Lessons Learned from a Cross Cultural Communication Experience in Kenya

Lessons Learned from a Cross Cultural Communication Experience in Kenya

As a global citizen, one of the most rewarding experiences is being able to connect with people from diverse cultures. This not only broadens your understanding of the world, but also enhances your cross cultural communication skills, which is an essential part of a successful personal and professional life. In this article, we will explore the lessons learned from a cross cultural communication experience in Kenya.

Kenya is a land of diversity, with over 40 ethnic groups and various languages. To effectively communicate and build relationships in this environment, it is essential to understand and respect the cultural differences that exist. Here are key lessons from this experience.

1. Active Listening is Critical

Effective communication is a two-way street, and listening actively is a crucial part. In Kenya, we found that people preferred to share their stories and experiences first before engaging in a conversation. This allowed us to understand their perspective and appreciate their view of the world. As such, active listening is key to building relationships and connecting with people from diverse cultures.

2. Respect for Cultural Differences is Essential

Cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and disagreements. However, it is essential to respect and understand these differences to build meaningful relationships. In Kenya, for instance, we learned that some customs like handshakes were viewed differently, depending on the cultural context. We thus found it essential to learn and respect these customs to avoid misunderstandings and show respect.

3. Non-Verbal Communication Matters

Non-verbal communication is also an essential part of effective communication, especially in diverse cultural environments. In Kenya, we found that body language, gestures, and facial expressions conveyed a lot of information. Understanding these subtle cues can be the difference between a successful or failed communication experience.

4. Patience is Key

Patience is a critical virtue when communicating across cultures. Differences in language, customs, and communication styles may sometimes cause a breakdown of communication. In such instances, it is critical to remain patient, persistent, and respectful to overcome the barriers.

5. Curiosity Helps Learn

Having a curious and open mind is key to cross cultural communication experiences. It allows you to learn and understand different cultures deeply. In Kenya, we found that asking questions and seeking clarification were essential to improving our understanding of the people and their culture. This helps to develop mutual trust and appreciation.

Conclusion

Cross cultural communication is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, to connect and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, it is crucial to be an active listener, respect cultural differences, understand non-verbal communication, maintain patience, and remain curious. These lessons learned from our experience in Kenya can help us build meaningful relationships with people from various cultures, and enhance our personal and professional lives.

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