Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?
When it comes to other cultures and groups, I do find myself communicating differently both verbally and non-verbally. When using verbal words I find myself speaking louder, in a clear tone pronouncing words carefully. When it comes to my non-verbal communication in regards to others of different groups and cultures I find myself smiling more, and alternating between eye contact and no eye contact. I will use what their non verbal language is saying and seemingly mimic their movements.
I was aware of the speaking clearly and louder, but not of my non-verbal interactions until I really
focused on my interactions this week.
In my classroom we have a family for Korea and Saudi Arabia and I will use clearer words, I also found myself avoiding any slang that Americans use as to convey the wrong message about their child's day.
I also find myself becoming very aware of my own difference. I notice any stutter in my speech, any words I think i say differently then others I work with, and how I hold myself in the classroom; such as the placement of my arms when I am talking. I found that I seem to not know what to really do with my arms when i am interacting with other cultures. The unsure feeling makes me want to cross them across my chest, but I know this would seem negative and possibly send a message that I was uninterested in their family. I also utilize active listening, restating what they asked in or said to me back to them with my own words added.
O'Hair, & Wiemann. (2009) Real Communiucation: An Introduction. Bedford, St. Martin
2 comments:
Cassie,
I think it is interesting that you are aware of other culture's nonverbal communicatoin styles enough to mimic them. I think it is wonderful that you are so insightful, which I am sure makes you an effective communicator. this is something that I must admit that I haven't had the opportunity to really observe because the lack of different diversity in my community.
Hello Cassie,
I think it is interesting how we change the communication line and how we interpret verbal and nonverbal languages. I would have to admit that I do this often and at times I would have to remember what is expected of my and of my students at school.
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