10/16/2020; Week 5 Cultural Miscommunication

 We've talked a lot this week about the ways that cultural differences might affect the classroom experience. There could be a difference in cultural paradigms. There could be a difference in how your students view time because of their culture. But what about miscommunication? Or even misinterpreting something that someone does inside the classroom? 

In many Latin American countries, personal relationships are key. We've talked about that in regards to time, but it's an often used adage that, when asking for directions, you might get the wrong directions, but you'll have a nice time getting them. Someone might give you entirely wrong directions so you can have a positive conversation. 

How could this translate into the classroom? Suppose you have a student who is consistently missing deadlines and not turning in work, possibly because they are from a polychronic culture. You sit down to have a conversation with the student and, rather than telling you that they don't have internet at home right now, or that their aunt needs help with her kids every day after class, they may tell you that they will absolutely turn in their assignments the next day, and all the assignments they had missed. This sounds great to you, but, to your disappointment, the student doesn't bring their assignments the next day. 

Rather than being upset that the student didn't follow through, it is important to understand the student's culture. They would rather avoid confrontation by telling you that they will do all their work than tell you that it won't be possible. This is a cultural difference that can lead to a misunderstanding.  

How can you use these cultural differences to your advantage, BEFORE they create a misunderstanding?