Communicating Cultural Competence

Many families and individuals reflect more than one culture. In addition, there are individual differences within cultural and ethnic groups. One of the most important components of any culture is communication, and it is important to understand how culture impacts communication. Communication is interactive. As a service provider, you are active and interactive every time you communicate with a family. You are active when you share information. You are interactive when you react to the family’s verbal and nonverbal communication to you.

Sometimes your lack of reaction to a family has as much impact as a reaction. If you don’t react appropriately to a family’s communication, or show no reaction at all, it can interfere with building rapport and therefore can negatively impact service delivery. You must be able to communicate so the family is able to receive the message you intended. You must also be able to interpret the intent of the family’s communication to you accurately.

Cultural Differences in Communication Cultures differ in the amount of information shared through words versus through the context of the situation. To be culturally competent, you will need to adjust your communication style with each family. A cultural communication style can be defined as either high context or low context. High context cultures emphasize body language and facial cues, rather than words, to convey meaning. Communication in high context cultures also relies on the shared history and experience of the group. Examples of high context cultures would be Asian, American Indian, Arab, Latino, and African American. On the other hand, communication in low context cultures focuses on precise, direct and logical verbal communication. Low context communicators strive for efficiency. Words are more important than gestures, facial expressions, mood, and other environmental cues. Examples of low context cultures would be Anglo-European, American, Swiss, German, and Scandinavian.

Nonverbal Communication Because the importance and meaning of nonverbal communication varies from culture to culture, be sure that your use of eye contact, gestures, personal space, touching, and facial expressions is respectful within the culture of the person with whom you are communicating. For example, in most Anglo-European cultures, frequent eye contact is a sign you are listening and interested. Not making eye contact may be viewed as rude. In some other cultures, eye contact may be viewed as disrespectful or even as aggressive and challenging. Take your cues from the person with whom you are communicating and adjust your nonverbal communication.

Lynch, Eleanor W., and Marci J. Hanson. Developing Cross-Cultural Competence. 4th ed. N.p.: Paul H. Brookes, 2011. Print.