Answer: Maria had never really thought much about her Italian heritage until she became friends with Aylin, an American of Middle Eastern descent. Through conversations and visits to Aylin's family, Maria gradually began to realize how many of her own behaviors were culturally determined. Maria's experience illustrates the self awareness imperative for studying intercultural communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self awareness is, quite simply, having an understanding of your own and other cultures, and particularly the similarities and differences between them. These similarities and differences may be in terms of values, beliefs, or behaviour.