Prior to this class and this week, I was under the impression that I communicated the same to all individuals from different groups and cultures. However, after paying more attention to my actions and communications in light of this week’s lessons, I have come to the realization that I do communicate different towards individuals that are from diverse populations other than my own.
When I communicate with individuals like me or within my cultural group, I have a tendency to be more relaxed, informal, not as cautious, and much less observant. However, when communication with individuals of different cultural groups, religious groups, political affiliations, age groups etc.; I have the tendency to be more formal, moral observant, and more cautious on what I am saying and how I communicate with them. This is mostly because I am fully aware that some communication differences may exist as a result of these differences. I am more formal so I will not offend these groups or individuals. I am more cautious and observant in order to pick on non-verbal cues that can provide me with information as to how these individuals wish to be communicated with. I believe that these responses have allowed me to communicate more effectively with diverse populations and limited miscommunications within conversations.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteWe all communicate different with cultural groups we are not familiar with. I am guilty of being more cautious and respectful. On the other hand, with my family I feel more comfortable and relax because communication do not have to be perfect. In other words, I can be myself without any pressure of offending anyone while communicating.
Great point Talae :0).
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteThis week I paid much more attention to my interactions with people of my culture or of a different culture and found it very interesting that I felt much more relaxed in situations where we were alike, as you had stated. I wonder if it was because of how focused I was that I did not ever notice just how cautious I was when choosing my words and interactions with people from different cultures.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI am so much in the same boat as you. I really had no idea that I communicated differently with other people either. It is something that I never thought about until this class. This revelation is making me more self aware of the things I do and say.
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with everyone else that I do communicate differently among family and friends. I know have known this for a while but I do catch myself some times when I am among colleagues for children.