How we communicate is how we see the world

The article and topic from this week concerned patterns of thinking and communicating in mainstream Western culture. What about patterns in thinking and communicating in indigenous non-Western cultures? How does this differ and what benefit could we gain in our culture from adopting new ways of communicating that differ from the mainstream? Clearly this would differ from each individual culture, but there is a lot we can learn from paying attention to how other people communicate.

I think you use a communication style that is most appropriate to your audience. In another class this semester we evaluated how research methodologies differ with indigenous cultures. The worldview leans more towards being contextual and relational rather than viewing individual's, societies, and nations as separate. I think the Western world would greatly benefit from adopting some of this style into their communication since we are now living in a highly connected world where the web of networks keeps intertwining.

In my own communication style and thought processes, I tend to lean towards a more holistic and relational worldview. I see and speak about the links between all people, creatures, and mama earth since we are all connected. I speak in a flowing manner and tend to ask more questions than give answers. I want people to think of answers for themselves. I think this worldview may challenge some people who only want to think in a linear fashion, but they will be challenged in a good way. Challenge is what pushes us out of our comfort zone and to the next level of our capabilities.