Definition of Terms acculturation: Cultural
modification of an individual,group, or people by adapting
to, or borrowing traits from, another culture; a merging
of cultures as a result of prolonged contact. It should
be noted that individuals from culturally diverse groups
may desire varying degrees of acculturation into the
dominant culture.
assimilation: Assuming
the cultural traditions of a given people or group.
culture: An
integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts,
communications, languages, practices, beliefs, values,
customs, courtesies, rituals, manners of interacting,
roles, relationships, and expected behaviors of a racial,
ethnic, religious or social group; the ability to transmit
the above to succeeding generations; is dynamic in nature.
cultural
brokering: This term has multiple definitions.
Cultural brokering is defined as the act of bridging,
linking, or mediating between groups or persons of
differing cultural backgrounds for the purpose of reducing
conflict or producing change (Jezewski, 1990). A cultural
broker acts as a go-between, one who advocates on behalf
of another individual or group (Jezewski & Sotnik,
2001). A health care intervention through which the
professional increasingly uses cultural and health
science knowledge and skills to negotiate with the
client and the health care system for an effective,
beneficial health care plan (Wenger, 1995).
cultural
awareness: Being cognizant, observant, and
conscious of similarities and differences among cultural
groups.
cultural
competence: The NCCC embraces a conceptual
framework and definition of cultural competence that
requires organizations to:
- have
a defined set of values and principles, and demonstrate
behaviors, attitudes, policies, and structures that
enable them to work effectively cross-culturally.
- have
the capacity to (1) value diversity, (2) conduct self-assessment,
(3) manage the dynamics of difference, (4) institutionalization
of cultural knowledge, and (5) adapt to diversity and
the cultural contexts of the communities they serve.
- incorporate
the requirements above in all aspects of policy development,
administration, and practice/service delivery and involve
consumers systematically (modified from Cross, Bazron,
Dennis, & Isaacs, 1989).
cultural
sensitivity: Understanding the needs and emotions
of your own culture and the culture of others.
|