Reflection on Learning

Reading through the first entry of this blog that I had written 12 weeks ago, I am able to clearly recall my attitude towards and expectation of attending this course. As I think through and reflect on the assignments and the other course requirements that I had to fulfil, I found that most of my expectations and goals have been met and achieved.

Firstly, I have learned the techniques to produce an application letter and resume that is effective in bringing out the best of my qualities to suit the needs of the organisation that I apply to. I am now confident of being able to present myself appropriately to the organisation when applying for a position.

While the assignment to write an application letter and resume has equipped me with confidence in job application, I must indicate that the project and presentation was a challenge to my level of communication skills. I was not familiar with any of my classmates before the course. Having to work in a group with people whom I was not familiar with meant that I had to be versatile. I had to be able to put my thoughts and opinions through to my group mates in appropriate manners and tones so that they will not misunderstand my point. It was challenging initially. Nevertheless, skills that were elaborated and explained in the textbook proved to be effective as I made conscious efforts to practice them. In the end, it was visible that communication among the group members improved by a large extent. I now feel more prepared and confident to face the possible challenges that I might encounter in my future employment.

All in all, I am satisfied with the outcome of this course. It is impossible to acquire the best communication skills as we face different circumstance and people in each situation. There is no limit when it comes to learning how to communicate with people. We can only enrich ourselves each time by reflecting on our reactions and responses to each situation. This course provided me with many situations and circumstances that I have never encountered. From them, I have learnt of more ways to communicate and to deal with the issues.

I am thankful for Mrs Richardson as she had been very patient in guiding me through this course. My fellow classmates too, deserve credit for their help and support throughout the entire course.

My Biodata

Since young, I was exposed to music and sports. Through learning the piano and being involved in competitive sailing, I find myself pushing my limits to achieve my maximum potential in the things I do. Able to work both independently and in a group, I place emphasis on the importance of time and efficiency. Besides music and sports, I am intrigued by the different cultures present in the world and find passion in discovery of and exposure to them. Hoping to travel as much as I can, I yearn to learn more about the way people live and to find out what are their values in life. In return, I hope to be able to share the Singaporean’s way of life.

Reflecting on the Research Project Experience

Majoring in Mathematics meant that I was spared of projects and group work. Our assessments are based on tutorials and tests, which are individual work. During the past semesters, I did not take any modules that required me to do a research project. Hence, the past one and a half month has indeed been a period filled with immense learning experience.

From brainstorming of the research topic to submitting the project report, I learned the importance of being a team player in a group. Nicole, Hui Ming and I worked on our own most of the time and met only during classes to consolidate our information and to comment on each others' work. This was possible because each of us was able to trust that our group mates were responsible and all the work assigned were completed on time. As a result, the project was done rather efficiently.

With clear communication, we were also able to discuss our points and decide on issues effectively. In times of a heated discussion among two members, the last member would become the mediator and help to settle the issue amicably. In such discussions, we had to learn how to listen and accept other people's opinions and to be willing to give in to better suggestions. It also taught me that indeed, 'more heads are better than one' as we often ended up with a combination of ideas which were for the better. It certainly took effort, but I believe it built our interpersonal relationships. Personally, I felt that I now have a better understanding of my group members.

As mentioned above, this is the first time I am engaged in a research project. Thankfully, Hui Ming has experience in research and report writing as it is required of her in her course. From her, I learnt how to make use of the NUS Library's E-Resources, how to go about searching for relevant documents and data. I am now intrigued by the vast amount of information available online that I am motivated to do more research projects on a level of personal interest.

I believe that the oral presentation will require us to work more closely together. Definitely, we will have to bear in mind the 7Cs while communicating in order to do so effectively. Specifically, I will emphasise on clearing our doubts in times of uncertainty so as to maximise efficiency. It requires communication to be clear and concise but surely, patience and understanding from the group members will facilitate such situations as well.

Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour

With globalisation, intercultural interaction becomes inevitable. Work made across the globe require people to learn and understand the culture of their clients and colleagues. In my opinion, making an attempt to understand and accept the difference in culture shows a speaker's sincerity and the respect they have for the other party.

I take an example of a German girl, Kathrin, interacting with a colleague, Zhang, from China.

Despite working in the same laboratory, Zhang and Kathrin hardly interacts. Kathrin enters her workplace daily and greets all her colleagues with a cheerful 'Good morning!". To her disappointment however, she gets only a mumble from Zhang, without eye contact.
After some time, she casts an opinion of Zhang being rude and unfriendly.

An experience in Germany has allowed me to learn that most Germans greet their fellow colleagues in the morning and eye contact between people during communication is important. In this case, perhaps Zhang is shy and dare not look at people in the eye when he speaks. This can be quite common for people who have little self confidence or are simply uncomfortable with eye contact. It could also be the case that this is how people interact in his hometown and he is used to it.

In this situation, as both parties do not require direct contact at work, the both of them left the situation the way it is. To Kathrin, she was only going to be working with him for 2 months and to him, she was just a temporary colleague. The relationship could possibly have been improved and the awkwardness reduced if both parties give and take and are open to each other about their opinions.

Hence, when dealing with intercultural communication, a basic knowledge of the other party is important and can be obtained from books or through speaking to people. Coming from ourselves, we should also speak up and inform other people when we find that they are behaving in a way that we and our culture is not comfortable with.

Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

Here's a list of reminders for each of us when we communicate across cultures. This article is obtained from the Kwintessential Cross Cultural Solutions website, found on http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/ten-tips-cross-cultural-communication.html

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Slow Down

Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak at normal speed. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible.

Separate Questions

Try not to ask double questions such as, "Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?" In a cross cultural situation only the first or second question may have been comprehended. Let your listener answer one question at a time.

