Gaining cultural awareness is a continuous process from "summary" of Intercultural Communication in Contexts Instructor's Resource Manual by Judith N. Martin,Thomas K. Nakayama,Lisa Bradford,Jolanta A. Drzewiecka
As we navigate through different cultural contexts, it becomes evident that gaining cultural awareness is not a one-time achievement. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires continuous effort and engagement. This concept emphasizes the importance of being open to learning and adapting to new cultural experiences throughout our lives. Cultural awareness is not something that can be acquired and then put aside. It requires a willingness to explore, question, and reflect on our own beliefs, values, and assumptions, as well as those of others. By remaining curious and receptive to different cultural perspectives, we can expand our understanding and empathy towards people from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, cultural awareness is a journey that involves making mistakes, learning from them, and striving to do better. It is not about achieving perfection, but rather about being willing to confront our biases and misconceptions in order to grow as intercultural communicators. This process of self-awareness and self-improvement is essential for building meaningful relationships across cultures. By recognizing that cultural awareness is a continuous process, we can cultivate a mindset of humility and respect towards others. This mindset enables us to approach intercultural interactions with a sense of curiosity and humility, rather than with a sense of superiority or judgment. In doing so, we can foster genuine connections and mutual understanding with people from different cultural backgrounds.- Gaining cultural awareness is a lifelong journey that requires an ongoing commitment to learning, self-reflection, and growth. By embracing this concept, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for diversity and create more inclusive and harmonious relationships in our increasingly globalized world.
