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Cultural Sensitivity in Communication

The document discusses cultural sensitivity in communication. It defines cultural sensitivity as awareness of cultural differences and similarities without judgment. It explains that cultural sensitivity is important for effective intercultural communication and reducing misunderstandings. It provides tips for demonstrating cultural sensitivity such as educating oneself on other cultures, checking biases, and respectfully asking questions in intercultural exchanges.

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danica dimaculangan
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363 views12 pages

Cultural Sensitivity in Communication

The document discusses cultural sensitivity in communication. It defines cultural sensitivity as awareness of cultural differences and similarities without judgment. It explains that cultural sensitivity is important for effective intercultural communication and reducing misunderstandings. It provides tips for demonstrating cultural sensitivity such as educating oneself on other cultures, checking biases, and respectfully asking questions in intercultural exchanges.

Uploaded by

danica dimaculangan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cultural Sensitivity in

Communication
1. What does
cultural
sensitivity
mean ?
2. Why cultural
You will learn
sensitivity in
communication
is important ?
3. How do we
demonstrate
cultural
sensitivity?
4. How do we
show respect
and sensitivity
to different
cultures?
5. How do
become more
culturally
aware?
Cultural Sensitivity
• Being aware that cultural differences
and similarities between people exist
without assigning them a value –
positive or negative, better or worse,
right or wrong.
• CULTURAL SENSITIVITY is the
awareness that people have varying
cultures and that the similarities and
differences of these culture affect the
values, behavior, and learning of the
people.

• CULTURAL SENSITIVITY is
something that helps people accept
or tolerate one another despite
varying beliefs, moral codes, and
points of view. It also helps people
live together in relative peace.
Cultural Sensitivity
in Communication
• Cultural sensitivity is important because
it allows us to effectively function in
other cultures, allows us to respect and
value other cultures, and can
reduce cultural barriers between
professionals and patient.

• The lack of cultural sensitivity (or


cultural insensitivity), therefore, leads
to a misunderstanding or conflict. In
communication, cultural insensitivity is
a type of psychological noise that
interferes with or distorts messages
and causes communication
breakdown.
Cultural Sensitivity
in Communication
• Take for instance a group discussion in
which the participants have different
nationalities and cultures. If one or two
members of the group are culturally
insensitive, there is a high probability
that the participants will end up
arguing against one another. In turn,
this will lead to disagreements.
How do we
demonstrate cultural
sensitivity?
There's a five step that anyone can
take to become more culturally
sensitive

1. Be aware of why you want to learn more


about other culture.
2. Educate yourself on intercultural
communication.
3. Become aware of your culture and
biases.
4. Let go of any ethnocentric beliefs.
5. Ask a question during intercultural
exchanges.
How do we show
respect and sensitivity
to different cultures ?
Here are five step to show
respect and sensitivity to another
cultures.
1. Read – books by authors from
another countries can expand your
cultural understanding.
2. Watch movies – world cinema has lot
to offer.
3. listen to radio show and podcast –
audio content is a great way to learn
cultures on the go.
4. Talk – talk to individuals from
different cultures . This is one of the
most effective way to learn another
cultures.
5. Traveling - ‘Travel broadens the
mind’ is one of the biggest clichés
there is. However, there’s also a lot of
truth in it. Stepping outside of your
area of familiarity gives you the
chance to experience many different
ways of living life. Don’t forget, when
you visit another country, quite often
it’s you that’s the minority, and you
would want other people to respect
your culture to .
How do become
more culturally
aware?
There is five steps to be more
aware to another cultures and
to be more sensitive in
communicating to them.
1. Think beyond race and ethnicity- A
person’s culture is shaped by more
than the color of their skin or the way
that they dress. It’s shaped by the
person’s life experiences and
traditions, which may be seen or
unseen to the naked eye.
2. Learn by asking- Don’t be afraid to
ask questions. People feel respected
and appreciated when others take a
genuine interest in who they are, so
ask open-ended questions about their
culture to learn more.
3. Make local connections- Find local
organizations or venues that work with
a cultural group you’re interested in
and stop by. Organizations like
advocacy groups, religious
institutions, colleges and social clubs
are a great place to learn more and
make connections.
4. Pay attention to non-verbal
behaviors- Meaning behind body
language can sometimes differ
based on cultural norms. Pay
attention to how your body
language is being perceived by
those around you.

5. Exchange stories- Storytelling


is a great way to share
experiences that go beyond
culture. Initiate an open
conversation by sharing a
personal story or experience.

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