Cultural humility is a respectful and humble attitude that individuals have and
demonstrate towards people from different cultures. It is a personal challenge that directs
individuals to exploit their cultural biases, taking into consideration that they cannot know
everything about other cultures, but can remain open and willing to learn. Cultural
humility is the realization that people are different and that difference does not make
people of other cultures inferior. A nurse working in an area inhabited by other cultures
must learn how to engage with members of that culture in ways that not only show respect,
but also demonstrate acceptance and understanding.
Cultural humility is described as the capacity to assume an interpersonal stand that is
other-oriented in relation to cultural identity aspects that are most significant to the person
(Waters & Asbill, 2013). This treatise underlines three factors that define cultural humility.
The first factor depicts cultural humility as a self-critique and self-evaluation that is life-
long in terms of commitment (Waters & Asbill, 2013). In this case, individuals examine
themselves critically and yearn to learn more about others. The second premise holds that
cultural humility requires fixing power imbalances. It is the recognition that everyone is
equally capable of contributing something unique (Waters & Asbill, 2013). The third
premise underlines the development of partnerships with groups that agitate for others.
This fact emphasizes on a collective mindset that encourages looking at each other
positively in equal ways (Waters & Asbill, 2013). This definition compares with mine in
that it identifies cultural humility as both a respectful and humble way of immersing
oneself into the world or cultures of others.
Apart from cultural humility, emotional intelligence is another necessary factor in
multicultural communication. Understanding the emotional disposition of others is
essential in engaging them in an emotionally sensitive communication. For example, a
person who gets offended and engages in an angry outburst when certain issues are
mentioned repeatedly may learn to slow down and control their anger by developing
emotional intelligence.
Reference
Waters, A., & Asbill, L. (2013). Reflections on cultural humility. American Psychological
Association.
Response
RESPONSE TO RATIB AHMAD 2
Indeed, Ratib’s definition of cultural humility reflects an individual’s self-less act and
willingness to put aside his/her cultural beliefs, values, and traditions based on their cultural
identity. Therefore, I concur with the definition provided as it highlights the individual’s
readiness to learn about the cultural identity of other people based on the realization and
appreciation of cultural differences. Most fundamentally, the definition points out three crucial
premises: self-critique, the rectification of power imbalances, and fostering partnerships that
advocate for other people (Yeager & Bauer-Wu, 2013). Under these premises, cultural humility
can be effectively applied as focuses on an individual’s immersion into the cultural beliefs, social
values and practices, and the traditions of other people. Besides, the incorporation of emotional
intelligence as another vital principle to effective multicultural communication indicates the urge
to determine their trigger points or areas that should not be avoided (Yeager & Bauer-Wu, 2013).
References
RESPONSE TO RATIB AHMAD 3
Yeager, K. A., & Bauer-Wu, S. (2013). Cultural humility: Essential foundation for clinical
researchers. Applied Nursing Research, 26(4), 251-256.