Cultural Communication & Education

            Inter-cultural communication, cultural awareness, cultural diversity… These are all terms that illustrate one of the key challenges we face here in Las Vegas – how do we speak and interact with one another and be sure the message is clearly understood in both directions? The challenge becomes even more acute in a fast-paced industry such as the healthcare profession and public safety, where miscommunication can lead to grave consequences.

            In this melting pot called Las Vegas (and most other places in the U.S.) we are continually introduced and exposed to people from all corners of the world. A basic understanding of cultural norms and language can be invaluable when it comes to creating positive interactions and relationships. Enhancing our understanding on cultural issues – such as personal space, business practices, views on authority figures, family structure – will immediately build rapport with everyone we come in contact with.

            One great way to become more familiar and tolerant with other cultures it to focus on the interesting, fun aspects – many of which we all enjoy already: diverse foods, music, language, dance, art, history, clothes, and travel are what help spice up our lives, and also lead to greater cultural appreciation and openness.

            Language itself, of course, can often be the biggest stumbling block in communicating with clients, coworkers and their families. However, many sources are available for all of us to increase our knowledge and proficiency of other languages. The old saying of putting ourselves in another’s shoes still holds true as a way to keep in mind the anxiety felt by non-English speakers. Even speaking a few basic words or phrases in their native tongue will immediately lower the level of stress and help create a closer bond.

            There are many reasons – pragmatic and intangible – to encourage multilingualism and cultural awareness: more job opportunities, higher pay, improved customer service, enhanced coworker communication, unleashed employee potential, increased profits, enhanced social relationships, promotion of cultural appreciation and empathy, enhanced sense of community, improved quality of life, and a more favorable opinion of the U.S. from the rest of the world.

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Many researchers have studied patient–physician communication and documented the tensions and misunderstandings often seen in this important process. But these concerns are far greater when the patients are minorities or don’t understand English well, and when doctors aren’t equipped to explain the intricacies of care to people whose cultural beliefs may make American medicine a mystery. Award-winning filmmakers Maren Grainger-Monsen, MD, and Julia Haslett explore these issues in a series …

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How can understanding the spectrum of assimilation help improve cross-cultural communication in your job?

About Author

John Mierzwa is the owner of CALA Academy – www.CalaAcademy.com – a Spanish and English language school in Las Vegas, with an emphasis on inter-cultural communication. He passionately believes that with increased multi-lingualism, people will become more successful, more neighborly, and more involved in their community.
John worked in the construction industry for over 20 years, most of that time helping to run one of the largest construction companies in Nevada. John oversaw revenue growth from $75 million to $218 million annually as Vice President of Sales and Operations. He has witnessed firsthand the rapid growth of the Spanish-speaking workforce in Las Vegas and the pressing need for more effective ways to communicate. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.