Three Aspects of Cultural Influence on Communication

Abstract

Children acquire communication skills within a socially and culturally influenced context. Communication professionals need to be aware of the ways cultural differences influence communication. This article describes the influence of cultural backgrounds on communication patterns along a continuum of behaviors. The purpose is to review relevant literature as an operating framework for professionals providing services to children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Bridging the Research and Cultural-Practice Gap in Early Language Intervention in Malaysia

“…These assumptions render clear distinctions in social-interactional responsibilities, power and risk management strategies that are aligned with the collectivist cultures (Hwa-Froelich & Vigil 2004). A closer examination of the lack of collaborative-consultation between the Malaysian SLPs and parents also revealed that many Malaysian SLPs have large work caseloads (Joginder Singh et al 2011) which reduces planning time for an effective collaborative-consultation approach that is transferable to the child's naturalistic environment.…”

“…This practice will not be embraced by parents if they don't perceive their child as equal partners in communication and if parents see the responsibility of leading the interaction as theirs rather than the child's. Following the child's lead may also be ineffective if parents believe that children hold little power when interacting with adults, and should therefore play a relatively passive role in social-interactions and produce only acceptable behaviours (Hwa-Froelich & Vigil 2004). Parallel to following the child's lead, success in collaborativeconsultation with parents require that both parents and SLP view each other as holding distinct responsibilities but equal power in the working relationship.…”

“…Commonly, collectivism has been shown to be prominent in Asia, Africa and South America, while individualism is distinct in countries like the US and European countries. The influence of collectivism and individualism in interaction is distinct in one's perception of the responsibility, and power and risk taking strategies assumed by each communication partner (Hwa-Froelich & Vigil 2004). Conventionally, cultures that are aligned with collectivism are inclined to believe that parents are responsible for meeting young children's needs and grown-up children are responsible for taking care of their older parents (Hwa-Froelich & Vigil 2004).…”

“…The influence of collectivism and individualism in interaction is distinct in one's perception of the responsibility, and power and risk taking strategies assumed by each communication partner (Hwa-Froelich & Vigil 2004). Conventionally, cultures that are aligned with collectivism are inclined to believe that parents are responsible for meeting young children's needs and grown-up children are responsible for taking care of their older parents (Hwa-Froelich & Vigil 2004). Individuals from the collectivist cultures also place an emphasis on the differences in power (i.e., status or age) between conversational partners.…”

Diversity in Unity: Perspectives from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

“…However, there are some concerns about the results of the study. Cultural differences can raise different patterns of parent-child interaction (Hwa-Froelich & Vigil, 2004). For example, mothers from a Western culture tend to provide a more autonomous support for her child than mothers from an Asian culture.…”