Cultural sensitivity is a process of becoming culturally competent. Cultural competency can be achieved by focusing on attitudes, skills and knowledge Dr. Campina-Bacote expands on this concept with a model of cultural competency that identifies the process as “ becoming culturally competent, rather than being culturally competent” (Many Faces On-Line, 2003) Along with skills, knowledge and attitudes or awareness he identifies seeking cultural encounters as a step to develop cultural competence (Many Faces On-Line, 2003).

Cultural competence in the classroom enriches practice in teaching and learning English. Understanding the theory of culture can identify barriers to success in the teaching environment.

The theory of culture identifies Values, Worldview, Time-Orientation, and Social Structure as defining characteristics of cultural diversity. Age, gender, race, language, religion and socio-economics define culture also. Values are anything of importance to an individual or a culture. Values drive behaviors. A person’s worldview consists of

his or her own assumptions about the nature of reality. Most people believe their worldview without question. This leads to ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own way is right and natural and other ways are inferior, unnatural, uncivilized, etc. Cultural relativism looks at behavior and beliefs in their own cultural context. Cultural relativism accepts that other ways may be different but equally valued.

Time orientation notes that some cultures have emphasis on past, present and future. Past focus is a traditional culture focusing on how things have always been done. Present time orientation looks to today and may make plans or provisions for the future. Future time orientation plans for the future and has faith and trust in technological innovations. In terms of power, authority and opportunity a social structure may be egalitarian or hierarchical. In an egalitarian society such as the United States or Europe all people are equal in theory if not in practice. Social status in hierarchical societies is based on characteristics such as age, sex, lineage, or occupation.

Understanding the culture of the students in the classroom is important to facilitate learning language skills and prevent barriers to

the student-teacher interaction. The teacher should understand their own culture and how diversity works in the classroom. Samovar and Porter (2004) suggested “that in order to become a better intercultural communicator, an individual should stay open-minded, if uncertain ask questions, avoid stereotyping, avoid power and power games, give others the benefit of doubt, don’t judge, be open and flexible and keep a smile on his/her face.” (On-Line, 2007 SW_JOURNAL)

Pamela williams