The Top 5 Most Often-made Mistakes in Intercultural Communication
- Avoiding Communication. Most people
wait until they have to communicate
with a person of a different social group
(e.g., the "Arab" guy at work or
the black lady at the supermarket cash
register). When you "have" to communicate, you
probably won't be communicating very well. In
other words, if you wait until you "have" to
say something, you will not learn how to
communicate well. Tip: Take small risks by
seeking opportunities for intercultural
contact and communication.
- Having people who are different meet you
under your own terms. It is easy to meet an
individual member of a different race, ethnicity,
or nationality in your own community or church.
Don't expect them to represent their group.
Instead, immerse yourself in a different group
to experience their culture to its fullest.
Tip: Go to a concert or other event where you
are a minority.
- Value differences. People are different
because their beliefs and values serve important
social functions. Their differences can help you
learn more about your own beliefs. Tip: Allow them
to be different and study your reactions to their
differences. This exercise will help you learn about
yourself and develop your intercultural skills.
- Holding Stuff Back. Most of us are hesitant to
talk freely in intercultural interactions. We have
questions about other groups that we would love
to have answered, but fail to take advantage of
opportunities. Full communication means that
you say everything that's occurring to you, albeit
appropriately. If you edit the important stuff out,
you miss opportunities to learn. Tip: Form a
learning relationship with a person who is different
than you. Agree upon a way to clean up/make up if
one is perceived as going too far.
- Keep a clear mind. Intercultural communication
is difficult enough without allowing stress, alcohol
consumption, or drug use to make matters worse.
It is better to reduce/eliminate these behaviors rather
than use them to strengthen your communication skills.
Tip: Maintain credibility and honesty by being calm
and sober in intercultural communication.
|
