Diversity & Social Groups
- dorothyavant
- Nov 18, 2020
- 1 min read
Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? I had to post this question. I do find myself speaking to a certain group differently than others. Whether it is by race or type of group, my tone and dialect is different. I do not intentionally do it, but I do it. If I am with my group of friends, my tone is more slang (not too much). I do tend to cut some words or use acronyms. I have heard of people saying that they develop an accent with some friends that have accents. I have not had this to happen. I think that we do this to make ourselves relatable to the people or groups we are hanging with at that time.
I think that we should be considerate of they way the groups speak.
Be open and patient to those that may be different than you.
Ask questions if you need to. Most do not get offended when you do this because they know you are making an effort to understand them.
Hi Dorothy,
I did this same code-switching in my vernacular or accent and tone as well. My children say my mom-voice is different than my work voice which they say is my "customer service voice." My husband points out that whenever I talk to my parents I automatically slip into what he calls a "country twang." I don't particularly care for that description though. It is more of a midwest comfortableness. :-)
Dorthey,
Your third point I consider to be very important. I have a dear friend who is from the deep south, and is black. I sometimes have a hard time understanding her. She also talks very fast. She appreciates when I ask her to slow down so I can understand her. It does show her that I care, and that I really want to listen. We also laugh about it!!!
Virginia
Hello,
I think that most people communicate differently depending on who they are with, I also tend to use more relax language when I am with my friends. I agree that it is not done intentionally, but I think it is us adapting to the conversation as well. I like how you posted about being open and kind, it is a great reminder. Thank you for sharing your strategies with us, I enjoyed reading them.
Mary Hipp
Dorothy, your third point above 'asking questions' I think is so important to show respect and intention with trying to fully understand those that we do not fully understand.