When communicating, my communication style with change to
reflect who I am communicating with. Even talking with some of my best friends,
I will talk with them differently. When communicating with people from
different cultural groups, using different strategies may help me to become a
better communicator.
One strategy that I can use is to simply embrace the
cultural differences instead of acting as if there is no difference at all (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011). There is nothing wrong with differences and they should never be ignored as our differences make us who we are.
Another strategy that I can use is to learn as much as possible
about other cultures and what is considered culturally appropriate within each
culture (Beebe et al., 2011). This will allow me to be able to communicate without offending anyone.
A third strategy that I can use to communicate with people
of different cultural groups is to remember that my culture is not necessarily the
correct one (Beebe et al., 2011). I must value other cultures and the way they may do things, no
matter how different from my own it might be.
If I am able to use these strategies I will be able to
improve my communication with children, families, and other people of cultures
that are different than my own.
References
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to
others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Hi Robin!
ReplyDeleteI agree, It is nearly impossible for our communication styles not to change depending on who we are speaking to. When I am talking to my friends it is much different from the way I speak to my parents and students. I like how you mention our differences being part of what makes us who we are, that is beautifully stated. Is really is important to embrace other cultural differences in order to effectively communicate and learning about these differences, as you said, will help us communicate without bringing offense to anyone. I also like how you connected this to cultural myopia because you are right, it is so important to realize that your own culture is by no means universal. Great post!!