I choose to look at the diversity within my family. Within
the last ten years my immediate and extended family has changed dramatically.
There are different religions represented, varying abilities, various socio
economic backgrounds, different levels of education, and various races
represented within in my family. Based on what I have learned this week three
strategies I could use to help me communicate more effectively with them would
be:
1.)
Remember that even family members have different
cultures than I do, and that their cultures shape the way they communicate. Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond (2012) state, “Even
if people appear to be like you, all people are not alike. You must take the
time to explore a person’s background and cultural values before you can
determine what you really have in common” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011,
p.102).
2.)
Being open to new ways of thinking and
viewpoints that other people in my family have.
3.)
Allowing people the freedom to express
themselves in the way they feel most comfortable; without judgments.
Reference
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting and clever that you chose the cultural dynamics within your own family. I found it interesting because family is the cornerstone for all things cultural and if you can not communicate with family, then who can you communicate with? I too, have a mixed cultural family and I understand completely not being able to effectively communicate with them. I look forward to seeing through your posts if the lessons and strategies learned from class has changed those dynamics for you. Once again great post and good luck to you.
Sha'Keema
I think that the family is a good place to practice communication skills. With such a diverse family as yours you should have an abundance of practice. Effective communication is imperative if we are to understand others from different backgrounds and cultures.
ReplyDeleteTiffany,
ReplyDeleteYou have a very good point, that even within one family there are different cultures. All three strategies sound great, the last one where people must be able to express themselves is a big one, they must feel safe.
Thanks for your post
Tina
DeleteYou brought up a point that I have never thought about before. You stated that before one can communicate they must feel safe. How do we go about letting someone know that they are safe to communicate with you, this was a great point. Thanks.