Bridging the Gap: Beyond Language and Towards a Global Mindset
My Holland (MBA,MA)
EQuest Asia CEO | Certified LEGO? SERIOUS PLAY?| TedX speaker | Founder VK N? |Transforming leaders |Positive Strategist | EQ & Positive Psy.| Engagement Consultant, Author, Eurocham WIB | Iaidoka
A Powerful Conversation and a Global Need:
Over the weekend, a captivating conversation with colleagues from South Africa, India, and Australia sparked an important realization: #Diversity and #Inclusion (D&I) initiatives need to go also beyond gender discussions. We need to tackle cultural identity and the languages that shape not just workplaces, but the entire world. Then I had a beautiful Kintsugi experience with Vietnamese people who studied in Japan, where they learnt the language and culture. I love the cultural bridge those people are making.
The Importance of Cross-Cultural Communication:
The ability to bridge cultural divides and collaborate effectively across borders is crucial. Unfortunately, many students, particularly from English-speaking nations, prioritize studying abroad mostly in English-speaking countries. This limits their exposure to diverse perspectives and languages, potentially fostering a #colonial #mindset. I mention students because they are the ones to shape our future and mobility is much easier at that age.? Rarely you would see students from Australia or from USA wanting to study in Vietnam or Japan (well actually my 2 daughters studied their BA in Vietnam in an English speaking environment though, and still immersed themselves in a very different world)…
When I was lecturing in Australia, students usually dream of going to the USA or Canada or England to study. Then I asked what about other countries? "It's? too hard. I would need to learn another language and culture! Why bother when people speak broken english anyway”. This is from a 20 to 22 years old person... and when they travelled they usually say " the french fries were amazing in Chiang Mai, or the western breakie was awesome when travelled in Vietnam..." hummm
Breaking Down Barriers:
The Colonial Mindset: This historical power dynamic leads some to believe English is superior, hindering their understanding of other cultures.
The #Fixed #Mindset: Students with this mindset believe their abilities are fixed, discouraging them from learning new languages and stepping outside their comfort zones.
The #Global Mindset: In contrast, a global mindset embraces diversity and recognizes the interconnectedness of the world. It fosters curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn from others, leading to better collaboration and understanding.
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone:
Staying within your comfort zone may feel safe, but it hinders growth. By venturing outside, students can challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and develop skills essential in a globalized world.
My Story: Beyond Accents
I speak four languages "Ok ish" - I would not say fluently - , yet I still receive comments about my French accent.? Then I don’t look French as I am also Vietnamese. The irony? Often, the commenters are monolingual, never having ventured beyond their own cultural bubble. This highlights a critical issue: a lack of awareness and appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity.
Why D&I Matters More Than Ever:
D&I fosters empathy, understanding, and compassion. We recognize everyone, regardless of background, shares fundamental human needs. Recent/current events in the USA demonstrate the dangers of fear and prejudice. When we close ourselves off, we create a divided and harmful society. We must actively build bridges between communities.
Education: The Key to Change:
One powerful way to foster cultural understanding is through education. Schools should consider making travel a compulsory part of the curriculum. Experiencing different cultures firsthand can broaden a student's perspective and develop empathy, allowing them to appreciate the richness of human diversity.
Conclusion: Building a More Inclusive World
To break free from the English-centric mindset and cultivate a global perspective, students or anyone else can:
By adopting a global mindset, we can become more effective communicators, collaborators, and global citizens. Let's strive for a world that celebrates differences, embraces new experiences, learns from others, and builds a more compassionate and inclusive society together.
Share below your insights about studying or working overseas, how it has shaped you as a person, your experience as feeling you need to adapt to the mainstream linguistic expectation.
Thank you
My
Hi, I’m My. I’m an Executive coach and positive change?Catalyst.? I deliver impactful training to inspire and ignite positive action for a positive and inclusive? workplace.
?? Interested in energizing facilitations? I use LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, and new approaches based on positive psychology principles to strengthen authentic team bonding, diversity of thinking, gender and cultures.
??The Unspoken Identity Struggle | My Holland | TEDxFTU
??FQ: The New EQ | My Holland | TEDxMonashUniversityMalaysia
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Founder @ Sourcalia? Pursuing Master of Data Analytics+AI @La Trobe University | Export Consultant | ICC member I Global Trade Enthusiast | La Trobe Leader | Startmate Fellow-W24 & S25| Future Forte Australia Ambassador
1 个月Such a great insight on cross-cultural communication ? Cross-cultural communication is an underutilised tool in global workplaces. Building these bridges, as you mention, strengthens the fabric of international cooperation.
?? Entrepreneur, podcaster, author, community connector | Leadership, Strategy & Communications
1 个月Language opens doors to cultures and ways of thinking and doing. It expands our understanding of other people and cultivates empathy. When I was chatting with my Fijian friend, she was astonished that I said most Malaysians can speak at least 2 languages - English and Malay. And a majority of us speak more than two. Our language abilities help us travel and explore with ease. When locals know we speak their language, we get top notch customer service. As an aside I am now learning Spanish - because it’s fun and keeps my brain active.
Emotional #wellness: I help #overworked executives rid of emotional baggage caused by unwanted emotions such as #stress, #anxiety, #insomnia, #trauma, #grief, #emotionaleating, etc.
2 个月From a language/cultural expansion and geographical perspective, someone from the UK or Southern Ireland who wants to explore new horizons, travelling to & living in a Scandinavian could be sufficient. The same with someone living in Vietnam wanting to live in India as an example. Sometimes, there is no need to go far away. The real matter resides with the desire to learn and explore. Sometimes, the country next door could be a whole different world, especially when the languages have different origin, don't you agree ch? My?
Projectmanager Synestheet
2 个月Excellent perspectives. My personal experience in Vietnam, The Netherlands and the US lead me to fully agree with your mindset descriptions. I have mentored several Vietnamese who wanted to develop a global mindset for career purposes. However, when someone feels no need to learn, this person will wonder why to make a serious effort to learn a foreign language or become interested in other cultures. My question: what would generate willingness to look beyond your own horizon (or bubble, if you will)?