Cross Cultural Interactions with Others

Social workers, psychologists and educators alike, have a responsibility to develop heathenish competencies. This implies a commitment to creating an environment of vulgar apprehensiveness. Cultural competence refers to the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and efficaciously to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, heathenish backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each (NASW, 2000b, p. 61).Therapists centering on interactions with diverse clients and new situations everyday. Developing ethnic competencies is essential towards meaningful chat. Research on someone perception has suggested that the in make foration we glean from others screwing be affected by factors such as appearance, stereotypes, and culture (Wang, 2009). The readiness statements for review pore upon confabula tion style (verbal and gestural) and how colloquy feces submit others perceptions. In addition, a competency statement regarding proud-and low- circumstance conversation from different heathenish socializations is discussed.Most models of counseling assume that the spoken word is understood. However, when working with master heathenish clients, a host of deficits linger, which may lead to distance, vulnerability and misinterpretations. communicative converse is historic but do-nothing be easily misinterpreted brandwise cultures. Words argon powerful, but often forgotten. How one grasps the words is near often remembered. Words and what they mean in a cross cultural setting have a major role in a therapeutic setting.To fully understand a culture, it is necessary to understand the se of the cultures metaphors. Metaphors have their own historical origins and atomic number 18 culture specific (Laungani, 2004). The understanding of intrapersonal process of communicatio n is essential and fundamentally primary(prenominal) when working with ethnic clients. The therapist occupys a clear understanding of the clients subjective experiences, personal goals, daily bearings and other authoritative areas to ensure communication value (Laungani, 2004). When verbal messages are unclear, we break away to look at gestural cues (LeBaron, 2003).During a therapeutic encounter between therapist and clients of different cultural backgrounds, it is imperative for all bear on to be vigilant and sensitive teeming to read correctly the different verbal, non-verbal, and other physical cues the client knowingly or unknowingly may display to the therapist (Laungani, 2004, p. 196). Nonverbal communication is especially important in intercultural counseling situations because of language barriers (metaphors), set mannerisms, and cultural unfamiliarity.Research has agreed that communicative messages convey more than half of the emotive meaning of each message (Laun ganie, 2004, Edmonds, 2010, Wang, 2010). Many emotions are similar across cultures, how they are expressed and interpreted is culture-specific. For example, a person of Japanese mightily may smile as she relates details of a death in her family. For a occidentaler, who understands a smile to mean happiness, this expression may be cold and unfeeling. Based upon cultural beliefs in Japan, it is not appropriate to travel to the pain of grief on others (LeBaron, 2003).The understanding of racy-and low-context communications from different cultures is markifi rumpt because it plays an integral part in understanding and developing a kind. bring and indirect styles of communication correspond to the concept of superior-and low-context cultures. The United States is considered a low-context culture because of the linear and direct style of communication. On the other hand, China, Mexico, and Egypt are termed high-context cultures because communication is more contextual, process-or iented, and less rushed (Fouad, 2007, p. 3).In examining the cognitive style of communication, stand (2004) far-famed that Americans follow a predict competent sequence in their cerebration process. They tend to organize their thoughts in a linear fashion forrader let looseing. Speakers, who have a more relaxed view on time, tend to bm to the point, such as Asiatics. Arab, Russians, and Africans, tend to insert stories and go off on tangents (p. 143). Cultures tend to attribute different levels of importance to nonverbal and verbal communication. high school context cultures rely more on the unspoken word.They are concerned and focused upon the context and the persons friendship of the rules for communicating. For other cultures, a clear understanding of the message is less important because nonverbal behavior and the context are understood. Middle East, Asia, and Latin America are examples of high context cultural groups. United States and Canada are considered a low conte xt culture because they place less importance on nonverbal communication and rely heavily on the spoken word (Fouad, 2007). fit in to (LeBaron, 2003) high context settings such as Japan or Colombia, understanding of the nonverbal message is more important than the communication as a whole. Therapists need to be aware of these differences so they can model appropriate behaviors for others (Fouad, 2007). Gudykunst (2001) conceptualized high context communication to include the following communication styles being indirect, inferring meaning, social sensitivity, using feelings to guide behavior, and the using silence.In contrast, low context communication includes being dramatic, dominant, animated, relaxed, attentive, open friendly, contentious, and impression-leaving (Park& Kim, 2008, p. 47). An emerging body of research has documented that Asian cultures tend to adhere to high context communication styles, while European cultures tend to adhere to low context communication styles ( p. 47). Communication styles can be rational or emotional. For example, Brooks (2004) stated that Americans are considered to be more rational. On the other hand, Southeast Asians prefer to keep their emotions stable.Russians are known to be highly emotional (p. 144). In chapter 3, Fouad (2007) addresses the cross-cultural interactions with others. According to Fouad (2007) sensitivity and understanding about different cultural scripts for verbal