Effective Cross-Culture Communication

    Communication is the key to building better relationships. A person needs to learn how to communicate with different cultural groups of people when they are in the education field. Communicating more effectively with people from other cultures, you must show respect, learn to adapt, do not be egocentric, avoid stereotyping, recognize and welcome differences, and develop a sense of cultural awareness. I have had two get to know them on a personal level and study their cultures and values. I've asked different parents and colleagues how they would like me to communicate with them. I've had to use Google Translate’s app that changes my written communication into their home language so they can read newsletters and parent letters about the childcare center on their own time. I have had some colleagues that like to communicate one on one with me in a quiet location at the center instead of around all the chaotic noise throughout the day. She cannot focus on the words being said when there is so much stimulation around her.

    The platinum rule is something I will be using from now on in my workplace. it is important to try and put yourself in the other person’s shoes and understand their thoughts and feelings before verbally communicating with them. I think for me I need to share the floor so everyone can speak and be heard and embrace the differences and opinions of others, this will help my communication to be more effective. I also need to slow and be present, giving people my full attention when they are speaking. Sometimes I am running around doing so much and listening with my ears but not with my eyes, my body language, and some people do not think that is very respectful.