Communication and Culture

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

If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.
 

I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I communicate different when I am with my colleagues at work. When I communicate with them, I try to be more professional. But when I am communicating with my friends and family, I am more comfortable so I may sometimes talk loud. 

I have a family in my classroom that speaks Spanish and little English. I know some Spanish words, but not much. I try to understand what the family is trying to say to me but sometimes it is very difficult. I also try to be patient with the family. After reading the articles, I have learned three strategies that could help me communicate more effectively with this family. One strategy is to develop appropriate knowledge. “Knowledge is power. To increase your knowledge of others who are different from you, we need to seek information about others, ask questions and listen for answers, and establish common ground” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p.105). Another strategy is to develop motivation. “Competent communicators want to learn and improve. They are motivated to enhance their ability to relate to others and to accept others as they are. A key to accepting others is to develop a positive attitude of tolerance and acceptance of those who are different from you. You have to tolerate ambiguity, become mindful, and avoid negative judgment of others” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, 107). The third strategy is to develop skills. “To be skilled is to be capable of putting into action what you know and want to achieve. The skills underlying being interculturally competent are the ability to be flexible, to be other-oriented, and to adapt your communication to others” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p.109). 

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.