeper understanding of the other’s world perception.
 * Other definitions or usages have been closer to concepts such as inter-religious dialogue[2] and often to active citizenship learning. In a number of countries the phrase refers to dialogue between indigenous people and immigrant peoples, and it can also be used as a metaphor for forms of contact between countries which are not based on military power.

The text adopted by the European Union on the "European Year of Intercultural Dialogue"[6] does not use any specific definition, but it underlines the role of intercultural dialogue in:


 * respect for cultural diversity in the complex societies of today
 * the role of dialogue and greater mutual understanding in developing equal opportunities for all
 * supporting the EU's commitment to solidarity and social justice
 * enabling the EU to forge partnerships with other countries and make its voice better heard in the world.