What does it mean to be culturally competent?
Being culturally competent means having the ability to understand and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This means recognizing and respecting differences in values, beliefs, traditions, and styles of expression and communication. This involves a strong willingness to learn, self-awareness of one’s own cultural biases, and developing the skills necessary to broach conversations that may feel intimidating at first.
Ways to increase cultural competence:
● Practice ongoing self reflection, evaluating your own assumptions, privileges, and biases
and how they interact with your views.
● Don’t be afraid to ask questions, when appropriate, to learn about the experiences and
lives of others.
● Engage in diverse perspectives through the consumption of media, films, podcasts, and
books.
● Familiarize yourself with the norms, traditions, and practices of other cultures, especially
those you are regularly exposed to.
● Become an active listener, giving others the opportunity to share their experiences
without always needing to reciprocate with your own.
● Use inclusive language, including the pronouns, phrasing, and terminology that align best
with the individuals you’re interacting with.
● Do not assume or feed into stereotyping, even if it feels positive.
● Develop social relationships with those who have different identities from your own.
● Celebrate cultural histories and holidays in your school, workplace, and/or community.
● Advocate for equity when witnessing any form of oppression or exclusivity.
● Participate in discussions, classes, and workshops to stay up-to-date in society.
● Stay humble, curious, and willing to continue educating yourself and others.
Why does this matter?
Cultural competency encourages empathy, inclusivity, and social justice. It enhances social cohesion by allowing people to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. In schools and workplaces, cultural competency allows for more teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving by combining diverse perspectives. In an increasingly diverse society, it is vital that individuals learn how to embrace experiences and people who differ from themselves.
