Yes, I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I grew up in the Los Angeles area where most of the people were either Hispanic or Blacks. I am white and I consider myself to be a minority. I feel that belonging to a club at school called Cross Colors Culture Club has helped me get a better understanding and appreciate other cultures. Every year my area has an International Dance Festival where other countries will come and perform their ethnic dances. Last year my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting a young dancer from Japan who was more than happy to share her culture and ethnicity with us. I feel that this was a great experience.
The ways that I communicate differently with people from different groups and cultures is that I am always careful about what I say so I do not offend anybody. I have a friend who is of Indian Descent (she is from the country of India) and sometimes we have different view points. One thing we do not agree on is marriage. Her marriage was an arranged marriage which is very common in her culture, while my marriage was not an arranged marriage (I got to pick my husband). I feel that a person should marry someone they love instead of marrying someone just because their parents like the guy. I feel that a woman should be able to pick her partner whom she wants to spend the rest of her life with.
Also, when I am communicating with young children I always bend down to their level so they do not get scared. I feel that a child feels more at ease when you are at their level. I always use easy words for them to understand.
The three strategies I would use to help me communicate more effectively with the people and the groups I have identified are:
1. Choose my words carefully so I do not offend anyone.
2. To learn more about other cultures so I have a better understanding of the others person's point of view.
3. I want to teach my students about other cultures so they have a better appreciation of people and maybe help them grow up in a world where there is less prejudice and racism.
I like your second and third strategies. Even though we might disagree with other people's culture or beliefs it is important that we respect and appreciate their expereinces. It might be difficult for us to understand the concept of arrange marriages but if that's all the person knows and grew up with generation after generation we can agree to disagree. I enjoyed reading your insight.
ReplyDeleteHi Darlene, great point about bending down when speaking with kids. We always do that at my preschool. We also sit in the same chairs they do so we are all at the same level. I agree that adults standing waaaay up in the air can be intimidating to communicate with!
ReplyDelete