AUSTRALIA PACIFIC TECHNICAL COLLEGE

The APTC is an AID PROJECT funded by the

Australian Government

Cultural Sensitivity

What is the “natural” or “appropriate” way to you, is not necessarily the most “natural” or “appropriate” way for other

cultures.

Lustig M. & Koester, J. 1993, “Intercultural Competence”

Your Own CultureLanguage

> direct

Non-Verbal Communication> greetings, queuing, tone of voice, touching, symbols

Space/Time Orientation> use of personal space, linear regimented time frames

Religious Beliefs> personal, no impact on decision making

Patterns of Thinking> logical, straightforward

Self Image> independence

Other Cultures• Language

– indirect

• Non-Verbal Communication– greetings, queuing, tone of voice, touching, symbols

• Space/Time Orientation– use of personal space, unstructured time frames

• Religious Beliefs– Influences decision making

• Patterns of Thinking– group interaction, holistic approach to solving issues

• Self Image– part of a group, part of a nation

Process of AdjustmentFeelings and emotions of an international student

The Process of Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Experience of difference

Denial Defence Minimisation Acceptance Adaption Integration

Bennett’s Development Model

Ethnocentric Stages Ethnorelative Stages

The Process of Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Denial

Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism

Developmental Strategies• cultural awareness activities• historical information• travelogues

First Stage - Denial• anger• negativity

The Process of Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Defense

Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism

Developmental Strategies• Emphasis on what is “good” in

other cultures

Second Stage - Defense• overt hostility• negative labeling• feelings of superiority

The Process of Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Minimisation

Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism

Third Stage - Minimisation• Cultural Differences are

superficial• Common sense will prevail• All cultures come under the

same laws and principals• Tolerance

Developmental Strategies• Discussion about personal

experiences• Involvement of guest speakers

of other cultures

The Process of Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Acceptance

Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism

Fourth Stage - Acceptance• Respect of the differences in

culture• Using the understanding of

differences as a base for learning and adaptation

Developmental Strategies• Stressing recognition of

differences in behaviour as appropriately different

• Exploring differences in non-verbal communication, such as greeting rituals.

The Process of Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Adaption

Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism

Fifth Stage - Adaptation• Intentional shift of frame of

reference - as if one were the other person

• Ability to undertake another cultural view temporarily

Developmental Strategies• Provide opportunities for

intercultural interaction• Training in the practice of

empathy• Communication

training/conducting interviews with other cultures

The Process of Development of Intercultural Sensitivity

Integration

Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism

Sixth Stage - Integration• Becoming part of another

culture• Undertaking cultural

differences in everyday life

Developmental Strategies• Developing ethics

and finally….

ENJOY YOURSELF!