It leads to better relationships, healthier work environments, and a stronger, more compassionate society.
The Importance of Cultural Awareness
Cultural awareness involves learning about cultures that are different from your own.
Here are a few tips for how to go about becoming more culturally aware.
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images.
it’s possible for you to also respectfully ask others about their lives.
Dont lean on assumptions, says Dr. White.
Actually research cultures different from yours.
Expand your web link to include people from different cultures into your circle, Dr. White recommends.
Different people fall intovarious categoriesalong the continuum.
What If I Say the Wrong Thing?
The truth is, most people makemistakeson their journey toward cultural awareness, and thats understandable, says Dr.
Sometimes it even makes sense to apologize in advance, if you are saying something you are unsure of.
you might say, I may have this wrong, so I apologize beforehand but… Dr.
The key is to be sincere in your conversations and always open to learning from others, she says.
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Can I Ask Someone to Help Me Learn About Their Culture?
One of the important ways to develop culture awareness is to educate yourself about other cultures.
Learning directly from people of different cultures is a fantastic way to get authentic information.
But its important to engage in conversations with others about their cultures inrespectful, appropriate manners.
Its also important to make the conversation a two-way street.
Dont just ask them about their culturetalk about your culture as well.
Finally, see to it to take it upon yourself to do some of the work.
Don’t simply rely on others to educate youthis may be seen as insensitive, Dr. White says.
We live in an ever-changing diverse world, Dr. We rob ourselves when we only hang out with people from our cultural groups.
We have to branch out and experience the beauty that others bring.
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