- "Cultural competence, also known as intercultural competence, is a range of cognitive, affective, behavioural, and linguistic skills that lead to effective and appropriate communication with people of other cultures."
Cultural competency involves developing knowledge and skills for working across diverse cultures. Critical Race Theory emphasizes the importance of cultural competency in promoting racial equity and reducing prejudice and discrimination.
Definitions and concepts: It is critical to know the definition and key concepts of cultural competency, such as self-awareness, cultural humility, cultural agility, etc.
Historical context: Understanding historical events, such as colonization, slavery, and segregation, can help you understand the roots of cultural disparities and inequalities.
Bias is everywhere: Recognizing personal biases and exploring how they impact interactions with people of different cultures is a crucial factor in becoming culturally competent.
Stereotype and prejudice: It is vital to recognize and understand the impact of the stereotypes and prejudices that exist in our society, media, and culture.
The importance of language: Communication is all about adopting the right language. Learning how to use inclusive language that respects and values different cultures and backgrounds can help foster productive and harmonious relationships.
Cultural values: Understanding the core values and beliefs of different cultures can facilitate building positive relationships and finding common ground.
Intersectionality: Recognizing that different people can face multiple forms of discrimination or oppression simultaneously.
Changing Demographics: Understanding demographic shifts in your community, city, or country can help prepare individuals to adapt to changes in the cultural landscape.
Cultural norms and expectations: Cultural norms and expectations vary widely across the world. Learning to navigate these values and expectations is crucial in building effective relationships.
Advocacy and allyship: Advocacy and allyship can encourage individuals to leverage their privilege to support marginalized communities.
- "Intercultural or cross-cultural education are terms used for the training to achieve cultural competence."
- "Effective intercultural communication relates to behaviors that culminate with the accomplishment of the desired goals of the interaction and all parties involved in the situation."
- "Appropriate intercultural communication includes behaviors that suit the expectations of a specific culture, the characteristics of the situation, and the level of the relationship between the parties involved in the situation."