Introduction

Everyone has a culture.

Remember your cultural bag from week 1’s self-reflection activity.

What’s in your cultural bag?

Cultural competence starts by recognising that we are all born, raised and living in social, cultural, political, educational and organisational cultures. These cultures influence our assumptions, beliefs, values and behaviours. It is important to know ourselves first so we can understand how we interact with others, and understand the differences between ourselves and others and have the ability to interact effectively.

Cultural competence is NOT trying to be someone you are not.

“Never try to take the manners of another as your own, for the theft will be immediately evident and the thief will appear as ridiculous as a robin with peacock feathers hastily stuck on.”

Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993, pp. 27-28)

Reflection

Write your response to these reflective questions below:

1. How has your understanding of culture and yourself deepened during the course?
2. What have you added to your cultural bag?