Now that we are in a diverse era, for us to reach a common ground in integrating economies, industries, markets, cultures, societies, and policies around the world, we need to negotiate with each other, compromise, and make adjustments. When we reach a point of understanding, we are in a place not seen by the naked eye called Third Space.
The ‘third space,’ a term originally coined by Homi K. Bhabha (1994), it is a concept used to describe the possibility for a negotiated re-imagining of cultural identity. It is where we negotiate identity and become neither this nor that but our own. The word “Third” holds the connotation of being in a mediated space where there is a process of construction and reconstruction of identity.
The movement towards third space impacts an intercultural encounter in the sense that it paves the way for different cultures to have an objective understanding and settlement. To cite an example, when President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on October 12, 2019, in Chennai, India, wherein they exchanged views in a candid and in-depth manner about China-India relations and major international and regional issues of common concern. Though China and India are somehow antonymous in terms of their culture, religion, language, and even in their economic stance, they were still able to enhance mutual understanding, formed clearer goals and ideas, and maintain stable development of bilateral relations.
According to Fred L. Casmir there are eight primary qualities for the third culture building (TCB) framework to be successful. First, TCB is an organic “bottom-up” and emergent practice, which means, members should recognize the factors first to co-create interactional environments that are relevant for each. Second, TCB provides users with a general framework for engaging in communication, participants are required to be attentive to the process and any changes that may occur (Casmir, 1999). Third, TCB is an egalitarian approach rooted in the ideals of fairness and democracy. Meaning, members must view each other as fair, democratic, and equal individuals. Fourth, TCB requires self-knowledge and/or self-discovery, and knowledge of one’s communication partner. We should first take an interest in knowing our own culture for us to be open with other cultures. Fifth, TCB is both conscious and deliberate. This means that members should have mutual efforts in the process of achieving common ground. Sixth, TCB is based on proactive action. Members must compromise, make adjustments, and have a problem-solving approach to communication to avoid conflict and unwanted problems. Seventh, TCB framework imagines possibilities for positive outcomes. Members must have an agreeable and fit all needs and situations. Eighth, TCB requires time. We cannot obtain a third space by night, and because of its complexity, it requires patience and time.
The process of reaching third space can be complicated, but it’ll be worth all the effort in the end.
Rachell Anne T. Capaning 