The Importance Of Cultural Self-Awareness

In today’s multicultural society, it is important to have the ability to adapt to the ideas and customs of new cultures that we are exposed to. Through exposure to these cultures, we need to create an understanding that all cultures have different values and morals, and although not the same to our own it does not mean that they’re wrong. We are challenged with differences in culture, but we must familiarize ourselves to have the ability to adjust and accept others so that we may co-exist. Cultural self-Awareness is important in helping us to understand and develop these skills, which will ultimately lead to cultural intelligence. Cultural self-awareness is described as the sensitivity that one individual possesses regarding another person’s culture. It s recognizing and appreciating the similarities and differences that exist between cultures, and how to effectively co-exist (“cultural awareness”, 2017). Every individual will have their own cultural identity , values and beliefs that create their cultural being. Cultural intelligence on the other hand is the ability

Cultural characteristics or traits are often passed down from one generation to the next, and shared by a group of people (Spencer-Oatey, 2012). If all cultures and individuals held the same cultural beliefs, there would be no individuality and diversity in society. It is important to go into a new situation with an open mind and with no re-conceived ideas. We must be open to change. Cultural intelligence refers to individuals who possess the ability to adjust to new cultures quickly with minimal stress (Brislin & Macnab, 2006). To adjust quickly and smoothly we must first learn what we can about the new culture that we are faced with. By understanding the culture, we are faced with, it allows us to respect the differences that we