This week I learned several
strategies to enhance my intercultural communication. I do find myself communicating differently with people from
different groups and cultures. For example, I usually speak very rapidly so I
try to slow down when communicating with my employees who both speak Spanish as
their primary language. We also have families in our preschool from Columbia,
France, Russia, and the Philippines. I often ask the families to share their
home languages with us so that we can use key words with the children during
the day. The families are invited to read to the children during circle time
and share their cultures with the class, and we have books and toys in our
playroom to represent the various cultures of the children. However, I am
learning that there is so much more I can do to improve my intercultural
communication skills.
I have learned that to be interculturally competent is to be more
than just aware of what is appropriate or simply sensitive to cultural
differences (Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond, 2011). To truly be interculturally
competent is to behave toward others in ways that are appropriate. However, in
order to behave appropriately, we need to have knowledge about cultures that
are different from our own and be motivated to adapt or adjust our behavior. Developing
appropriate knowledge and actively pursuing information about others helps us
to gain understanding of how they communicate. Becoming motivated to appreciate
differences and practicing tolerance by avoiding harmful evaluations of others
is also important. Thirdly, developing skills in becoming other oriented is
critical to the process of becoming a competent intercultural communicator.
I have added to my goals as an educator to master what Milton
Bennett calls the Platinum Rule “Do unto others as they themselves would like
to be treated” (Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond, 2011). Instead of treating people
the way I would like to be treated, I would like to interact with others the
way I think they would like to be treated.
References
Beebe,
S.A., Beebe, S.J. & Redmond, M.V. (2011). Interpersonal communication:
Relating to others (6th ed.) Boston,
MA; Allyn & Bacon.
I agree with you on how we may speak differently. I too, speak much faster with my friends and try to speak more concise and clearer on a professional level. This year, I have a class that range from all different cultures, languages, etc. The languages that are currently spoken among our families are Haitian, French, Spanish, Farsi, Russian, and a variety of dialects deriving from Africa. This variety of language is HUGE and many of our parents are originally from their language of origin. We embrace the language and culture by labeling items in the classroom in their language, as well as in English. Play music and provide materials necessary for their customs, etc. This is, in my opinion, another great way to get to know the families on a much more personal level.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, this week we have learned a great deal about intercultural competence in communication that will serve us well in our field when communicating with children, families and colleagues. Like you, I also believe that as professionals we should adopt the Platinum Rule in our response with others and families in particular when negotiating practices for example. I believe that the Platinum Rule would be most beneficial in helping us to acknowledge, validate and respect families' culture and empower them so as to maintain continuity between school and home for the child. Caroline