Do you find yourself communicating differently with people
from different groups and cultures?
I do find
that I communicate differently with people from different groups and cultures. I
speak differently when I am surrounded by people of my own culture than when I
am not. There are cultural ways of speaking that I tend to use more around
people that belong to the same culture as I do. For example, it would be appropriate
to use slang words if I wanted to. If I am
communicating with people that I am unfamiliar with, I tend to not speak very
much. If I do need to speak, I do not use slang words. I tend to use a more
proper English.
I also communicate differently with people in professional
setting versus a nonprofessional setting. There are terms and ways of
communicating that each work setting uses to communicate among its employees. I
have learned the ways that my current job uses to communicate among my colleagues.
Three strategies that I could use to communicate better:
·
I could get to know others and how they
communicate
·
I could utilize the Platinum Rule to communicate
more effectively with people of other groups and cultures.
·
I could also take more time and learn about my own
communication styles to learn how to communicate more effectively with others.
Christina,
ReplyDeleteMe and you are on the same page. When we are around people of our own culture, we find ourselves more comfortable and open to speak with a variety of mannerisms and slang. Being aware that there are different kinds of communication styles is important as well. Like you said, in a more formal setting we watch what we say a lot more and use "proper" English. I also liked your strategy about learning about your own communication style and that way you could make changes or be more aware of how you can improve your communication with others. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing valuable information in your post. Similar to you, I realize that I use slang words with people I am comfortable with and who are from my same culture as well. As an Egyptian I know that if I use certain slang words that are common in my culture here in Dubai, the place where I am currently living in, they would definitely be misunderstood. As a result, I only use them when I am speaking to Egyptians here.
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI think it's fantastic that one of your goals is to get to know and understand your own communication style in order to learn how to more effectively communicate with others. A lot of times I think my goals are focused on others... sometimes this is great but other times it really is best if you focus on yourself first in order that you may understand your actions and thoughts better. It really will help in the long run.
Thanks for you post!
Amanda