I definitely communicate differently with people from different groups. The way I talk to my friends is completely different than how I speak and what I talk about with my dad and my grandparents. Also the topics that I talk about vary depending on who I am talking with. My friends that have kids we talk a lot about topics regarding the stages our children are in and our conversations are more family oriented. I have a few friends from high school and college that do not have children so I do not talk to them as much about my kids. Our conversations are usually about their jobs or the parties that they have been to because that is definitely not a part of my life much anymore so I like to say I am living through them. I think it also depends on the setting because I have many friends from church and our conversations do slightly differ when we are talking at church rather than at a house where we are more comfortable and can share more. If I do not know someone I almost have to force myself to talk to them because I am so shy and I do not always know what to say.
Even though I do not have much interaction with people from different cultures, I know I do act differently mainly because I am nervous and unsure of how to act. I once met a family from Burma and their accent was really hard to understand. I know I did act as appropriately as I should have because it was hard to understand them and I was worried about offending them by saying or doing something wrong. I know my nervousness made the situation more uncomfortable.
I need to work on moving out of my comfort zone and build relationships with people who are from different groups with different hobbies and different cultures. In these cases I can ask questions to find some similarities, but also embrace the differences because we can learn from each other. This class is showing me how important communication is with others to grow as a person.
Even though I do not have much interaction with people from different cultures, I know I do act differently mainly because I am nervous and unsure of how to act. I once met a family from Burma and their accent was really hard to understand. I know I did act as appropriately as I should have because it was hard to understand them and I was worried about offending them by saying or doing something wrong. I know my nervousness made the situation more uncomfortable.
I need to work on moving out of my comfort zone and build relationships with people who are from different groups with different hobbies and different cultures. In these cases I can ask questions to find some similarities, but also embrace the differences because we can learn from each other. This class is showing me how important communication is with others to grow as a person.
Hi Jennie,
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to put yourself in situations that are out of your comfort zone, especially if you are busy (which being a mom and going to school means of course you are), and especially if you are shy! I can remember being too shy to be able to think of anything to say and being amazed at other people's flowing ability to chat in group situations when we had all just met.
I learned from them and the best way to get started is the universal communication-smile! Then give a compliment- "Hey! I like your shoes! Are they comfortable?" My conversation then usually goes to a criticism about myself (My self ridiculing sarcasm is a perfected art) like- "I wish I could wear cute shoes but I have these whopper man feet". People generally continue with all the talking. If you stay away from sensitive subjects, it gets easier every time!
I feel the similar way about my comfort zone. I have to work on relationships because I believe that’s a powerful core. One on one connection makes a sound basis for building trust and respect between children and their families from different cultures. In fact, building diverse communities are dominant; together we both can help each other achieve set goals.
ReplyDeleteJennie,
ReplyDeleteI have found myself coming out of my comfort zone more and more. I have also found that the universal greeting is a smile. Even though I am a quiet person by nature I have found myself speaking out a little more. When we are trying to implement a new communication skill it takes practice. I continue to tell myself I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
Jennie
ReplyDeleteI also tend to be shy around people I don’t know. I force myself to speak out, but the people I gravitate to are people like me who are also quiet sharing a smile, but not many words. I am a work in progress and hope the knowledge I obtain about communication will help me to open up and be more comfortable communicating with others.
Hi Jennie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about not knowing how to act. Sometimes what I think is "nice" may not be what is nice in their culture. I always have good intentions but new things do scare me sometimes. I am worried about doing something that will offend someone simply because I do not know about their culture.