BIG IDEA
It is important to remember that we have the same human dreams for thriving, but we take different approaches, and we are differently resourced.
Some Key Terms & Resources:
Culture: is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.
- Learn more about culture here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2516602619826712
Stereotype: a fixed typically overly simplified idea of a thing or person. As we travel we try to leave our stereotypes at home. We bring an awareness of our stereotypes for the sole purpose of making sure we do not let them govern our decision making or reactions.
- Learn more about stereotypes here: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_beat_stereotypes_by_seeing_people_as_individuals
Cultural IQ: a measurement of your ability to cross cultural boundaries and relate to people.
- Learn more about Cultural IQ here: https://culturalq.com/about-cultural-intelligence/articles/
Meet Brulan from Haiti
Bio - Brulan is a Haitian entrepreneur with several small businesses. We met Brulan years ago when he was dedicating his time managing the Haiti Methodist Church guest house for international teams that included welcoming work teams to Haiti by leading in-country orientations about the Haitian culture after the earthquake. He loves his country and cares deeply about the people of Haiti and is always trying to find ways to help the most vulnerable populations.
Key takeaways:
Language learning is an act of humility – when you travel somewhere it is helpful to put forth some effort into learning how to communicate. Even if you don’t get the words perfect, the fact that you try the language is a way to show respect and care. It can also help you build relationships with people when you travel.
language learning resources:
- Duolingo is a great free app that really helps you build your familiarity with a new language.
- coffee break languages podcast, find out more here: https://coffeebreaklanguages.com/
- Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services have subtitles in different languages. This can help tremendously as you’re learning grammar.
- Also try reading a children’s chapter book that you’re familiar with in the language you’re trying to learn.
- Local resource for Kansas City listeners: La Causerie Francaise. https://sites.google.com/view/lacauserie/main If you’re interested in studying Spanish this is a helpful resource. There may be Zoom classes available as well.
Call to Action:
Sign up for Cultural Competency Training! This is a way to increase your cultural IQ, and become more aware of any stereotypes. https://cor.org/serve#d/serve/24973/cor
Thanks for listening!