Cultural Competency - Multicultural Health Generalizations: Communications
Cuban Communications:
- Greetings
- Only formal during the first introduction.
- Afterwards, a familiar tone and address are used.
- A handshake is common among men.
- Elderly people are shown more respect.
- Family members and close friends greet by embracing and kissing on the cheek.
- Tone of voice
- May seem to speak loudly in normal conversation.
- Requests and commands are direct.
- Conversation may seem aggressive to an outsider.
- Nonverbal communication
- Cubans are typically outgoing and confronting.
- Close contact and touching are acceptable and a sign of affection among family and friends.
- Direct eye contact is expected during conversation. Looking away shows a lack of respect or dishonesty.
- Silence usually means awkwardness or uncertainty.
- Cubans often use hand gestures to add emphasis when talking.
- Do Not Resusciate
- DNR orders are usually not acceptable to Cubans.
- They may feel strongly that everything possible should be done for the patient.
- Agreeing to a DNR shows giving up hope and allowing the patient to die, which is seen by others as uncaring and abandonment.
- A fear of death can be quite strong among Cubans.
Source: Varela, L. (1996). "Cubans." Culture and Nursing Care: A pocket guide. San Francisco: University of California.
Nonverbal Communication among Navajo Indian Patients
- Nonverbal communication styles have different connotations within each tribe.
- Navajo Indians, for example, may be comfortable with long periods of silence, and may not share inner thoughts and feelings with anyone outside their clan.
- Interest in what an individual says is shown through attentive listening skills.
- To establish a positive social relationship, the rule of silence is considered a serious matter that calls for caution, careful judgment, and plenty of time (Chisolm, 1983, as cited in Purnell and Paulanka, 1998).
- A person may be considered immature if answers are given quickly, or if he/she interrupts another who is forming a response.
- It is important to allow time for elderly Navajo to respond to questions. Not allowing adequate time for information processing may result in an inaccurate response, or no response (Wilson, 1987, as cited in Purnell and Paulanka, 1998).
- Navajo Indian family members may show support to family members during doctor appointments not through talking, but by simply being present. For Navajo Indians, silence is being supportive.
Source: Purnell, L. D., & Paulanka, B. J. (1998). Transcultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach. Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.
Communicating with Russian Patients- Russian
- Communicating with Your Russian Patients
- Key Points to Remember When Interviewing A Russian Customer
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