Cultural sensitivity is a an attitude and way of behaving in which you’re aware of and acknowledge cultural differences; it’s crucial for such global goals as world peace and economic growth as well as for effective interpersonal communication (Franklin & Mizell, 1995). In William Gudykunst’s and Young Yun Kim’s article, Communicating With Strangers: An Approach to Intercultural Communication. Gudykunst and Kim begin by observing that “we communicate the way we do because we are raised in a particular culture and learn its language, rules, and norms.” Different cultures (and subcultures) may have different rules and norms. The authors argue that understanding the other’s culture facilitates cross-cultural communication.
Cultural Sensitivity
How would you rate your own level of cross-cultural sensitivity? How often do you take into consideration diversity issues at work or school?
Try to recall a situation where you observed, or you yourself were faced with cross cultural situation. What problems existed? How could the situation have been improved or avoided?
What specific course concepts from your readings relate to cross-cultural sensitivity? How can you apply these concepts to the situation you observed or experienced?
