Tips on How to Become Culturally Competent

Cultural competence refers to an ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures.

Cultural competence comprises four components:

1. Awareness of one's own cultural worldview,
2. Attitude towards cultural differences,
3. Knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and,
4. Cross-cultural skills.
   

Developing cultural competence results in an ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across culture.*

Here are some tips on how you can become culturally competent:

• Model the behavior of dignity and respect that you would like to see.
• Point out stereotypes and cultural misinformation.
• Challenge injustice when you see it.
• Be honest about differences.
• Recognize your own preconceived notions and conduct a self-assessment.
• Recognize that cultural competence is an acquired skill requiring continuous learning.

*Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_competence