In a world so like ours complex communication difficulties are inevitable. Multicultural communication has experienced major challenges which have hampered smooth and easy communication between persons of different cultures. An article titled Cross Cultural Communication Challenges found in the Miskito Mission Network highlights a couple of points are highlighted with regard to multicultural communication which might help teachers as they go about their communication with English language learners.
Three of these challenges stand out as those that can go a long way into easing communication between English language learners. One of them is the understanding of the different communication styles that exist in the different cultural groups that the learners and teachers belong. A teacher will have to begin with understanding the variety of ways in which learners use words and phrases. Secondly, the teacher and learners will have to understand each other in regard to the different ways in which both approach a conflict. If the teacher understands the different viewpoints of learners towards conflicts, then resolving those conflicts within the class setting will go a long way into facilitating good learning experiences. The third point is that a teacher will have to know how learners view the process of completing tasks so that both the teacher and can be on the same level ground in understanding how the learners access materials and other varied things that they require.
In order to see to it that these tasks are implemented, as a teacher, I will seek to understand the learners first and then devise mechanisms that will improve the teaching and learning process. As for the communication styles, I will find a level ground of the language to be used in class and ensure that learners get the right vocabulary and promote the use of the common and acceptable style of teaching. Also, I will unify and find a common way of conflict resolution which resonates well with the learners and me. I will also promote the notion of working together with the learners in order to work as a group when it comes to doing and completion of tasks.
Reference
Miskito Missions.com. Cross Cultural Communication Challenges. Miskitomissions.com. Web. Retrieved on 10th April 2014. http://www.miskitomissions.com/PartnershipResources/CrossCultureCommunication/ta d/121/Default.aspx
