As I have many colleagues from various cultures, so I do feel that I communicate with people from different cultures differently. For example, in my culture, touch is very common among girls. We can hold hands, or put the head on the other’s shoulder. It is not the culture of expats at school, so I pay special attention to it. When I am talking to Chinese girls at school, I will put myself in the touch culture to be friendly. On the other hand, when I am talking to expats, I will not touch them at all. I will keep a polite distance while we are talking. I think this is one of the differences that I have found in communicating with people from various cultures. The other thing that I have noticed is the word choice.When I am talking to young children, I prefer to use short and clear sentences to highlight what I want to express. Meanwhile, when I am talking to native English speakers at school, I will use formal sentence structures and longer sentences. I will not use slang, as I am not good at those yet. The most relaxing moment would be the time that I am talking to my Chinese colleagues and friends in Chinese. I use slang and dialect without worrying about confusion or misunderstanding.
From what I have learned this week, I think the following strategies may help me. For example, I should not fall into my schemas to have prejudgements of others when I meet someone for the first time. First impression is important, but it cannot be the only evidence for us to know others. It will be better for us to step out our schemas to have a real conversation with others to get to know people. Meanwhile, I should realize my cultural myopia to avoid stereotyping and prejudice (O’Hair & Weimann).
References:
Dan O’Hair & Mary Wiemann (2012), Real Communication
Hello Xiyue! I always enjoy reading your posts, and this week, I was quite impressed at your cultural awareness. It was somewhat fascinating that you are able to think ahead of time about the cultural backgrounds of the various individuals you come in contact with; you are communicating with each in a culturally effective background. I think it's amazing and wonderful all wrapped up together! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSissi,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have never heard the term expats. Wondering if an expat is of a single cultural group or non-Chinese in general. I also found the practice of touch interesting and how you can determine when touch would be welcome and when to refrain. Your cultural insight is fascinating.
Hello Sissi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about your culture. In your sharing, I learned more about how touch impacts your relationships. I find that I also speak differently to people who share a similar culture as I do. I find that I am more comfortable being who I am and I can say what is on my mind due to the fact there will be less misunderstanding. I look forward to learning more.