Cultural diversity impacts the way we communicate. The subtle nuances and cultural norms associated with different societies will govern how its citizens interact with each other. Beyond personal communication styles, age,
sex, socioeconomic status and relationship will impact the effectiveness of communication.
We must ensure that we do not take offense to a Middle
Eastern man who refuses to shake the hand of a female. Within the culture, members of the opposite sex
do not make physical contact. In Afghanistan, Iran and some parts of Italy
and Greece, a thumb up signal may have the same connotations as the middle
finger gesture in North America. As early
educators, who serve multicultural groupings, we must ensure that we are
striving to understand the nuances associated with culture diversity. We must ensure semantics are clear and specific
to the situation. Present language in terms that families and children can understand. Avoid acronyms and jargon. We must even consider our attire, being courteous and ensure that we do bear too much skin. Physical contact may also be acceptable or unacceptable with differences in interactions amongst the genders.
We must also try to learn about the cultural, gender and age related norms, while being careful not to stereotype. Additionally, it is essential that we are responsible and seek external supports in the forms of translation or multicultural brokers when we cannot verbally communicate in a common language.
We must also try to learn about the cultural, gender and age related norms, while being careful not to stereotype. Additionally, it is essential that we are responsible and seek external supports in the forms of translation or multicultural brokers when we cannot verbally communicate in a common language.
Resources
African men.
Retrieved from http://www.go2africa.com/africa-travel-blog/12071
North American Teens. Retrieved
from http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/041708/mwTeenVolunteersMark.html
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012).
Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Hi Barb,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really enjoyed your examples, which illustrate the importance of getting to know the families of the children we are teaching. These days it seems like people can take offense to just about anything, so there is a need for extra sensitivity on the part of teachers in hopes of establishing strong relationships with families. What kinds of things do you do to get to know the cultural backgrounds of your families. In our center, parents complete a pretty extensive questionnaire. That works for us because we have a pretty unique clientele. I can imagine that in other centers that might not work. We also have a lot of face time with parents, which helps us get to know them on a more personal level. Anyway, I was just wondering what kinds of things help you to get to know families so that you can be sure you are acting and speaking in a way that promotes cultural respect?
Sarah
DeleteWe also attempt to gather extensive amounts of information prior to intakes. It may mean significant amount or man hours, but truly helps to build relationships and address any challenges that may arise during future service delivery. We can be more responsive when we understand families and children better.
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteIt is important to get to know what is appropriate and what is not even in greeting the opposite sex. In some countries, as you have stated, it is not appropriate for women and men to touch. In America, it is perfectly alright to give a hug and in French a kiss on both cheeks is very appropriate. The families that we teach will help if asked what is appropriate and what is not. The children will tell the teacher, as well. I enjoyed your pictures and the explanations you have given.