Communication and Culture

In early childhood education we as professionals are looking to serve children and families.  I believe the Platinum Rule should be number one when we think about our communication strategies with families.  It serves for us to think of how the family or parent will feel with each statement.  Its makes them the true focus of our work.  

I have gained insight that it’s very valuable to do a continued self–reflection on our bias and communication skills so that we don’t have cultural myopia when working children and families from other cultures.  “Individuals who fail to consider other cultural perspectives are said to suffer from cultural myopia, a form of nearsightedness grounded in the belief that one’s own culture is appropriate and relevant in all situations and to all people” (O’Hair, Wiemann, 2012, p. 45). 

Communication accommodation theory suggests that all people adapt their behavior to others to some extent.  Those who adapt to others appropriately and sensitively are more likely to experience more positive communication" (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011, p. 112). With working with a varied diverse group of children and families we need to learn how to be adaptive in our communication skills.  Being aware of non-verbal communication, body language, facial expression can assist us with knowing if a family is understanding what is being communicated or if they are frustrated.  We can adjust our tones, slow down our speech and allow for processing time.  

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

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