A relevância do conhecimento intercultural na mediação internacional : uma análise da personagem Louise Banks em a chegada

Abstract

In situations where there are interactions between cultures that speak different languages, the understanding of foreign languages is extremely important. However, linguistic knowledge by itself is not enough (Agar, 1994). Without cultural knowledge, interactions become more susceptible to misunderstandings that can be detrimental in sensitive situations such as international conflict mediation (Jayaswal, 2009). Therefore, we understand that the lack of intercultural knowledge in international interactions, with an emphasis on international mediation, hinders this process. In view of this problem, we were guided by the following research question: “How relevant is intercultural understanding in the process of international mediation?”. In order to answer this question, the general objective of this qualitative and bibliographical study was to identify the relevance of intercultural understanding in international mediation, by analyzing dialogues from the film Arrival (2016). In the movie, the plot revolves around the world after the appearance of 12 alien spaceships in different parts of the Earth and the attempt to communicate with the aliens who inhabit them (Moreira, 2017). Using screen ethnography, introduced by Carmen Rial in 2004 (Colins; Lima, 2020), as our method of analysis, we analyzed previously selected dialogues about the film in a field diary. This research reflects on the intrinsic relationship between language and culture, as well as discusses intercultural communication, international mediation theories and cinema as an object of analysis. Based on authors such as Agar (1994), Barna (1994), Canclini (2004), among others. The actions of the character Louise Banks in the process of communication and mediation with the aliens who inhabit the ships were analyzed, compared to society nowadays. The results from the cinematic example, emphasize that Louise's intercultural knowledge set her apart from the other linguists, allowing her to communicate effectively with the aliens and the other human beings involved in the situation, avoiding conflict. By drawing a parallel between the profiles of Louise and the Foreign Languages Applied to International Negotiations -FLAIN graduates, we can come to the conclusion that Louise Banks would be an example of a FLAIN professional, it is also possible to highlight the importance of the FLAIN course in today's world.