Multicultural Communication and Its Origins

Multicultural Communication and Its Origins
Multicultural communication can be described as a concentration of communication dynamics across cultures. It involves communication that takes place when different cultures meet. The origins of multicultural communication can be traced to trade and immigration. These two aspects forced cultures that had previously remained separated to interact regularly.
Culture, Ethnicity, and Acculturation
Culture comprises a set of shared values, social norms, beliefs and attitudes upheld by a specific group. Ethnicity contains the qualitative features of an individual related to ethnic origins. Lastly, acculturation entails the interaction of cultures, which shapes the perceptions of one nation or culture. Culture and ethnicity are similar in that they define aspects of an individual that can be used to classify an individual into specific social groups. The difference between these terms and acculturation is that the latter involved cultural interactions.
Cultural and Religious Differences in Healthcare
The differences in culture and religion affect healthcare professionals in that they have to deliver culturally competent care. Cultural competency can be described as providing care services that match patients' and their families' social, religious, and cultural needs (Swihart et al., 2021). Several issues can arise in cross-cultural communication. According to (Brooks et al., 2019), outcomes that require sensitive communication may include patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and family and patient care engagement. Cross-cultural communication may cause negative consequences in these areas.
Family Culture and Patient Education
Family culture affects patient education regarding receptivity and willingness to accept and incorporate information into one’s lifestyle. Culture affects the interaction between the educator and the patient, which then influences the outcome of education. For example, some cultures believe that health issues arise from a higher power, which may make them reluctant to receive care and education.
Approaches for Professionals to Address Religious and Cultural Diversity
Professionals can use several approaches to address religious and cultural diversity. Such approaches have been described as culturally sensitive care (EveryNurse Staff, 2022). They include awareness, avoiding making assumptions, learning about other cultures, building rapport and trust, overcoming language barriers, active listening, and educating patients regarding medical practices. These approaches ensure that all care given is oriented toward meeting the cultural needs of each patient.
Types of Illiteracy
Types of illiteracy include literal, cultural, civic, and racial illiteracy. Others include numerical, financial, factual, statistical, functional, perceptional, physical, mental, translative, inventive and argumentative illiteracy.
Illiteracy as a Disability