I do find myself communicating differently with people from
different groups and cultures. For
example, I communicate differently with parents than I do with my coworkers. While both call for professional communication
I am more serious with the parents. I
also communicate differently with my coworkers differently based on the context
of whether we are in the classroom or in the lunchroom. In my position as an intervention specialist,
my communication with the first grade students I work with has to be very
clear, kind and have a tone of authority as well as I teach them academic
skills. As far as cultures I have the
opportunity to interact with students and families from different countries like
Mexico, Vietnam, El Salvador, Yemen, Guatemala and Yemen. I do try my best to interact with people
accordingly. For example, the families
from Guatemala speak their native language Mam and no English so we revert to
the common language of Spanish to communicate.
Sometimes their Spanish is very limited as well so I try to use simple
vocabulary and lots of hand gestures and facial expressions.
Based on what I have learned this week, three strategies
that I could use to help me communicate more effectively with people or groups
I have identified are:
1.) Be aware of perceptual barriers like narrow perspectives,
stereotyping and prejudices (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012).
Knowledge of these can help avoid negative interactions.
2.) Use cultural differences as advantages to connect with
people through learning experiences.
3.) Follow the Platinum Rule of communication which states, “Do
to others as they themselves would like to be treated” (Beebe, et. al., 2011, p.114).
Consideration is key.
References
Beebe, S. A., Beebe,
S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn &
Bacon.
O'Hair, D., &
Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New
York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
I think it is very important to be aware of cultural differences and use them as advantages to connect with people through learning, rather than stereotyping and not respecting cultural differences. In order to be an effective communicator, we must be respectful of cultural differences.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your strategies and I think it is very important to remember to be aware of our own barriers. Prejudice, stereotypes, and other biases can affect how effectively we communicate with others. I rarely think about my own biases when communicating with others but I believe it is a good practice. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHello Rosana,
ReplyDeleteYou make some great points on how we communicate differently with different groups, and even in different settings. You also have given some good examples of using cultural differences as advantages to connect with people. I would love to be able to speak two languages as you can. It would make a great difference in being able to communicate with a greater number of people.