Explain multicultural communication and its origins. Compare and contrast culture, ethnicity, and acculturation.

Homework Topic 3 | Nursing homework help

Communication between different cultural groups is referred to as multicultural communication. Understanding the differences between cultures and the communication skills necessary to overcome them is required. In the early part of the 20th century social scientists studied the way culture affected communication. One of the earliest researchers in this field was Edward T. Hall, who coined the term “high-context” and “low-context” cultures to describe the differences in communication styles between different cultures. Multicultural communication has become an essential area for professionals in the health care industry, since it’s crucial to providing quality patient care.

The concepts of culture, ethnicity, acculturation, are all related yet distinct. The term culture refers to shared values, beliefs, customs and behaviors that are characteristic of a group. The term ethnicity is used to describe the cultural, ancestral, linguistic and racial background of an individual. It’s often used for identifying with one particular group. Acculturation describes the process of adapting a person to a foreign culture. It is often a consequence of travel or immigration.

The cultural and religious differences between people can impact the professional as well as the patient. It is crucial to understand the cultural differences and norms that exist in cross-cultural communications. In some cultures it is rude to look directly at someone or ask a direct question, but in other cultures it can be viewed as respect. It is also important to note that religious beliefs can influence health care. This includes dietary restrictions, attitude toward medical treatments and belief about healing and illness.

The family culture has a major impact on the patient’s education. It may, for example, be disrespectful in certain cultures to have a patient question the authority and knowledge of a healthcare professional. However, this may not be so in others. Some cultures emphasize the role of families in deciding medical care, while others place more emphasis on individual autonomy.

Health care professionals have a variety of options to deal with religious and cultural differences. One approach is to learn as much as possible about the patient’s cultural and religious background, and to use this knowledge to guide communication and treatment. A professional medical translator can bridge language and culture barriers. Health care providers can also use culturally-sensitive materials and practices in order to ensure patients receive the best care possible.

Illiteracy is the inability of a person to read and write. It can be classified broadly into three categories: functional illiteracy (inability to communicate), cultural illiteracy and linguistical illiteracy. Functional illiteracy means that you are unable to read and/or write on a level required for employment or everyday life. Lack of cultural knowledge is referred to as a form of illiteracy. Linguistic illiteracy is a lack in proficiency of a specific language.

It is common to consider illiteracy a handicap, since it has significant economic and social consequences. Illiteracy can limit a person’s ability to access educational and employment opportunities, as well as health care services. Illiteracy can lead to social exclusion and lack of civic engagement.

Illiteracy is a subject that has many myths, including the notion that those who lack literacy are inferior to others in terms of intelligence or ability. But these are false and they do not represent the reality of illiteracy. People who have difficulty with literacy often face many obstacles in their daily lives. These include poverty, poor education and limited resources.