Verbal and Non-Verbal Adjustments in Communicating with Different Cultures

Awareness of cultural differences can build bridges, encourage cultural interaction, and reinforce collaboration between different ethnics. Indians and Columbians stress on respect, North Americans on sociability, and Arabs value the Fetr Eid. Sharing each of these groups in their moments of joy and happiness can result in lifelong bonds and ties, which are truly in need of for progress and amelioration.

From the diversity workshop, I learn that with Indian and Columbian elders, I will show my respect and willingness to serve, saying, “mam” in the case of Columbians; with North Americans, I will try to be more sociable and stress on smiling a lot; with Arabs, I will try to join them in the Fetr Eid to celebrate the special occasion, or offer them assistance to be on top of academics while celebrating their feast.

Respect, humility, and assistance to elders are matters that are stressed upon in India and Columbia. Therefore, these are matters that I would watch out for as well when dealing with Indians, and Colombians—using the word, mam, for Columbians to express reverence and respect.

North Americans put much emphasis on the Sociability and the cheerfulness of the person, whether during services in churches, or even afterwards, when barbequing together. Therefore utilizing these characteristics while dealing with North Americans would be wise to gain their camaraderie and win them over.

Take Cultural/Religious Celebrations of Arabs and Indians as Opportunities for Building Rapport and Collaboration

While Arabs have the Fetr Eid and Indians celebrate the Duballi, an outsider can win both sides if he or she is appreciable to the cultural and religious differences. In addition to building rapport with the different cultures through this appreciable attitude, one can utilize these moments of celebration to start collaboration and group works if he or she offers to help members of the other culture with academics, or any other field in which they are both common as long as it is legal, during their celebration.

Through learning about cultural differences one can learn ways of building more bridges and encouraging optimism as well as production. I learned to stress on the matter of respect with Indians and Colombians, on cheerfulness and optimism with North Americans, and appreciate the Fetr Eid of Arabs, as well as, the Duballi celebration of Indians, taking these moments and opportunities to build rapport and start works of collaboration and group works.