Experts Response
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Belle Lim
PhD Candidate, Cancer Genomics, Monash University
How does cultural understanding affect someone’s self identity amongst a
community?
For individuals, understanding one’s own cultural is important in the understanding of
their values and decision making process. The lack of understanding can indeed
lead to frustration with themselves and a low self esteem. In a multicultural
community, the lack of cultural understanding can lead to conflicts and discrimination
towards one another.
How can we improve our intercultural awareness and communication in the city of
Melbourne?
I think that education is the most powerful tool that we have. Both formal education
for younger generation and informal education in the forms of posters, infographics
and social media content. Celebrating the history and cultural events of all the
different cultures can raise awareness and communication effectively.
How important is it for the general population of Melbourne to be educated about the
many cultures which reside there?
Melbourne is home to millions of people from diverse cultures. It is very important for
the general population to understand the diversity, our differences and our
similarities. The lack of cultural understanding can be dangerous in marginalising
and discriminating people that are deemed as ‘others’.
What does intercultural understanding/awareness/communication mean to you?
To me, the visibility of my culture to other people, and the visibility of other cultures
to me, is the key to improve the intercultural understanding and awareness. Effective
understanding and communication mean no one will be discriminated against
unfairly, and lead to better harmony in our society.
Salim Mohamed
Community Development Worker, Youth Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Mentor, Poet & Writer
How does cultural understanding affect someone’s self identity amongst a community?
It affects someone's identity in regards to having a sense of belonging. It can cause them to be distant and lead to isolation. Their own self identity is important but also those around them accepting them as that identity.
How can we improve our intercultural awareness and communication in the city of Melbourne?
Through education. By bringing this discussion to the forefront and teach each other about our cultures and celebrating them.
How important is it for the general population of Melbourne to be educated about the many cultures which reside there?
It is very important. Often people have negative perception of other cultures for various reasons (i.e negative experience with one person, the media perception of that culture, etc.) and they might change their mind if they are exposed to that culture more
What does intercultural understanding/awareness/communication mean to you?
It is a vital aspect of our society. As a person from a diverse background I am judged on my race, religion and culture all the time and have to represent that to the best of my ability. At times I have battle against barriers and discrimination due to my multiculturalism and it's not fair for me to do so.
KANWAL SALEEM
Public Health | Health Promotion | Community Engagement | Reseach & Advocacy
How does cultural understanding affect someone’s self-identity amongst a community?
Culture has a huge influence on one’s identity as it gives the label for the group that one belongs in. Humans are social animals and culture is the glue that holds groups of humans together. However, culture has context and just because someone speaks the way that we do, it doesn’t mean that they believe the same things that we do. Therefore, when we are working with people and building
relationships with them, cultural understanding helps to have some perspective and understanding of their cultures.
2. How can we improve our intercultural awareness and communication in the city of Melbourne?
I believe that the easiest way to avoid miscommunication or offence is to simply ASK. The key is to be respectful and show genuine interest. Our willingness to understand and get things right about a person's culture shows that we value what is important to them.
How important is it for the general population of Melbourne to be educated about the many cultures which reside there?
I would say extremely important. Melbourne has such a diverse population, with over half of it born overseas. To truly relate to another person, it is extremely important to understand a bit about their culture. If we open ourselves to humbly learning about a different worldview, we can grow in our understanding of ourselves and be enriched by another way of thinking about the world.
4.What does intercultural understanding/awareness/communication mean to you?
I believe that we currently live in a multicultural world and most of us need at least some intercultural awareness every day. For people like me, who live and work away from our native countries, it is absolutely vital. Understanding that people from different cultures have different values is the foundation to build good intercultural relationships and connections.
Don Doughty
Immediate Past Vice President of the Council of International Students Australia
How does cultural understanding affect someone’s self-identity amongst a community?
Cultural understanding may influence an individual’s identity within a community. However, it may varies depending on the circumstances. With the lack of cultural understanding, especially for an individual or for a migrant being in a new environment or country, it may add frustration when the said person wishes to adapt into the new norm. To ease the process of adapting into a new community, one must first emphasize on self-reflection and improving their own understanding of their culture. Through the same process, it can be applied when an individual wishes to improve their intercultural awareness through the same method. The elements of EQ and CQ may add value to help a person adapt.
How can we improve our intercultural awareness and communication in the city of Melbourne?
Intercultural awareness and communication can be improved through initiatives and programs that showcases a community able to share the history of one community/ culture. Providing an opportunity for others to learn the language and what a community are proud of. Through these activities, it would showcase the cultural diversity of the City of Melbourne. Since communication plays a big part of welcoming someone into a community, signs and information should be multi-lingual to ease the process of adaptability of a person in a new environment.
How important is it for the general population of Melbourne to be educated about the many cultures which reside there?
Melbourne is known to be a city that welcomes every ethnic and culture through the diversity and inclusive policies and practices. With a strong understanding by the general population on the importance of acknowledging the many cultures in Melbourne, this improves the strong bond and inclusiveness among the diverse community and religion within Melbourne. Through education, it may improve and reduce the communication/cultural barriers, especially stereotypes perception and racisms within the overall Melbourne community.
What does intercultural understanding/awareness/communication mean to you?
Intercultural understanding, awareness and communication had provided myself with an opportunity improve my understanding and knowledge of the many diverse community within Melbourne and Victoria. Through these understanding and continuous improvements, it had provided myself to be more receptive towards the wider community and adaptation towards the new environment I am in. With a high intercultural awareness, it would add value when dealing and communicating with different community.