Exploring Intercultural Competence Diversity As A College ✓ Solved

Exploring Intercultural Competence Diversityas A College

As a college, we have been asked to reflect on issues of Global and Social Diversity. The process involves thinking and writing about personal culture, bias, social diversity, and our world view. This reflection incorporates various aspects of awareness, empathy, communication, curiosity, and openness in relation to different cultures and diversity.

Personal Cultural Awareness

Growing up, our families and communities instill rules and customs that shape our understanding of culture. For instance, in my family, we prioritize respect for elders, celebrate cultural heritage through festivals, value education as a pillar of societal progress, and engage in community service. These rules have cultivated a strong sense of identity and belonging, enhancing my awareness of the cultural behaviors within my community.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate my awareness of my own culture a 4. I recognize my biases and upbringing largely influence my worldview, but there are still aspects of my culture that I continuously explore to deepen my understanding.

In terms of friendship, I find that I tend to seek people who are different from me, rating myself a 4 on the scale. This inclination promotes personal growth and broadens my perspective.

Familiarity with Other Cultures

My exposure to various cultures has been extensive. I've learned about African cultures, their rich histories and community-oriented values; about Asian cultures, particularly their emphasis on family hierarchy and collective goals; as well as indigenous cultures, where spirituality and connection to nature prevail. Understanding these cultures’ unique communication styles and practices has significantly enriched my world view.

Judging Other Views

When reflecting upon other cultures and religions, I find myself more inclined to research and question beliefs that differ from my own, rather than judge them. This curiosity fuels a desire for empathy, promoting deeper understanding.

Conversely, I have faced bias towards my beliefs, which was disheartening. Feeling judged for my perspectives pushed me to empathize with those who hold different views. This experience underscored the importance of understanding others' backgrounds and values.

Communication Across Cultures

Communication transcends verbal interactions and includes nuances such as personal space, body language, and tone. I have encountered miscommunications due to cultural differences. For example, while participating in a group project with international peers, my directness was misinterpreted as rudeness. On the other hand, cultural nuances in gesturing during discussions occasionally led to misunderstandings.

Curiosity Towards Diversity

Assessing my curiosity about different cultures on a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate myself a 5. This eagerness compels me to learn more about diverse practices, traditions, and ways of life, which in turn enhances my cultural competence.

To further increase my cultural awareness, my cultural bucket list includes experiences like attending international festivals, traveling to various countries, participating in cultural exchange programs, volunteering in multicultural communities, and enrolling in courses that focus on cross-cultural communication.

Openness to Other Cultures

I rate my attitude towards other cultures as a 4. I am eager to learn, but sometimes cautious in environments that challenge my preconceived notions. When placed in new situations outside my comfort zone, I strive to suspend judgment until I have a broader understanding of the experience. This openness allows for growth and learning.

Conclusion

Overall, reflecting on personal culture and biases alongside an exploration of global diversity emphasizes the importance of awareness, empathy, curiosity, and openness in our interactions. By enhancing our intercultural competence, we can cultivate a more inclusive society that enriches our collective experiences.

References

• Deardorff, D. K. (2006). The Identification and Assessment of Intercultural Competence as a Student Outcome of Internationalization. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10(3), 241-266.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. SAGE Publications.
• Chiu, C. Y., & Hong, Y. Y. (2006). Social Psychology of Culture. Psychology Press.
• Porter, R. & Samovar, L. A. (2004). Communication Between Cultures. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
• Leung, K., & Cohen, D. (2011). Cultural Processes: A Social Psychological Perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 62, 51-79.
• Marginson, S. (2016). The World Educational Crisis: New Ideas for Action. Cambridge University Press.
• Cushner, K. (2007). The Role of Education in Cultivating Global Awareness. International Educator, 16(3), 19-23.
• Byram, M. (1997). Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence. Multilingual Matters.
• Kim, Y. Y. (2001). Becoming Intercultural: An Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross-Cultural Adaptation. SAGE Publications.
• Gudykunst, W. B. (2004). Bridging Differences: Effective Intergroup Communication. SAGE Publications.