Giving presentations is already nerve wracking. Non-native speakers face the additional challenges of language and cultural barriers to communication. Non-native speakers can dramatically improve their presentation skills and become significantly more understandable to the audience by focusing on three key … Continue reading
Many institutions, including health care, education, government and others, serve clients of limited English proficiency (LEP). With an LEP audience, English speakers can ensure effective 2-way communication by adjusting their communication style. Being patient, concise, and a good listener makes … Continue reading
Many Western doctors believe it is best to give full disclosure to patients regarding the diagnosis, treatment options and potential outcomes of severe or life threatening illnesses. This is considered the patient’s right to autonomy. While patient autonomy is held … Continue reading
English language learners tend to use English in ways stylistically similar to their first language, both when speaking and writing. That is why an effective language training program must include developing awareness of cultural norms of communication. Learners must identify … Continue reading
Culturally competent health care is good business. Health care organizations that can provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to their diverse clientele at all points of contact will have better service delivery and health outcomes, while boosting the bottom line. … Continue reading
Concepts of time vary by culture. This can create cross cultural conflict or misunderstanding in the workplace. American managers who work with employees from polychronic cultures should be aware of these differences and apply techniques for encouraging monochronic awareness. How … Continue reading
Why do I have an accent? Non-native English speakers often use the pronunciation and communication style of their native language when speaking in English, resulting in accented speech. Below are 5 common problem areas that can interfere with intelligibility when … Continue reading
Cultural awareness is a way of thinking about and viewing the world. It means understanding, respecting and successfully interacting with those whose world views, values, behaviors, communication styles, customs and practices are different than one’s own. Cultural Awareness occurs in … Continue reading
Culturally competent healthcare delivery is not just the right thing to do, it ‘s also good business sense. It is the culturally competent organization that will have a competitive edge in the health care market and a decreased likelihood of … Continue reading
Good communication is a culturally-bound concept. What is appropriate and effective in one culture may not be so in another. However, regardless of culture, all communication carries a message. But who is responsible for making sure that message gets transmitted? … Continue reading
