COMMUNICATING WITH DIFFERENT CULTURES

I have found myself communicating differently around people of different cultures because I did not understand their English or what they were talking about. I did not give up because I was interested in learning more about them. I became friend with a young in 2007 in nursing school and it took me quite some time to pick up on what she was saying. We both laugh because she knew I was struggling to figure it out. So, we decided that when I could not figure out what she was saying, she would write it down on paper.

Strategies for effective communication

First verify own perceptions of any prejudice or bias behaviors. Everyone is different, but unique in their own way. Showing empathy toward other people feelings will help them to communicate more openly. If we are going to understand the feelings of others, we must put our own feelings aside. Lastly, listen to the communicators and get a good understanding of what is said. In most cases we hear, but we do not listen well. An effective communication requires all parties to respect each other differences.

Show on Communication

While watching General Hospital a daytime soap opera on TV with the sound turned off, I can tell that there was much tension between the man who looked to be the father, the two women which one looked to be the mother, a younger lady that might have been a girlfriend and the two young men who looked to be his sons. From the way, the man was looking and walking he appeared to be drunk and very upset about something. They all used nonverbal communication such as hand movement, eye-to-eye contact, walking, sitting and leaning across the table. Nonverbal communication is ambiguous, and you can pick up on clues about the meaning of behavior from the situational context (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). One son went up the stairs, and one of the young men went up to talk with him, and the other one left with the young lady and one of the older women while the other woman stayed there.

After watching General Hospital with the sound on, my expectation was correct. The father (Sunny) upset because his fiancée (Connie) was murdered supposedly by his oldest son real father. One of the young men was his biological son and the other one was his adopted son. One of the oldest women was his ex-wife, which was also his son’s mother, and the other one was his fiancée cousin. If I had been looking at a show that I usual watch my expectations would have been the same.

I noticed a lot of sadness and emotion going on between close family members when watching this show. I have learned that some people show feelings and emotions through verbal and nonverbal communication. Many people find themselves unable to communicate well when it comes to their own emotion; they might express their frustration with family members by yelling at them (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). Professionals should show passion and understandings in the early childhood field in order to promote relationships and gain respect from young children and families.

Reference

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

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Show on Communication

While watching General Hospital a daytime soap opera on TV with the sound turned off, I can tell that there was much tension between the man who looked to be the father, the two women which one looked to be the mother, a younger lady that might have been a girlfriend and the two young men who looked to be his sons. From the way, the man was looking and walking he appeared to be drunk and very upset about something. They all used nonverbal communication such as hand movement, eye-to-eye contact, walking, sitting and leaning across the table. Nonverbal communication is ambiguous, and you can pick up on clues about the meaning of behavior from the situational context (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). One son went up the stairs, and one of the young men went up to talk with him, and the other one left with the young lady and one of the older women while the other woman stayed there.

After watching General Hospital with the sound on, my expectation was correct. The father (Sunny) upset because his fiance (Connie) was murdered supposedly by his oldest son real father. One of the young men was his biological son and the other one was his adopted son. One of the oldest women was his ex-wife, which was also his son’s mother, and the other one was his fiance cousin. If I had been looking at a show that I usual watch my expectations would have been the same.

I noticed a lot of sadness and emotion going on between close family members when watching this show. I have learned that some people show feelings and emotions through verbal and nonverbal communication. Many people find themselves unable to communicate well when it comes to their own emotion; they might express their frustration with family members by yelling at them (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). Professionals should show passion and understandings in the early childhood field in order to promote relationships and gain respect from young children and families.

Reference

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Communication

Communication skills are very important it gives us the privilege to listen and understand communicators differences. I have this friend who is very effective in her communication skills. She works with young children and families at DHR. Her communication skills are great. Her family, co-workers, church members and the children at the center enjoys talking with her. She has his unique talent, passion, respect and loves that draw people close to her. There are many times I had to call her over to talk with my mental challenge son. The minute he would look up and see her coming, his face would have such big smile. I would like to model some of my own communication behaviors after my friend because she approaches all young children and families with respect and kindness. I have already learned many skills from her and will be learning more.

Professional Hopes and Goals

When I think about working with young children and their family from diversity, I hope to create a warm, loving and safe environment. I can build sound friendly and trusting relationships that show patience, passion and respect without any bias or prejudice. I can be an advocate for all young children and their family. I want students to know that I will stand and speak out for their rights. Young children learn best when educators and parents work together for their well-being.

A goal I would like to set in working with young children and their family in the early childhood field related diversity, equity, and social justice. My goal would be to help young children and their families of diverse to decrease any bias or prejudice that they may be having. I would like to teach young children early in life how to respect and accept other people differences. Children do not need to feel that some cultures are more value than others; instead, they should know that all cultures valued the same and every one should have equal opportunity within the society.

Thanks to my colleagues

I want to thank each of you my colleagues for your excellent postings on the discussion area. Your responds and postings helped me to understand many issues about diversity. I have learned a great deal of information since I have been in this course to take me into my next course. Again, Thanks and Good Luck!!

Dr. Snider,

Thank you for all your feedback and encouragement. It was rough at the beginning, but following your advice helped me great deal. Thanks for Everything!!

Ida’s Blog

http://idacab.blogspot.com

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The name of “your” family’s country of origin: Jamaica

At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family:

·          I would research more information on Jamaica just to make sure that I am clear about their values and        beliefs.

·          Have students to meet and greet the child with passion, while showing pictures from his/her country.

·          Allow child to bring any personal belongings that are allowed in the classroom environment; this will help    the child to relax.

·         Set up a conference meeting with family to learn more about the child.

·        The child will be allowed to choose activities that interest them the most; this will include playing games, reading and showing Literature of diversity.

A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family:

Building relationship between professionals and families is essential for the well-being of young children. Getting to know the family and learning more about the child will show them the respect that they deserve. In order to get respect, we as professionals, will also have to give respect. The family will benefit from a safe, caring, sharing, and loving classroom environment filled with diversity. 

The Personal Side Bias

Back when I was doing home health service a friend, and I went to apply for a sitting job in a private home. When talking to the interviewer on the phone, I was told that two people were needed for the job, but after the interview only one person was hired. The young lady that was handling the interview was talking and only looking toward me. It was like my friend was not sitting there. The interviewer was disrespectful and prejudice because of the color of our skin. My friend is highly dark complexion black female, and I am fairly light complexion. I felt real bad because of the way my friend was treated; the interviewer did not acknowledge her at all. I was hire to take care of the interviewer parents along with another person which was a white female.

The white female decided that the job was not for her after working a few weeks, so she decided to quite. I was the only one working for a while, but it was hard taking care of three people. I went to her and complained, the interviewer stated she could not find anybody, at that time I took the opportunity to express my feeling on how she treated my friend and if she did not hire somebody right away I was also leaving. She apologized and asked did I think my friend would come and help her out. She saw that her love ones needed help, and it was no time for prejudice, so she diminish equity and took a chance on calling my friend back for an interview.

I had no idea that my friend would be mistreated on an interview. Most times if a person is not going to hire you; they would say I will try and get back with you, but this interviewer did not talk to her at all. This incident was a tough one because I knew that I needed the job. My friend and I discussed the situation together, and suggested that I go on to work and she would try and find something else to do.

After the interviewer could not find another person to work right away, she went on and called my friend. She apologized to her and made excuses like so much was on her mind. My friend said she would think about it and call her back. Again we discussed the matter, and it was decided that my friend needed a job. She accepted the job because she had to take care of her family. So they both turned an incident in to an opportunity and showed greater equity.