Cultural Intelligence

Cultural intelligence (CQ) CQ is the ability to engage in a set of behaviours that uses skills (language or interpersonal skills) and qualities (eg. Tolerance of ambigity, flexibility) that are tuned apporpriately to the culture-based values and attitudes of the people with whom one interacts

CQ Cultural intelligence (CQ) is your capability to grow personally through continuous learning and good understanding of diverse cultural heritage, wisdom and values, and to deal effectively with people from different cultural background and understanding.

Factors of multiple intelligence Elements of Cultural intelligence Factors of multiple intelligence Multiple intelligence Linguistic (teachers, editors) Logical-mathematical Spatial (engeneers, painters) Musical Body/Kinesthetic (athlets) Inter-personal (ministers) Intrapersonal (authors, actors) Elements important for cultural intelligence Inguistic intelligence Spatial intelligence Intrapersonal intelligence Interpersonal intelligence

Multiple intelligence

Linguistic Intelligene Learning the language of those with whom we interact You do not have to speak the second language fluently to have cultural intelligence Resolution of Claret in Rome few months before his death: “ Ialways to speak italian or else to keep silent, except when speaking with brother Josef or with any spaniard who comes to see me”

Spatial intelligence Proper behaviours in interaction with others How close to be with others Appropriate body language Various ways of using body, voice and space in the interaction with others. Knowing to keep appropriate and culturally relevant personal boundaries.

Intrapersonal intelligence Knowledge of one’s own cultural style Importance of self awareness When studying others’ cultures under a magnifying glass, do not forger to use a mirror and examine your own culture

Interpersonal intelligence Mutually affirming interaction with others Ability to respond appropriately to others Ability to read the intentions and desires of others even when there is language barrier Empathize with others

Growing in cultural intelligence- A process Attitude of openness “There are many valid ways” Appreciation of multiple perspectives and ways of doing things Cultural relativism. Other ways may be better for those in that place and time. Other way may be the best achivable for that people in that place at that time. Capacity to deal with cultural “blues” or cultural shock One way Many ways My way is the only way there are many valid ways I refuse to adjust I am prepared to adjust

Cultural shock the feeling of anxiety that a person can experience after they have moved into an entirely new environment. generally surface within a few weeks of arriving in a new place and/or culture. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not. This is often combined a dislike for or even disgust (moral or aesthetical) with certain aspects of the new or different culture Symptoms: feelings of sadness, loneliness, physical aches and pains, insomnia or the desire to sleep a lot, depression, feeling vulnerable, anger, resentment, an unwillingness to interact outside of the home, idealizing their old country of residence, loss of identity, frantically attempting to merge into the new culture, lack of confidence, feeling inadequate, longing for family feelings of being lost.

Dealing with Cultural shock experience of Culture Shock will vary depending on many personal, group and environmental factors To reduce stress: Awareness, Openness to formators, share with companions learning the language or volunteering for a community activity take time to appreciate the good things in your life, familiarize the new culture, relaxation and/or meditation, making contact with your ethnic group, Give meaning to your renunciation allow yourself to grieve occasionally for all the loved ones you have left behind but never let that grief become the main focus

Choices Coping Strategies Initial Attitudes Reactive Responses Inevitable Reactions to cross cultural encounters Coping Strategies Initial Attitudes Frustration Confusion Tension Embarrassment Observe Listen inquire Rapport Understanding Openness Acceptance Trust Cultural Difference Choices Alienation and Isolation Criticize Rationalize Withdraw Suspicion fear Prejudice Reactive Responses

Phases of culture shock 1. The "Honeymoon Phase" - During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light wonderful and new : new foods, the pace of the life, the people's habits etc. 2. The "Negotiation Phase" - After a few days, weeks, or months, minor differences between the old and new culture are resolved. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one's native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people's habits annoying, etc. 3. The "Everything is OK" phase - Again, after a few days, weeks, or months, one grows accustomed to the new culture's differences and develops routines. No longer reacts to the new culture positively or negatively, because it no longer feels like a new culture. One becomes concerned with basic living again 4. Reverse Culture Shock - Returning to one's home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above.

Some tips Reading about the country and its culture before departing. This way, the country and its people are more familiar upon arrival. Avoiding being offended, offending the people of new culture, or being engaged in arguments. Familiarize yourself with local customs and language. Taking a 'time out' to have time for yourself to integrate the new experiences in prayer and self-synthesis. Share with a trusted person Use recollections to process and integrate the experience Being open-minded about the culture you are going to be part of Spiritual preparation: attitude of being sent by the Lord Feelings of brotherhood with the receiving culture. “my own people” Model on the mystery of incarnation Feelings of “being sent in mission”

Imitate the great saintly missionaries They remained true ambassadors of Christ They respected and loved the people to whom they were sent They laid down their lives for them They won the hearts and souls of the people through their love