Cross-Cultural Communication of the United Nations Military Observers: Status Quo, Problems and Reflections

Li Hongqian and Li Changrong

Chinese Journal of Language Policy and Planning ›› 2022, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (6) : 44-51.

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Chinese Journal of Language Policy and Planning ›› 2022, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (6) : 44-51. DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20220604

Cross-Cultural Communication of the United Nations Military Observers: Status Quo, Problems and Reflections

  • Li Hongqian and Li Changrong
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Abstract

The United Nations (UN) staff officers and experts on peacekeeping missions are collectively referred to as UN Military Observers. Peacekeeping missions require them to have good cross-cultural communication skills, which consist of, amongst others, a suitable English language qualification, a full understanding of the culture of the mission area or country, and the ability to use appropriate communication strategies. A reflection of the first author’s personal experience as UN Military Observer shows that the Observers’ cross-cultural communication is often beset with problems such as insufficient language competence, lack of cultural knowledge for target countries, and inadequate communication strategies. The article puts forward some suggestions for the cultivation of cross-cultural communication capability for the Chinese UN Military Observers, which can be a reference for the selection of Chinese UN Military Observers and the expansion of international vision in officer professionalization.

Key words

United Nations Military Observers / cross-cultural communication skills / foreign language level / culture for target countries / communication strategy

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Li Hongqian and Li Changrong. Cross-Cultural Communication of the United Nations Military Observers: Status Quo, Problems and Reflections[J]. Chinese Journal of Language Policy and Planning. 2022, 7(6): 44-51 https://doi.org/10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20220604

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