Lexical-Semantic Configuration of Ordinary Relational Identities in Multicultural Groups of University Students

The terms used to designate ordinary relational identities seem easy to learn and translate. However, these interpersonal identities reflect complex mental constructs that are very sensitive to the variables that interact in human communication, particularly cultural variation. This paper describes a pilot project developed at the University of Valencia aimed at exploring the meaning differences in these identities within multicultural university groups, in order to help students improve their social and academic communication skills. The results reveal significant differences in their pragmatic meanings. Therefore, linguistic, intercultural and cognitive adjustment processes become necessary for their adequate understanding and translation.