CULTURAL DIVERSITY How to effectively communicate with people from a different culture
Whether someone is from an English-speaking or a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, it is important to be aware of how misunderstanding can occur across culture.
Cultural diversity not only relates to a person’s country of birth, but also to their ancestry, the country of birth of their parents, languages spoken, religious affiliation, values, belief systems, customs and social behaviour. Cultural sensitivity requires an awareness of cultural diversity and involves acknowledging and respecting individual differences.
Generally speaking, patience, courtesy, respect and some curiosity go a long way. If you are unsure of any differences that may exist, simply ask. When communicating cross- culturally, it is important to make a conscious effort to keep your communication clear, simple and unambiguous. It may be best to avoid humour until you know the person, as humour is often culture-specific and things that may be humorous in one culture could be highly offensive in another.
In circumstances where there is a language barrier, it may be in everyone’s best interest to employ an experienced translator/interpreter for effective communication.
The following strategies are helpful for cross-cultural communication:
• Take time to find out about rules that relate to personal space and touch.
• Speak slowly and clearly. • Use clear, short sentences while maintaining normal volume and inflections.
• Avoid jargon, slang and jokes. • Respond to expressed emotions. • Allow time for processing, questions and clarification.
• Be aware that people from some cultural backgrounds may avoid disagreement at the expense of speaking the truth.
• Regularly invite the person to ask questions or to tell you if they do not understand.
• Use different words to express the same idea.
• Ask relatives or friends for help if appropriate.
• Provide documents in Easy English.
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