I find myself communicating differently when families of a different culture come into our center. I overly prepare. I think of how we interacting with the previous family and draw on the knowledge from that family. However, in doing so I negate that fact that a family may be from the same culture but the families culture may not be the same as the previous family.
Three strategies that I could use to help me communicate more effectively with the people that I have identified are: “Be conscious of cultural differences, rather than ignoring the differences, Learn as I interact and be willing to adjust my behavior as I learn, and adjust my behavior to others to ethnically accommodate difference and expectations” (Beebe, 2011, p. 114).
References
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Hi Carmen,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you brought up the point that even if you have two families who appear to have similar cultures they are most likely not the same. Even if some people share a similarity (ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) they may still have different ways of interacting, different beliefs, and different perspectives. I think it's great that you use your previous knowledge but still remember that all families are unique and you are willing to learn more!