Communicating with people from different groups and cultures.

Albania Culture

                                                       Spanish Culture and traditions

When communicating with people from different groups and cultures I find myself speaking in a clear voice so they can understand what I am saying. This is a result of the limited communication skills that some have. I try to be very patient too because at times when you are communicating with someone who has an accent it may be difficult to understand and so you may ask them to repeat it. Over the years as a result of working with a diverse background of cultures I listen very carefully and because of being around them for so long of a time I begin to pick up on what they are saying. I work with a person from Albania who is limited in her English and even in the Albania language I understand her. At the same time, it is helping me learn a second language.

The same applies to the Spanish families in our care. I have been able to communicate to them in their language even if it is something small and it makes them feel good just to hear you say hello or good morning in their language. There are times when I have to use hand gestures, or facial expressions, to communicate. I have a parent that is death so in order to communicate with her she had to write things down for me to understand her. This required a great deal of patience on my part. To better communicate with her I went out a purchased a book that would help me with basic sign language and “wow” it helped a great deal and the parent is so pleased. I am still learning sign language.

I find that non-verbal communication is often more important than verbal communication, and good for communication with someone who speaks Spanish or Albanian. Paying close attention to their body language, gestures and demeanor can help in communicating with them. Understanding differences in Spanish culture will help you better understand the people. You will appreciate their openness. The more you learn about the language and the culture, the more you will enjoy the time and communication you have with them. I find an even better way to understand Latin culture is to learn their language Spanish.

The strategies I use in dealing with a death person is to first be patient, be positive and make sure I have plenty of paper and pencils. Another thing that works also is lip-reading. I find it very important to treat them with respect. I have even gone as far as learning some phrases in Albanian.

Overall effective communication is vital for every organization. Communication is required for all business workers in every industry in order to carry out their tasks and duties, and is essential for obtaining the best performance. Being an effective communicator requires effort, observation and good verbal and nonverbal strategies.

Reference:

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.