50 Activities for Achieving Cultural Competence

50ActivitiesforAchievingCulturalCompetency

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Reproducedfrom50ActivitiesforAchievingCulturalCompetence,byJonamayLambert,

SelmaMyers,andGeorgeSimons,editors.Amherst,MA:HRDPress,2000,2008

[Handout1–page2]

Signs of approval

Mainstream American gestures, such as the

“okay” sign, the “thumbs up” signal, and the

“V,” can be considered offensive in many other

cultures. All three have sexual connotations.

Culture tip for hand gestures

While most people from other ethnic groups

are probably aware that these gestures are not

intended to be offensive, there is likely to be a

culturally based meaning associated with the

gestures that might cause embarrassment or

discomfort. To avoid any difficulty, it is best to

avoid hand gestures.

Touching

Touch Don’t Touch Middle Ground

Middle Eastern Japanese French

Latin American American and Canadian Chinese

Italian English Irish

Greek Scandinavian Indian

Spanish, Portuguese Australian

Russian Estonian