Week 3
Cultural diversity is also apparent within a family. For example, I often find myself behaving and communicating differently when I am with my relatives who belong to a very strict and traditional religious organization in our country. I am more careful about what I say and how I behave when I am with them. I am more quiet than usual and refrain from talking about anything religious especially since we belong to different faiths and I do not want to offend them in anyway. Another example is that in the nuclear family I grew up in we greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. But the more 'traditional' Filipino families greet each other especially older individuals in a different way. Younger Filipinos are expected to show respect to the elders by "blessing" (getting the elder's hand and bringing this up to touch his/her forehead). Having an American grandparent and parent, my siblings, cousins and I never did that to our own relatives and find it uncomfortable. But when I am with my husband's family, who comes from a traditional Filipino family, I make it a point to follow that custom even if I am not comfortable doing it. I also adjust my language when I am with them. Growing up in an somewhat "American" family we do not use the common sign of respect used in the Filipino language "po" and "opo". Here, Filipinos are expected to end our sentences with "po" or "opo" when talking with somebody older or in authority. So, when I am outside my home, I can be heard using these terms even though it is not part of my home language.What strategies can I then use to help me communicate more effectively?
1. I need to develop certain skills like being more flexible in adapting some behaviors and language nuances of the person/group I am interacting with (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011).
2. Practice being other-oriented, apply the Platinum Rule. (Beebe, Beebe 7 Redmond, 2011)
3. Constantly engage in self-reflection and get to know my self more (Vuckovic, 2008). I must also avoid negative judgments to form in my mind.
posted by Elizabeth King Santos @ 9:03 AM
1 Comments:
Elizabeth,
I would have never thought about my family unite being where I use different communication skills. I do think it is cool to have such respect within a culture. In my culture we dont have strong beliefs like that. I am very intrigued. I enjoy learning about you and your culture because it really helps me grow and think in a broader way when it comes to the different cultures available.
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