Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Communicating Differently With Other Cultures

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? Yes in a since because you have to understand depending on the culture their may be a slight accent in certain words they say so you have to give common courtesy and slow down when you speak or try not to interrupt what they are trying to say before you comment on what they are saying and sometimes they may express things with their hands to let you know what they are trying to say. I have a Spanish speaking parent and student in my class and I have to be patient with her so I don't scare her, or make anyone of them feel uncomfortable. I want them to know I appreciate them, and we both are learning from one another.

If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently? Some ways I communicate differently sometimes I have to slow down when I am speaking to make sure they understand what I am saying. I have to watch the language I am using like using slang words. My English needs to be clear that they understand me, and also try not to let stereotypes and things that I may have heard about the families or children influence my communication.

Three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.


  • Be patient when communicating with other groups.
  • Be respectful
  • Listen before you speak and watch hand gestures, facial and body language.
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5 comments:

  1. TamaraJanuary 20, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    Denice,
    I have a hard time with accents and really need to listen to what is being said as well. It is important to watch the language as it easy to use slang words that have no meaning for the other person. Good strategies.
    Tamara

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  2. StephanieJanuary 21, 2012 at 12:04 AM

    Denice,
    Living in Texas puts me in proximity to many Spanish speaking families. I have taken Spanish to learn to communicate better with the children and their parents. Learning a new language, as an adult, is difficult. When I speak Spanish to them, I can tell they are listening and smile. I think sometimes I'm saying something wrong but they appreciate the attempt at communicating with them in their language. They use the Platinum Rule with me and me with them in this case.

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  3. T MooreJanuary 21, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Thanks Denice for mentioning being patient. So often we are too busy trying to hurry the speaker along, until we both become frustrated and this overtakes the conversation through our nonverbal cues. I have a brother that will often finish your sentences and not let you get much in. He has to often be told to be patient and let others speak.

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  4. CharMichaJanuary 21, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    Denice,
    I agree that sometimes accents get in the way of us understanding each other. I have a slight "country" accent that many don't notice until I am upset or really excited. It is ironic because many people cannot tell where I'm from until I say something that sounds very country or slang like in the Madea movies! I tend to slow down a lot when I am talking to someone whose first language is not English and then I start to feel like I making them feel stupid by talking to slow.

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    I agree with you about being patient with communication. It is very easy to get frustrated and want to end the conversation. It did not dawn on me to watch my hand movements as well. I am Italian therefore; I talk with my hand ALOT. I guess I need to be more aware of that!

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