DEVELOP YOUR CULTURAL AWARENESS
Cultural dynamics is the process of change that occurs in the structure of society related to socio-cultural phenomena in the past and the future. The changes that occur are caused by changes in the pattern of human life in the environment and society over time. This can include social values, social norms, practices of human behavior, and social interactions.
An example of a form of cultural dynamics is the use of language in the environment of the younger generation, known as generation Z. In Indonesia, we use the Indonesian language to communicate daily, but we are also influenced by the language of foreign cultures when speaking. The emergence of the Netflix platform to watch foreign shows, such as Korean dramas, anime, western drama series, and others, can cause the way we speak to change. This resulted in the term “Bahasa anak jaksel”, a form of speaking by mixing English with Indonesian. Due to globalization, countries cannot stop foreign cultures from entering and influencing pre-existing local cultures. Therefore, the community must be able to sort and filter which cultures are appropriate to enter and which should not be included. Reflecting on this, it is crucial for the younger generation to understand cultural awareness in their daily lives because diverse cultures and the walls that separate countries are slowly disappearing.
Cultural awareness is a person’s ability to recognize the differences and similarities of cultural values between two cultures. This needs to be done to understand cultures that are different from themselves so that they can establish effective and harmonious relationships and communications with members of other cultural groups. As a younger generation living in this era, we must develop our cultural awareness not only in the workplace but also in our everyday life. These are five ways you can do to be more culturally aware from the American Psychological Association:
- Consider factors other than race and ethnicity. A culture it’s shaped by the individual’s life experiences and traditions, which may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
- Ask questions and you will learn. Be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions because people feel respected and appreciated when others show genuine interest in who they are. Learn more about their culture by asking open-ended questions.
- Make local contacts. Stop by local organizations or venues that work with a cultural group that interests you. Advocacy groups, religious institutions, colleges, and social clubs are excellent places to learn more and make connections.
- Pay attention to body language. The meaning of non-verbal behavior can vary depending on cultural norms. Take note of how your body language is interpreted by people around you.
- Share your experiences. Storytelling is an excellent way to communicate experiences that transcend culture. Begin an open discussion by sharing a personal story or experience.
References:
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/07/five-ways-to-be-more-culturally-aware/
