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Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently? I want to say yes to this question, but my answer is sometimes. It all depends on my situation or environment that I am in. For example when I am in a training with other teachers my communication style is more relaxed, attentive and opened. Due to the fact that I know that we are all there for the same purpose and have something in common education. Education is a topic that has a common goal no matter what angle you look at it. It seems to be harder to really offend anyone's culture or identity. We may not agree on everything but the goal is the same to provide quality care and education.
Where my communication begins to change is when dealing with the different families in my classroom. I find myself speaking differently and watching what I am saying to my white families. I guess it's because how society has conditioned people of color. My minority families no matter the culture, from asian, african, mexican, black, etc. I found that I can speak with them in a more relaxed state. Yes at times I may have to modify, how the message is being delivered due to some language barriers but it gets done.
In the article "Inter-cultural communication: a foundation of communicative action" it mentions how Intentions is the second basis for communication behaviour according to Gudyl intentions were formed. Intentions are instructions that we give ourselfs to communicate with others (Vuckovic, A. (2008).
References
Vuckovic, A. (2008). Inter-cultural communication: A foundation of communicative action. Multicultural Education and Technology Journal. 2(1), 47-59.
Hi Takeshia,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to how you feel about communicating with White parents, and I think you are right that is the the way we have been conditioned. We are learned to be more straight to the point and professional in how we communicate with them as if to prove that we are educated and know what we are doing. Whereas with parents of minority culture there seems to be a more relaxed relationship and natural mutual bonding. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Takeisha,
ReplyDeleteI don’t know about you, but it is exhausting having to code switch every day in order to communicate with others. It used to be that when speaking to white families I would change the way that I would speak, choosing my words carefully. Now I think it is more of a class situation for me. The more educated the more I need to think before I speak, again exhausting. I could speak to everyone in that manner but if I seek to be understood, I must be able to communicate in a way that my families understand. I usually open up with tell me what brings you in, what are your concerns, or how can I help you. From there I can sometimes pick up on how to proceed, but sometimes it can take longer for me to pick up on it. Like you mentioned, good intentions are there.
Sscott
Hi Takeisha,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts. It seems easier to communicate with with individuals working towards the same goals. There is a clear understanding of purpose, intentions and shared outcomes. Language barriers are difficult to navigate, but even with that, the genuine desire to communicate can lend to positive communication in different ways.
I enjoyed your Blog this week. Your communication abilities go beyond effective. From your phrasing, you show care, regard and comprehension. It is significant that you can meet parents at their degrees of understanding this shows you give it a second thought and that you will go past for your families. I love the three systems that you consolidated into your compelling correspondence. Being an attentive person is a significant piece of being a successful communicator.
ReplyDelete