Culture and Communication - Week 3

When I think about the cultural diversity at school, my neighborhood, and in my workplace, I am struck with how diverse it truly is.  And even though there is a lot of diversity, I do not find myself communicating all that differently with most of the people I come into contact with.  One group of people that I have found myself communicating differently with are my ex-husband's family.  From early on in our relationship it felt like that were against me and often took what I would say out of context and use it to cause fights and discontent in our relationship.  Since then, I am very cautious when I speak to them and really watch what I say so that it doesn't get used to harm me.  Even though we are divorced, I still find myself being cautious.  The only person in his family that I can be myself around and say what I am feeling is his youngest sister and my best friend.  With her I can say anything and share anything without judgement and she is there to comfort me and offer advice. 

Another way I am different in communication is with my children versus the children I care for.  I did not speak to my own children the same way I speak to the children in my care.  I have always been patient, with my own and others, but I expected my children to know the rules and I know that I will be reminding the children in my care about rules everyday and sometimes many times in a day.  In my workplace I also use different communication with parents versus people I know well.  I try to build a trusting relationship, but also respect the boundaries of keeping things professional.  I have gotten close to families in the past and after the children left my care I have become good friends with a couple of families and find myself sharing more of myself with them. 

Something that I have learned this week that I could use to help me communicate more effectively with people of different cultures is that is important to become culturally sensitive.  I have to take time to understand parenting styles that may differ from my perspective and ask questions and be open to another person's perspective.  I have to apply the Platinum Rule and treat others the way they wish to be treated.  I also need to become familar with nonverbal communication across cultures.  The message I may send nonverbally may not be what I intended and vice versa.  There may also be gestures that I use that may be offensive to others.  One of the most important things I learned this week is to be other-oriented.  I have to become a good listener and be empathetic in my communication.  There are so many strategies that I can incorporate to be a more effective communicator.