YOCOMO - Displaying intercultural sensitivity behaviours

Displaying intercultural sensitivity

…is the ability to support successful communication and collaboration among people from different cultural contexts and backgrounds. Youth workers have to deal with diverse attitudes and behaviours in [international] training and youth work and tackle underlying values. They approach ‘culture’ from an identity perspective and understand ambiguity, human rights, solidarity, self-confidence, acceptance of one’s limits versus stretching beyond them, and how geopolitical conflicts influence one’s understanding of these aspects. Youth workers take these intercultural dimensions into account in their work. In the digital environment, this means paying particular attention to the issue of representation when producing and using media.

The single behaviours are summarised in different headlines that illustrate what “displaying intercultural sensitivity” means for youth workers behaviour-wise. The “cluster headlines” do not name behaviours as such; these can be found through clicking on the lists.

(Self-) reflection is important when working with people and dealing with processes within diverse groups. + -

Youth workers demonstrate this when they:

reflect on theories, concepts and experiences and apply these with regard to ambiguity and change
explicitly wrestle with their own biases, assumptions and behaviours regarding stereotypes
reflect on their own values and sense of belonging to increase self-awareness and understanding of the difference

Analysing and interpreting are important aspects when working with group processes. + -

In doing so, youth workers:

recognise and interpret words, body language and non-verbal communication in a culturally-appropriate manner
explore the complex connections between identity, politics, society and history
identify issues of power and privilege in and with the group
are aware of who is included and who is not, and are using words and actions to include others

Youth workers use methods and tools to facilitate intercultural processes. + -

Thus, they:

use appropriate tools and methods to support the group in deconstructing and reconstructing reality (including dealing with stereotypes, prejudices, assumptions, etc.)
help raise awareness of conflicts that exist in society and how they relate to intercultural dialogue
deal with issues of power and privilege in and with the group

Encouraging and supporting participants in reflection and during their learning processes is crucial. + -

Therefore, youth workers:

are aware of specific intercultural settings such as communication, power and privilege
encourage young people to reflect on their own identity
encourage young people to reflect and exchange ideas regarding issues such as solidarity, social justice, promoting/protecting human rights, discrimination, dignity and equality
encourage self-confidence and demonstrate flexibility in cultural and communicative behaviour
acknowledge power and privilege, highlighting the potential for it in acts of solidarity

International youth work settings ask youth workers to be willing to speak a foreign language. + -

This requires:

for them to overcome their own resistances and inhibitions.

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