Effective Communication Skills for Working with Aboriginal

Question: Discuss about theEffective Communication Skills for Working with Aboriginal. Answer: Introduction Effective communication is done between humans to interact with each other by exchanging information. It is seen that vary considerably in terms of communication, interpersonal practices and norms of communication efficiency. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are facing a health crisis and lack of effective cross cultural communication is one of the primary reasons for it. Barriers in working with Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander peoples An individual has to face several barriers while working with the Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander people. These people often face discrimination and have been subjected to partial policies in the past. Therefore, it is observed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people show distrust in every system and may also feel fear or shame. It becomes difficult with these people in gaining their trust back and freeing them from prejudiced emotions. Second and most prominent barrier is of language as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not speak Standard Australian English as their first language.For some of the people Australian English is a second, third or even fourth language. Hence it becomes difficult to work with them without a translator. Also, the people who speak English pronounce the words differently which differentiates Aboriginal English from Standard Australian English. So understanding what a person is saying becomes difficult and delayed (North Coast Area Health Service, 2009). Another barrier is that a person has to be very aware of his/her nonverbal communication while dealing with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as they are cautious nonverbal communication indications.(Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice Program, 2012). It is also observed that some people of the Aboriginal community are not skilled in numeracy and literacy. So while working with such, it becomes vital to give assistance with reading, writing and processing new information (Aboriginal Services Branch, 2009). Further it is also observed that some Aboriginal people commonly use swear words during conversation as part of their regular vocabulary. Swearing is not regarded as offensive as it is in non-Aboriginal culture. While working with them it becomes difficult to not take this personally and avoid being offended. Clear understanding of the Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander peoples and what effective communicating skills required to working with them Aboriginal culture is basically an oral culture and therefore, the language and knowledge of this culture is not very well preserved. Due to the oral practice several languages were lost. Effective communication skills emphasising on good nonverbal communication should be used while working with them. Also while working with them an interpersonal relationship should be developed before proceeding to the business by asking about family, giving information about yourself. Gentle tone with slow speed and clear articulation of words should be done. Also the communication should be non-judgemental to build trust with them (Bach Grant, 2011)like any notion regarding their English proficiency and level of literacy should not be assumed (NSW Department of Health, 2004) Fundamental processes and practises of effective interpersonal communication applicable to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander peoples Before talking about business, focus should be put on building a relationship by warmly welcoming them, introducing you and exchange information about each other. To overcome the barrier of language one should avoid using technical terms, checking about understanding the words both the parties are using, usage of diagrams, pictures and models can also be done to explain anything. Avoid using the traditional language unless one is confident about it. Also, assistance from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff can be taken (Cultural Capability Team, 2015). It is important to understand the non-verbal communication cues used by them as they have different meanings in the context of other regions. So one should be mindful of be mindful of both the parties. One should also be mindful of the distance he/she is maintaining between him/her and the other person. If one is standing too close to a person especially of opposite gender, it can make/her uncomfortable and be a cause of distraction while communicating(Cherry, 2018). It is seen that silence of extended periods in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practice is common during conversations and is valued highly. The pauses are executed in between the conversation to listen actively, display regard or agreement. Therefore the constructive usage use of silence in their culture should not be misunderstood as disagreement and ignorance(Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy, 1998). Likewise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture averting eye contact is typically an act of showing respect. So one must avoid eye contact at first, and then observe other person's body manner and follow his/her lead and alter the ways of eye contact accordingly. Eye contact should especially be taken care of while working with opposite gender and should not be initiated first. In theircultures, the titles of Aunty or Uncle are commonly used togive respect to an elder member of the community in spite of no blood relation. It can be used while working with them after their approval. One must listen to them before giving his/her opinion as the other person may be struggling to communicate. He /she should be shown empathy (Nelson-Jones, 2000)and must avoid repeatedly interrupting or speaking over the person. Resources and networking applicable to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander peoples The government and nongovernment agencies can work towards building valuable alliances in working scenario with Aboriginal groups. To achieve this various local organisations and community centrescan work with Aboriginal people(Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 2016). Bibliography Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice Program. (2012). Communicating effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait. Queensland Health. Aboriginal Services Branch. (2009). Working with Aboriginal people and communities. Aboriginal Services Branch in consultation with the Aboriginal Reference Group. Bach, Grant. (2011). Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Nursing (Transforming Nursing Practice Series) (2 ed.). Learning Matters. Cherry, K. (2018, January 3). Types of Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved march 28, 2018, from Very Well: https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2795397 Cultural Capability Team. (2015). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cuture capability. Queensland: Queensland Health. Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy. (1998). Protocols for Consultation and Negotiation with Aboriginal People. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. (2016, February 23). Communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Audiences. Retrieved march 28, 2018, from Australian Government: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resource-centre/indigenous-affairs/communicating-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-audiences Nelson-Jones, R. (2000). Six Key Approaches to Counselling and Therapy. SAGE. North Coast Area Health Service. (2009). Cultural Respect Communication Guide. North Coast Area. NSW Department of Health. (2004). Communicating positively. North Sydney.