Intercultural Communication Training
The Literacy NOW offers intercultural communication workshops with accompanying materials throughout Washington for companies, service providers, and library systems.
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace Workshop 2 – 5 hours
The Literacy NOW supports companies that hire refugees and immigrants by giving their supervisors practical skills to more effectively communicate with their limited English-speaking employees.
Workshops are arranged with the company after an initial consultation by the trainer. The workshop is available on a fee basis. For more information, contact Lee Jewett .
Who can attend?
Employees who directly supervise limited English-speaking employees
Why attend?
As a result of the training, supervisors will be able to
- Use English that employees are more likely to understand
- Demonstrate new tasks more effectively
- Use different methods to check for comprehension
- Resolve misunderstandings that may have a cultural basis
Material:
Oh, Now I Understand: A Handbook for Supervisors of Limited English Speakers
Workshop comments:
“The trainer was very organized, clear, and used multiple examples, different ways of phrasing her information. She invited active participation and used physical activities to keep people alert.”
“It was all helpful and enlightening. Now, I will listen and speak more meaningfully when approaching people from other cultures. I will use more than one approach.”
“Now, I feel more secure when trying to explain myself to a limited English speaking person. Excellent.”
”I won’t be so fast to jump to conclusions – try to stand back and see other viewpoints. My way is not the only way or the right way.”
“Be less judgmental about others’ behavior.”
Back to TopIntercultural Communication in the Library Workshop 2 – 5 hours
This workshop for library staff serving limited English-speaking patrons presents strategies to more easily communicate library expectations and services and a process for resolving cultural misunderstandings. During the workshop, participants practice using a collection of specially designed graphics illustrating library policies, materials, and procedures.
Workshops are available to libraries on a fee basis. An initial consultation with the trainer is included. For more information, contact Lee Jewett .
Who can attend?
Library staff who have direct experience with limited English-speaking patrons.
Why attend?
As a result of the workshop, library staff will be able to:
- Use a variety of methods for communicating messages that are more likely to be understood – including special visuals and demonstration
- Resolving misunderstandings that might have a cultural basis
Material:
Check It Out Handbook: A Guide for Library Staff
Check It Out Visuals: A Package of Graphics for Libraries
Workshop comments:
“It gave me for the first time a real feeling for what people from other cultures experience here – and not just in the library.”
“Very helpful – will probably use some ideas in the next couple of hours – wish I’d had it earlier.”
“The information, examples, questions were all pertinent to my situation.”
“…it will help me feel more comfortable trying to communicate. I now have more tools to use. Visual aids a great idea – very do-able.”
“Excellent in all aspects. This is one workshop that I thought applied directly to the library setting and was not just an adapted business one.”
“I will approach the challenge of non-English speaking patrons with more confidence in my ability to handle the situation.”
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