The basic assumption of this book is that the need for intercultural communication has increased tremendously as a result of globalisation: the homogenization of cultures which goes hand in hand with a renewed emphasis on local differences. The introductory chapter explains the theoretical framework of this study, defining culture as a struggle for meaning. The book goes on to analyse and define intercultural communication as dealing with differences in perception and evaluation of reality depending on the position of the parties involved. It shows what the causes are of differences: on the one hand the different ways people become socialised and from there give shape to their personal reproduction in their everyday culture, and on the other hand the existence of a multiplicity of cultural fields. The limits of middle-class understanding of differences is discussed in the fifth chapter. Lastly, there is an overview of practical ways to improve our competence in intercultural communication. The final chapter answers two important remaining questions. Firstly, to what extent the concepts of nation and national culture still play a role in intercultural communication, inclusively for the newcomers in West European nation states. Secondly, how to find a balance between differences and equality. Could a cosmopolitan attitude offer an alternative to the 'living apart together' patchwork of ethnicities that is a characteristic of multiculturalism? Or is this an elitist illusion?