Thursday, February 3, 2011
My Opinion
In my opinion, in order to improve intercultural proficiency and communication, one should try to understand other cultures to the best of your abilities. You should avoid making hasty assumptions and generalizations before knowing enough information about the other culture. This means not coming to conclusions without concrete evidence. Also, you should learn to accept the fact that every culture is equally as important. If you choose to respect others and their cultures, surely they will return the favour. One ought to restrain from judging and expect differences. Differences indicate uniqueness. When engaging in conversation with differing cultural backgrounds, one should speak in terms that will be easily understood by both sides.
Drawbacks With Lack of Knowledge
Misunderstandings and misinterprations often occur around the world due to the lack of knowledge people possess about different cultures. By not having a clear understanding of what certain nonverbal gestures mean in another culture, you may give off the wrong message. For example, a thumbs up in Canada may mean something else in another country. Another example may be smiling. Universally, we smile to show content and frown to show discomfort. But in Japan, a woman smiles to hide her happiness as well as sorrow. Thus, by taking the time to learn about other cultures, we facilitate the communicating process.
Ethnocentrism and Why it is Bad
A very important cause of Intercultural Proficieny is:
Ethnocentrism:
- tendancy to assume that one's own culture is the greatest and to judge, make assumptions, and generalizations about other cultures based on this assumption
Why is Ethnocentrism Bad?
- Ethnocentrism is universal human behaviour. It can be a problem for many reasons. First of all, it causes us to believe that cultures differing from your own are divergent. It prevents us from learning about other cultures which also prevents us from wanting to communicate with people of different ethnicities. We assume that differences are a negative thing when in fact, they are not. Differences are just a way of distinguishing a cultural identity. Ethnocentrism allows us to only see the world through our perspective, the one of our own culture. We feel pride in our culture and consider it to be superior to others. We judge others based on their language, behaviour, customs, and religion. We want to interact with those and only those who share the same values, customs, and beliefs as us thus causing us to only communicate with those who share our own culture.
Ethnocentrism:
- tendancy to assume that one's own culture is the greatest and to judge, make assumptions, and generalizations about other cultures based on this assumption
Why is Ethnocentrism Bad?
- Ethnocentrism is universal human behaviour. It can be a problem for many reasons. First of all, it causes us to believe that cultures differing from your own are divergent. It prevents us from learning about other cultures which also prevents us from wanting to communicate with people of different ethnicities. We assume that differences are a negative thing when in fact, they are not. Differences are just a way of distinguishing a cultural identity. Ethnocentrism allows us to only see the world through our perspective, the one of our own culture. We feel pride in our culture and consider it to be superior to others. We judge others based on their language, behaviour, customs, and religion. We want to interact with those and only those who share the same values, customs, and beliefs as us thus causing us to only communicate with those who share our own culture.
Improving Intercultural Proficiency and Communication (pg.102)
There are a various number of ways in which one can improve intercultural proficiency and communication. Some of these ways include:
- Study your own culture first
Learn about the traditions and beliefs of your own culture and compare it to other cultures and ethnicities. These differences and similarities will aid you in comprehending the customs of differing cultures.
- Learn about other cultures
By possessing knowledge of different cultures, one can learn to appreciate expected differences. It can also help in reducing any assumptions or unintentional judgements and opens your eyes to what life is like in the world around you.
- Curb ethnocentrism*
Develop a positive outlook on other cultures by not judging based on perosonal views, keeping an open mind, and having a positive attitude towards different cultures.
- Avoid judgementalism
Don't make hasty assumptions about others behaviours. Also, try not to think too much of your own culture. Take in the fact that there is no right or wrong culture.
- Seek common ground
When conflicts arise between different cultures, set aside differences and try to compromise in order to come up with a solution that will value both sides.
- Observe nonverbal cues in your culture
Become aware of the intentions behind different gestures and other nonverbal cues in differing cultures. Compare these to ones in your own culture.
- Use plain English
Communicate by talking in short sentences and using simple words in standard English. Rule out any words that may not be easily understood.
- Encourage accurate feedback
When engaging in conversation, do not hesitate to ask questions when confused. Also, listen with care and without any interuptions. Do not automatically assume that the person comprehends if they smile or simply say yes. Provide as much feedback as possible.
- Adapt to local preferences
Make sure you create your writing in a way that shows the reader's document preferences.
- Study your own culture first
Learn about the traditions and beliefs of your own culture and compare it to other cultures and ethnicities. These differences and similarities will aid you in comprehending the customs of differing cultures.
- Learn about other cultures
By possessing knowledge of different cultures, one can learn to appreciate expected differences. It can also help in reducing any assumptions or unintentional judgements and opens your eyes to what life is like in the world around you.
- Curb ethnocentrism*
Develop a positive outlook on other cultures by not judging based on perosonal views, keeping an open mind, and having a positive attitude towards different cultures.
- Avoid judgementalism
Don't make hasty assumptions about others behaviours. Also, try not to think too much of your own culture. Take in the fact that there is no right or wrong culture.
- Seek common ground
When conflicts arise between different cultures, set aside differences and try to compromise in order to come up with a solution that will value both sides.
- Observe nonverbal cues in your culture
Become aware of the intentions behind different gestures and other nonverbal cues in differing cultures. Compare these to ones in your own culture.
- Use plain English
Communicate by talking in short sentences and using simple words in standard English. Rule out any words that may not be easily understood.
- Encourage accurate feedback
When engaging in conversation, do not hesitate to ask questions when confused. Also, listen with care and without any interuptions. Do not automatically assume that the person comprehends if they smile or simply say yes. Provide as much feedback as possible.
- Adapt to local preferences
Make sure you create your writing in a way that shows the reader's document preferences.
What is Intercultural Proficiency?
Intercultural proficiency is the ability to communicate and get along with people who have different assumptions due to ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
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