What are the skills and knowledge required to be multi culturally literate?

Multicultural Literacy consists of the skills and ability to identify the creators of knowledge and their interests (Banks, 1996), to uncover the assumptions of knowledge, to view knowledge from diverse ethnic and cultural perspective, and to use knowledge to guided action that will create a humane and just world (Boutte, 2008).

Multicultural Literacy then, brings attention to diversity, equity and social justice to foster cultural awareness by addressing difficult issues like discrimination and oppression towards other ethnicities (Boutte, 2008). According to Boutte (2008) education for multicultural literacy should help students to develop the 21st century skills and attitudes that are needed to become active citizens who will work towards achieving social justice within our communities. Because of the growing racial, language and ethnic diversity in our country, Multicultural Literacy needs to be transformed in substantial ways to prepare students to function effectively in the 21st Century (Boutte, 2008).

By making small changes within the classrooms, it can create big changes globally (Boutte, 2008). As diversity grows, there is a need for the emergence of multicultural education that is more representative of the students in today’s classrooms. By teaching students to be advocates for multiculturalism, we are also sending a message of empathy and tolerance in schools as a need to develop deeper understanding of others and appreciation of different cultures (Banks, 2003). With this being said, in order for students to develop these attitudes and skills, it requires basic knowledge prior to teaching students how to question assumptions about cultural knowledge and how to critique and critically think about these important cultural issues, which is what essentially makes Multicultural Literacy a 21st Century Literacy (Banks, 2003).

What is Global Literacy?

Global Literacy aims to address issues of

 globalization, racism, diversity and social justice (Guo, 2014). It requires awareness and action, consistent with a broad understanding of humanity, the planet, and the impact of human decision on both. Global Literacy also aims to empower students with knowledge and take action to make a positive impact in the world and their local community (Guo, 2014).

According to the Ontario Ministry of Education (2015) A global citizen should display most or all of the following characteristics:

•   Respect for humans no matter their race, gender, religion or political perspectives.
•   Respect for diversity and various perspectives.
•   Promoting sustainable patterns of living, consumption, and production.
•   Appreciate the natural world and demonstrate respectful towards the rights of all living things.

How are Multicultural and Global Literacy Interconnected?

Every classroom contains students of different race, religion, and cultural groups. Students embrace diverse behaviors, cultural values, patterns of practice, and communication. Yet they all share one commonality: their educational opportunity (Guo, 2014).

Teachers should teach their students that other cultures exist and that these deserve to be acknowledged and respected. Integrating a variety of cultural context into lessons and activities, teaches students to view the world from many angles, creates a respect for diversity and enables students to learn exciting information. As classrooms become increasingly more diverse, it is important for educators to acknowledge an address diversity issues and to integrate multiculturalism information into the classroom curriculum (Guo, 2014).

Working in an environment with people of different backgrounds, races and nationalities can be a rewarding and fulfilling professional experience. You can expand your horizons by learning different communication skills and approaches while interacting with people from around the world. However, working in a multicultural workplace does require a certain amount of tact, diplomacy and a willingness to learn, adapt and compromise.

Patience and Understanding

Working with colleagues in a multicultural environment requires a certain level of patience. People from different backgrounds often have different ways of approaching tasks and human interactions. These are neither right nor wrong, only different. Having the patience to take the time to fully understand where colleagues are coming from in different workplace scenarios can help you all work together more efficiently and effectively.

Respectful Acceptance

Cultural differences range vast and wide, from religious beliefs to cultural norms. People from diverse backgrounds bring a number of different socially-acceptable professional and personal practices into the workplace. Whether or not you agree with your colleagues, it is important to respect their differences. This means restraining yourself from commenting on things you are unfamiliar with or don't particularly agree with and accepting your colleagues’ cultural backgrounds for what they are.

Leeway in Language Use

People who don't speak your native language might inadvertently use words or phrases that you might find inappropriate for the workplace. Give colleagues with new language skills leeway in how they use their words. If you feel a colleague inadvertently offends customers due to inexperience with certain accepted customs and practices, discuss the issue privately with your human resources representative. This person is trained to deal with these types of situations in a professional and effective manner.

Willingness to Learn

Working with people from other backgrounds exposes you to customs, cultures and practices you might never have otherwise come in contact with. A willingness to get to know your colleagues on a personal level will create a sense of goodwill in the workplace that can translate to better professional collaboration. Most people, when asked in an appropriate way, are more than happy to talk about differences between cultures. This can give you greater insight into why people think, behave and act the way they do. Be open to discussing your own background and cultural beliefs, provided these conversations don't tread into inappropriate workplace conversation. If you are unsure about what constitutes inappropriate workplace dialogue, consult your human resources representative.

What are the needed skills in multicultural context?

What are the skills that a multicultural literate teacher should posses?

Why is there a need for us to be multi cultural literate?