Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) - Cross-Cultural AwarenessAs more and more immigrants arrive in Canada and begin their new lives, one of their first concerns is securing employment. The significance of understanding and being aware of cultural nuances becomes paramount for both the newcomer and everyone they interact with.Intercultural understanding is often challenging due to the differences in verbal and non-verbal communication. Some factors include misunderstandings, false assumptions, misinterpretations, discomfort at being around certain culture-specific behaviours and habits, and more importantly, lack of knowledge in how to address these concerns in an effective and sensitive manner. Differences may be overt, such as dress code, or such as coming from a culture where taking initiative is considered aggressive. Differences can also be seen in corporate structure. In one culture, a job title may explain hierarchy within an organization. A title may also have different functions within different organizations. Overcoming cultural differences involves awareness, knowledge, and skills. Awareness: Being aware that your mentor may be acting or speaking contrary to your expectations simply due to their own cultural norms and language interpretation. Knowledge: Applying your understanding of cultural differences to resolve both obvious and not so obvious culture-bound situations you may be in. Skills: Bringing together your awareness that cultural differences exist and the knowledge that you may be acting in a culture-specific way and applying positive regard, communication and non-judgmental listening. |
  Language and Settlement Issues  |
