How to analyze and handle cultural gaps in German everyday life: from the perspective of exchange students

Abstract

This article comprises theoretical background, positioning within the framework of scientific research, methodology, examples in an empirical field with a regional focus, and applications. The subject applies to exchange students and professionals working in multicultural working situations at home or abroad, any mediators between cultures. Typical for these situations is: We cannot limit them just to professional aspects or just to working place situations. Rather they will embrace the total personality, and all manifestations of life, of everyday life. The author sets out with some examples of cultural gaps in German everyday life from the perspective of Russian exchange students. She briefly mentions different approaches of intercultural research - how to analyze these gaps. She introduces her approach of "lacuna analysis". After empirical data, systematics and definitions the author describes the use of lacuna model in preparing intercultural encounters. She closes with some general remarks on the terminology of culture, communication and intercultural communication.