The definition of culture is the philosophies, customs, emotional expression, language, rules & values and communal behaviour of a particular people or society. Culture can serve as a barrier between a client and health professional, as both could be from differing cultures, which could mean they both speak different languages and them differing views of respect, such as the client may view eye contact as disrespectful but eye contact may be a form of respect for their allied health professional. Communicating with others of a differing cultural background is effective when one is actively accepting of differing cultures.
Effectively communicating with clients with differing cultural backgrounds as a speech pathologist is of utmost importance. By being able to effectively communicate regardless of differing cultural identities, is important as there is no guarantee that all of my clients will be the same cultural background as me, therefore understanding the client before seeing them is a must. Through this I would be able to know whether or not English is my clients first language or even if my client speaks English, therefore allowing me to prep an interpreter. Through being able to communicate with clients of differing backgrounds I would be able to understand them better and through this effectively help treat my clients, regardless of cultural barriers.
This book helped me understand how to effectively communicate with others of differing cultures
O’Toole, G. (2016). Communication. Chatswood, Australia: Elsevier Australia.
https://www-clinicalkey-com-au.ezproxy.uws.edu.au/nursing/#!/browse/book/3-s2.0-C20150060336
Communication in Speech Pathology 