Ten-point tip to smooth sailing alongside a person from a different culture
1. Show respect for what you do not understand
2. Be open to learning and asking non-judgemental questions e.g. Could you explain the reasons for slapping a baby on the back after they have finished drinking their milk?
I’ve never seen people eating the embryo of a chicken in the egg. Does everyone eat this; is it for special celebrations or particular time of the year?
3. Always ask open ended questions that allow people to provide you with the answer. When you ask questions that begin with Why it sounds judgemental and accusatory
4. Be willing to share something about yourself and your culture while trying to find out about the culture of the other.
5. Acknowledge to yourself your privileged position over this person as a worker and as someone who understands the dominant culture so as to be able to appreciate where your client is at in his or her adjustment.
6. Assume that your client is an intelligent independent agent whose only problem is that they are in a different environment and does not know the language. Imagine yourself in a country that does not speak your language and imagine how that feels or how you would feel if people talked down to you as if you knew nothing and you’re ignorant or stupid or treat you like a child.
7. Judge the client by their own deeds and not based on the deeds of those who come from a similar culture. Everyone is an individual within a culture and everyone responds to situation in their own unique way. It is easier to based our decisions on stereotype that the work of getting to know the individual.
8. Show respect for people’s preferences and culture. E.g. if they do not like you to enter their homes with your outside shoes on, then take your shoes off at the door.
9. Pay attention to the interpersonal dynamics to learn about the person in front of you and what they value. If they do something that you are unsure about, ask, ask, ask. People generally love to explain and feel empowered that their worker cares enough about their feelings to want to know. You score big in this area.
10. Listen and watch and you will learn a lot about a culture and about another human being.
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