Cultural Diversity

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

Yes, I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures I am more comfortable communicating with my family and friends where I used slang and speak in a more relaxed casual tone. When I am communicating with different groups and cultures I speak in a more professional tone and try to be aware of the cultural differences so that I do not offend anyone.

 

Based on what I have learned this week three strategies I could use to help me communicate more effectively with people from different groups and culture would be to try to withhold judgment long enough to gain a deeper understanding than first impressions allows, by doing this it allows me a chance to understand what is actually expected of me as well the what I am expected to offer my students and their families. Next applying appropriate emotions when communicating try to provide a welcoming and inviting pose being sensitive to the issues and needs of the community. Lastly recognizing that unwritten cultural rules of nonverbal communication takes time and patience.

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

• "Understanding and Appreciating Cultural Differences" (pp. 36–38)