Communicating Culturally

When I thought about this blog I didn't think that I communicated differently with people of different cultures. The more I think about it and analyze the question, I see where I do communicate with those differently than myself in different ways. Growing up in the south it seems that everyone is the same but North and South Louisiana are as different as night and day from our accents down to our culture. I find myself having to play close attention to what south Louisianians say because their accents are thicker than mine. If I don't understand what is being said I have to ask in simple terms what is being said. I have also had to get familiar with the culture of south Louisiana more.  I have lived in North Louisiana for a few years but never had much to do with south Louisiana until I started working with some of my co-workers who are south Louisianians. I learned from the readings this week "don't expect just because you know a person's culture that you can predict his or her behaviors." (Gonzalez, 2). I have learned that each person is different and the differences within our cultures makes us unique.

The three strategies that can help me communicate effectively:

1. Realize that each person is different. I believe that this is important because it will help make for a better understanding of each other. The differences that we each portray is what makes us unique.
2. Have an open mind. This is important because many times people from different cultures may or may  not share the same ideas or believes that we share and therefore by having an open mind we can see where they are coming from and hopefully they can see our views.
3. A great listener. When we listen and pick up on the verbal as well the nonverbal cues then we can become effective communicators with all people.

reference:
Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Three Things

If I were every uprooted from my home country and sent some unfamiliar place and could only take three things I would have to take my quilt that my mama gave me, pictures of my family, and my bible.

The quilt that my mama gave me is much like a child's security blanket. I take it on all vacations and its the one blanket that I sleep with every night. I feel that I can sleep anywhere as long as I have that special  quilt.

The second item that I would take with me is my photo album with family pictures. Pictures are such a treasure and I love to look back on the "good times".  It always brings a smile to my face to reminisce on the old times, fun times, and my great family. I feel that those feelings would help me get through being in a foreign land and outside my comfort zone.

The third thing that I would take with me is my bible. The bible would show mty faith and help me push through the trials that I may have to face being in a strange land. The bible gives me strength to continue going.

If I was forced to just take one of the three items I would have to choose my photo album because the pictures can never be replaced and the other items can. If I was forced to let everything else go but still had my family photo album to flip through and remember where I came from then I would be able to make it.