Hello classmates,
A setting where i am in contact with diversity is where my children go to school. 33 nationalities are represented there. Being a french speaking person, i have still some complex when it comes to a conversation in English. I write in English, better than i speak. I do not find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures just because they are different, but mostly because i always have less confidence when it comes to a language that i do not master. Language is symbolic, has multiple meanings, is informed by our thoughts, and is shaped by grammar and context (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2015, p. 66).
Nevertheless, based on what we learned this week, during this time where i know i get to practice my English, i can still apply the Platinum Rule which is to "Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated. " Because i know now that there are other ways i can use to show people recognition and attention non verbally or by being a good listener. Which is responding to show others that i have received and understood their messages O'Hair & Wiemann, 2015, p. 155). The best attitude to have is wanting to be other- oriented even by greeting someone, showing attention. Another important strategy in diversity is not to fall in ethnocentrism, where we tend to think that our culture is superior than others (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond. 2011, p. 99).
References
A setting where i am in contact with diversity is where my children go to school. 33 nationalities are represented there. Being a french speaking person, i have still some complex when it comes to a conversation in English. I write in English, better than i speak. I do not find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures just because they are different, but mostly because i always have less confidence when it comes to a language that i do not master. Language is symbolic, has multiple meanings, is informed by our thoughts, and is shaped by grammar and context (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2015, p. 66).
Nevertheless, based on what we learned this week, during this time where i know i get to practice my English, i can still apply the Platinum Rule which is to "Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated. " Because i know now that there are other ways i can use to show people recognition and attention non verbally or by being a good listener. Which is responding to show others that i have received and understood their messages O'Hair & Wiemann, 2015, p. 155). The best attitude to have is wanting to be other- oriented even by greeting someone, showing attention. Another important strategy in diversity is not to fall in ethnocentrism, where we tend to think that our culture is superior than others (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond. 2011, p. 99).
References
O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven,
J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Beebe, S.A, Beebe, S.J & Redmond, M.V. 2011.
Interpesonal Communication: Relating to others (6th Edition)
Hi Marlene, what an amazing experience to share and communicate with such a diversified learning community. My children attend school with at most 3 or more different ethnic groups, but I am sure it is less than 5. When I engage with others that are not use to speaking in English or of an different ethnic groups. I am aware of how I speak and look for communication cues as to have an active conversation. I listen and observe the way the person communicate in order to gain an understanding. My facial expression normally will entail if I understand the conversation or not, but I normally ask questions instead of assuming what the other person is trying to convey. Thank you for sharing- Marie
ReplyDeleteOh dear Marie,
Deletethanks to you too for sharing your experience.
In my country we are three ethnic groups but one language. It might be interesting to leave together as different groups with its language for each.
I wish you the best for your journey in this field.