Culture Basics
Culture includes things that shape how people think and act. Name one example.
Values, beliefs, traditions, communication style, habits
What is cultural navigation?
learning to move through and succeed in unfamiliar cultural environments.
What does empowerment mean?
Confidence, self-advocacy, and believing in your abilities.
What is identity?
The qualities, background, and experiences that make you who you are.
What is active listening?
Paying full attention, making eye contact, and showing you understand.
True or False: Everyone experiences culture the same way.
False
What is one strategy for understanding a new environment?
Observing behaviors, asking questions, watching others, staying open-minded.
Name one way to empower yourself.
Setting goals, speaking up, using resources, practicing confidence.
Why is self-awareness important?
It helps you understand how your behaviors and values affect how you show up.
Why is tone important in communication?
It affects how your message is received and interpreted.
What’s one way culture influences communication?
Direct/indirect speaking, tone, body language, eye contact, etc.
What does “code-switching” mean?
Adjusting how you speak or act based on the environment.
Why is self-advocacy important?
It helps you get what you need and take control of your future.
Name one part of someone’s identity that influences how they navigate spaces.
Language, culture, personality, background, learning style, etc.
Name one barrier to good communication.
Assumptions, language differences, distractions, cultural misunderstandings.
What is a cultural norm?
An unwritten rule about how people are expected to behave.
Give an example of navigating an unspoken rule in a workplace.
Email tone, arriving early, not interrupting, meeting etiquette, etc.
Give one example of an empowered action in a difficult situation.
Asking for clarification, reporting an issue, standing up for yourself.
What does it mean to “reflect on your identity”?
Recognizing your values, strengths, and how your experiences shape you.
What is “clarifying” in communication?
Asking questions to make sure you understood correctly.
Give an example of a cultural difference that might lead to misunderstanding.
Not making eye contact, interrupting vs. waiting, differing views on time, etc.
Why is cultural navigation important in school or at work?
It helps build relationships, avoid conflict, communicate clearly, and succeed.
How does empowerment help in cultural navigation?
It builds confidence to speak up, ask questions, adapt, and succeed.
How can understanding your identity improve your cultural navigation skills?
It helps you understand how you communicate, what triggers you, and how you interact with others.
How can communication skills help you in culturally diverse environments?
They reduce conflict, improve teamwork, build trust, and create stronger connections.