Marge and Helen decided to learn a few simple greetings in the various languages of the countries they would be visiting. When they met at the library each took a turn saying their phrases to the other, but could not hold back their laughter at each others attempts. In that moment they realized how often and easy it is for non-native speakers to mispronounce words in ways that can cause miscommunication and misunderstanding. Something they thought harmless could in reality gravely impact intercultural communication.
respond to one of the following prompts, and response to 2 classmates with 4-5 sentences .
As you consider Marge and Helen’s situation, think about whether you have ever been in a similar situation. What was the situation? What types of problems did it cause, or could it have caused? How did you deal with it? Discuss how this aspect of inclusion is applicable to your personal or professional life.
Use Kaltura to record a greeting in another language. Explain how language influences the way a person thinks. How does this connect with diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Share a link to a scholarly article, video, or website that connects to your response in reference to your own attempt at greeting someone in a language different from your own. Share the link within your post. How has this article, video, or website impacted the way you think about diversity, equity, and inclusion in your academic, professional and/or personal life?
What about this weeks resources or concepts did you find most impacted the way you think about diversity, equity, and inclusion in your professional development and/or academic journey?
CLASSMATE 1 -I can definitely relate to Marge and Helens situation. A few years ago, while traveling abroad, I tried to learn basic phrases in the local language. I practiced how to say “thank you” and “please” but realized later that I had been using the wrong intonation, which led to confusion. While it was a harmless mistake, it made me reflect on how easily mispronunciations or incorrect usage of phrases can lead to misunderstandings, especially in professional settings or serious conversations.
Miscommunication like this can cause discomfort or even offense without the speaker realizing it. For example, in some cultures, using the wrong tone or phrase can unintentionally imply disrespect. In Marge and Helens case, their laughter shows that mistakes can be amusing among friends, but in a more formal or intercultural setting, it could potentially damage relationships or cause frustration.
In my professional life, this situation highlights the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity. As we navigate more global workspaces, understanding language nuances becomes crucial to effective communication. To avoid potential issues, its helpful to approach language learning with humility, ask for feedback from native speakers, and use resources like translation tools cautiously while being aware of their limitations.
This scenario also emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where language learners feel comfortable making mistakes without fear of judgment, which promotes more open and effective intercultural communication.
CLASSMATEE 2- As you consider Marge and Helen’s situation, think about whether you have ever been in a similar situation. What was the situation? What types of problems did it cause, or could it have caused? How did you deal with it? Discuss how this aspect of inclusion is applicable to your personal or professional life.