Avoid Negative Questions

Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions and answers. In English we answer 'yes' if the answer is affirmative and 'no' if it is negative. In other cultures a 'yes' or 'no' may only be indicating whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to "Are you not coming?" may be 'yes', meaning 'Yes, I am not coming.'

Take Turns

Cross cultural communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, making a point and then listening to the response.

Write it Down

If you are unsure whether something has been understood write it down and check. This can be useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in the USA is 1,000,000,000 while in the UK it is 1,000,000,000,000.

Be Supportive

Effective cross cultural communication is in essence about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them confidence, support and a trust in you.

Check Meanings

When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarise what has been said in order to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring accurate cross cultural communication has taken place.

Avoid Slang

Even the most well educated foreigner will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms and sayings. The danger is that the words will be understood but the meaning missed.

Watch the humour

In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.

Maintain Etiquette

Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness training or at least do some research on the target culture.

Cross cultural communication is about dealing with people from other cultures in a way that minimises misunderstandings and maximises your potential to create strong cross cultural relationships. The above tips should be seen as a starting point to greater cross cultural awareness.

Potential Research Project Topic - Interethnic Marriage

Browsing through the internet, I came upon an article ‘The future of Singapore is mixed’ (http://www.newsintercom.org/index.php?itemid=436). According to the article, ‘between 2002 and 2004, about 10% of marriages under the Women's Charter was inter-ethnic, that is where a person married someone from another race. During the same period, about 20% of marriages under the Muslim Law Act was inter-ethnic.’


(Photo: A wedding shoot for an inter-racial marriage.)

This is the issue that has caught my attention and interest. Growing up in a multi-racial country, many of us are aware of the presence of the different races. However, are we really able to come together and grow as one country? It seems almost probable that inter-ethnicity marriages will help glue Singaporeans together, into a country where we no longer have the category of different races. On the other hand, will it lead to the loss of multi-racial heritage that Singapore is known for?

With inter-ethnic marriages becoming more and more common in our country, what are the possible implications on the ethnic groups and culture? Is there really a trend for people to be married to another of a different race or ethnic group? What are the younger generation’s views on inter-ethnic marriage? Are our parents aware of our thoughts and opinions?

The objective of such a research is to provide the older generation with a better understanding of their children’s views on inter-ethnic marriages. In order to do so, a survey to find out the views of the younger generation will be conducted. The survey will be targeted at single adults between the ages of 22 and 30. Its purpose is to find out if single adults, with influence from globalization and the multi-ethnicity that Singaporeans are exposed do, are tending to search for a partner of a different ethnicity. If such a tendency is apparent, what are the reasons for it, and whether they are aware of the social implications.

Interpersonal Conlict

In a committee formed by a group of fifteen people, we have characters A, B and C. A is the chairperson of the committee, B is the project leader for an event and C is the in-charge for logistics for this particular event.

B has a very close group of friends in the committee and together, they form a clique in the committee. The clique often makes decisions together and stands by each other for support while the rest of the committee members are individualistic and independent. A and C fall in the second group.

One portion of the event required the committee members to transport the participants’ belongings from NUS to East Coast Park. The total load to be transported was circa 80 haversacks. For this portion, B allocated three committee members for one task while she and A remained at the headquarters to oversee the entire event. C, together with 3 other persons, was responsible for the transportation of the belongings. The rest of the committee was free, but had to stand by for emergency. It also happened that those who were free were in the same clique as B.

C believed that he was short-handed and asked B for more manpower since there were people who had no job allocation. However, B insisted that she has allocated sufficient manpower to C and that the remaining party were meant for emergency.

After his request was turned down, C approached A for help, since A was the only person who had the status to speak to B. Moreover, A has handled logistics before and had a better understanding of the situation.

After listening to C, A speaks to B. B was insistent on her point and A thought that since B was the project leader, A should not try to over-ride her decisions based on his position as the committee chairperson. A then reverts to C with a negative answer, giving the same reason that B gave. A also explains that he wanted to respect B’s decisions as the project leader.

At this point of time, C is furious that A was of no help and tells A that he is disappointed in him. Nevertheless, despite the disagreement, C makes do with the number of people he was allocated and completes the task with delay.

What should A have done? Should A have challenged B’s decisions to fight for C? Or has he done the right thing by respecting B’s decisions?

My reasons for the need of effective communication skills

Upon entering university, I became acquainted with people from all walks of life. Due to differing growing up paths taken, I found it difficult to communicate with some of them. Not only did I not understand their manner of expressing themselves, I could not get my point across as well. Thankfully, majority face similar circumstances and we make an effort to understand each other. Upon graduation next year, I anticipate similar situations. At that point of time however, I do not expect the people I come into contact with to be as patient and understanding since work is more often than not, expected to be done promptly. Hence, I find it critical to start developing effective communication skills.

An internship experience also made me realize that effective communication skills will not only help bring across the intended message accurately, it will help foster understanding and build relationship among the people who work together. For example, my former manager speaks to the interns using Singapore Colloquial English (SCE) and the Hokkien dialect to communicate with the rest of the employees. The reason for the difference can be attributed to the difference in generation. The interns from the younger generation are more used to communicating in SCE and similarly, among the other employees, in dialect. By speaking in the appropriate languages, the manager has shown that he was easily approachable.

Communication is the only way out in a world whereby people need to depend on others to process work. By equipping oneself with effective communication skills, it will help to reduce misunderstandings and this will ultimately allow for higher efficiency in work. Moreover, as mentioned above, it can encourage healthy working relationships and facilitate working in a team. In the process, a person will also discover about him/herself and ideally try to correct the negative and learn how to bring out the best in oneself.