Cultural Theory

Learning about

Cultural Theory

Being Cultural Competent How do we develop an attitude and components of cultural competence? Developing cross-cultural attitudes allows one to develop skills for better engaging with people from different cultures. Cross-cultural skills are demonstrated through the ability to communicate with respect; recognize others' values, accept knowledge, skills, and talents; and tolerate, engage, and celebrate the success of others. Competence is "the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in intercultural situations based on one's intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Strategies

• Practice openness by demonstrating acceptance of difference.
• Be flexible by demonstrating acceptance of ambiguity.
• Demonstrate humility through suspension of judgment and the ability to learn.
• Be sensitive to others by appreciating cultural differences.
• Show a spirit of adventure by showing curiosity and seeing opportunities in different situations.
• Use a sense of humor through the ability to laugh at ourselves.
• Practice positive change or action by successfully interacting with the identified culture.

Cultural theory has been applied to various attempts to conceptualize and understand the dynamics of culture. Historically these have involved arguments about the relationship between culture and nature, culture and society, the split between high and low culture, and the interplay between cultural tradition and cultural difference and diversity.