Deeper understanding of other cultures reduces conflict

Mahfuz Anam, chairman of the Asia News Network, said that understanding the heritage of different cultures will help build firmer bridges of communication that can stand strong in a world faced with rising misunderstanding and turbulence.

The veteran journalist made his remarks at the Forum on Cultural Heritage Conservation in Selangor, Malaysia, on Thursday.

In his keynote speech, Anam said he cannot read or write Chinese, but Chinese music "resonates in his heart", and he believes such nonverbal echoes will happen to Chinese people who hear music from Bangladesh — Anam's home country.

However, the enormous impact embodied in intangible cultural elements, which he thinks eclipse the sound of language, have been forgotten by people who only have eyes for economic growth.

"We are much too enamored with the buildings we make, the bridges we construct, the enormous edifices we make," he said.

Today, there is more conflict and destructive competition. People live in a world of misunderstanding and an environment of uncertainty, he added.