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Cross Cultural or Intercultural awareness and
communication.
“We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anais
Nin
What:
“Cross-cultural communication (also frequently referred to
as intercultural communication) is a field of study that looks at how
people from differing cultural backgrounds endeavour to communicate.
Its core is to establish and understand how people from different cultures
communicate with each other. Its charge is to also produce some guidelines
with which people from different cultures can better communicate with
each other.” (Wikipedia)
“Cultural competency is to understand racial/ethnic groups through
the valuing of differences and integration of cultural attitudes, beliefs,
and practices.”
(Cultural Competence)
Why:
Working with RCSD children, as is evident through
the demographics we have provided, means working with a culturally diverse
student body (racially and socioeconomically).
Furthermore, in any sitation when you work with others
you need to be aware of cultural differences and similarities in order
to communicate and work together effectively.
For example, one person's idea of hungry would be that
they haven't had a snack since lunch and it is now nearing dinner time,
while another person's idea of hungry would be that he or she hasn't
eaten since lunch the day before and it is now nearing dinner time. Many
tutors have encountered this sitaution with children they work with,
who are unable to focus becasue they say they are hungry. It is important
not to put "hungry" in
your own terms but to think of it in the child's cultural context (living
in poverty and thus not having meals regularly).
“Cross cultural communication and competency allows yout
to aviod cross-cultural miscommunication, assess behavior more accurately,
and ultimately provide more effective services and interventions.” (CECP)
How:
“Cultural Competence activities include the development of
skills through training, use of self-assessment, and implementation of
objectives. It is a process of continuous quality improvement.” (Cultural
Compentence)
Principles of Cultural Competence as Relevant to UR students
working with RCSD students:
Include and Learn – take other points of view into consideration. Challenge
your stereotypes and learn to see reality from a variety of perspectives.
Give yourself the time to overcome feelings of inadequacy that often
overcome people when dealing with issues of multiple cultures.
Reflecting cultural differences – refers to the process of identifying
or recognizing cultural diversity and personal culture. People are
different, not better or worse, do not make value judgements.
Valuing and accepting cultural differences – refers to the process
of regarding highly cultural differences. When diversity is respected,
students value different ways of approaching the same reality. If we
accept diversity, whether or not we embrace them, it means that we,
at the very least, acknowledge differences and value their importance.
Acceptance allows one to expand his or her horizons as new settings
challenge him or her.
Question everything – Do not be afriad to ask questions about anything,
big or small, do not worry about offending anyone or being politically
incorrect, there are no stupid questions; be sure to think about HOW
you are asking it, but always ask!
Things to consider:
Is Rochester, NY a melting pot or a tossed salad? Do everyone's individual
cultures morph into one collective whole OR does everyone bring their
own culture to the table giving a little bit of flavor to each others?
“Before you can envision what you want to be,
you have to deal with the inner me.”
– Waldo Emerson
Look at your baggage
Read:
“Racism can lead to direct or indirect racial discrimination, abuse,
inequality and disadvantage as regards employment, housing, educational
and training opportunities, access to health care, welfare, local amenities,
environmental quality and to the undermining of their culture, identity
and self image. It may leave children and their families feeling hopeless
when they experience bullying and racial abuse in schools, play grounds
and other places. Racism denigrates and dehumanises communities leading
to lowering of their self esteem, sense of worthlessness and depression” (Fernando,
1988).
Sources: Cultural Competency: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/publications/cultural_competency/assessment_tool/tool_definitions3.html
The
Community Service Network's Guide to Learning and Serving in the Rochester
Community; "cultural communication"
Wikipedia.com
ROOTS and interviews/training with Christopher Cuby
CECP: http://cecp.air.org/cultural/Q_integrated.htm
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