and nonverbal behaviors are essential because of the different formal and informal norms across cultures (p. 43). This is an important message because you cannot have rapport and empathy without understanding, sensitivity, and knowledge of multicultural behaviors and values. Effectiveness with a client from some other culture is dependent upon making educated choices involving communication.LeBaron (2003) noted that all communication is cultural it draws on how we have leaseed to speak and give nonverbal messages (p. 1). The way we commun icate to others depends upon the situation, individual personalities, and our mood. This coupled with a variety of cultural influences we already have can influence our communication choices. Communication is interactive and plays an important influence on the effectiveness of our relationship with others (LeBaron, 2003). Although some emotions are universal (a smiley face inserted in emails), others are pernicious and often misunderstood (a wink).Facial expressions may be the only form of nonverbal communication that may be considered universal. Cultures interpret body language, gestures, pusher and carriage, vocal noises (shrieks and grunts), and degree of eye sense of touch differently (Edmonds, 2010). Gestures can be easily misinterpreted. For example, motionding your head up and down within the Western culture, suggests you agree. However, in the Middle Eastern culture, it means the opposite. Nodding your head affirmatively in the Middle East is a sign of disagreement. Moreo ver, in Japan, a nod is just a augur that psyche is listening (Wang, 2010).Edmonds (2010) shares that the OK signal made by forming a circle with the thumb and forefinger refers to capital in some countries, while in others, its extremely uneasy reference to a private body part. Eye contact is another variable that is extremely important. In some cultures direct eye contact is valued. However, in other cultures, averting eye contact is a sign of respect. A simple(a) gesture of thumbs up, may readily offend someone from a different culture. In Iran, this gesture is considered to be vulgar. Shaking manpower when appealing may seem innocent, but in some countries this is rude(a) behavior.In the Middle East, you should not hand an object to another person with your left hand. The left hand in the Middle East is speechless for personal hygiene (Edmonds, 2010). Others may be shy and touching is considered an interior behavior. on that point are specific rules for personal space across cultures. There are different ideas about space when having a conversation. Research shows that Americans tend to prefer a large amount of space. Europeans tend to stand close at hand(predicate) together when talking. It is suggested that this may be due to the fact that Europeans are habitual to smaller places.Americans on the other hand, are used to larger homes and countrysides (LeBaron, 2003). Personal space is not a concern for some cultures. Italians and Latinos allow for open kissing with strong and long embraces to greet one another, whereas in the United States, such contact may be considered too sexual. Further studies have shown that Asian children cannot be touched on the head or it will damage the childs soul. each of these variables influences communication efforts (Edmonds (2010). As clinicians, we must strive to learn all we can about the culture of our clients.Remer (2007) introduces the butterfly effect. This effect refers to those small differences in sign conditions may have severe consequences for patterns in the long run (p. 93). Miscommunications can lead to frustration and a lack of trust, thus destroying a relationship. appointment can easily occur or escalate if miscommunications are already in place. As an agent of change, this writer values diversity as an opportunity to learn. Professional expectations should never be lowered, they need to be develop and maintained in order to improve the quality of culturally fitting services.Sensitivity and knowledge should be heightened in order to be a successful agent of change. Striving to be cross-culturally competent is a animateness long journey. It begins with each day being viewed as an opportunity to learn more about another person. Competence implies that one has the confidence and the skill to function effectively outside of their culture zone. Despite the madness ring social service agencies, this writer is committed to supporting members of underrepresented groups. It is paramount to be committed to incorporating a wide variety of verbal and nonverbal communication skills in response to direct and indirect communication styles. A simple glance can affect the message you are sending and how others perceive you. Moreover, it is important to have a strong sense of self awareness. genius must be accepting, comfortable and open to new and unfamiliar ship canal of communicating in order to broaden personal perspectives. The main focus is to abide objective, know that there are cultural differences, be able to identify subtle behaviors, and to trust your intuition.Alternative ways in which a therapist can be actively involved in cross cultural communication may include checking with clients for the accuracy of your interpretation when unsure. increase a question about interpretations demonstrates interest, validation and establishes trust. Therapists may choose to move outside of verbal exchanges and use acting, puppets (young children), drawing, music, story telling, collage making and journaling. By allowing clients to be your teacher, one can enhance the relationship and establish competence. As an agent of change, specific objectives are to be met.First, diversity training should be offered. Coworkers will be asked to band together and search for consultants or facilitators to help oneself in the planning. Second, embrace research and gain as much knowledge as you can about your clients culture. Third, frequent consultations with supervisors and colleagues are important to obtain performance feedback. Collaboration with others is an excellent way to remain grounded. As a therapist working with cross cultural clients, it is important to remember that although your mouth is closed, your body is talking.