Cultural Sensitivity

In Wales we all know about the insensitivity we experience from the many of those who come to Wales to holday without event seeming to recognise they are in another country!  And even from people who would like to think they are sensitive, but don't realise our blunders! 

Please remember you are representing Wales in this project!

This is additional material and snips from internet research! 

Cultural sensitive travel is all about showing respect, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse cultures you encounter while traveling. It’s about immersing yourself in local customs, traditions, and ways of life with an open heart and a willingness to learn.

We hope that by having some chance to engage with the local cultures - we can do this respectfully and considering sustainable practices, we will learn as fortunate travellers. 

in Jamaica, one common greeting is "Wa gwaan?" which means "What's going on?" This casual greeting invites friendly conversation – you can reply “Mi dire” which means “I’m fine”.

Follow dress codes ie smart casual at all times (other than trips out) and be careful re: photography by asking for permission. Treat the folks you meet with respect and remeber we will be meeting some important people - we are not there to tell them better ways to do things - we are going to share our Welsh culture. Jamaica's motto is 'Out of Many, one People' they have had to accept the diversity of their country, we can learn from this. 

Approach any interactions with humility, openness and an open heart. We are not there because we know better, we are there to learn. Whether you're at a community event, or simply chatting with folks, be genuinely interested in their stories and perspectives. Take the time to listen and learn about their views and way of life—it’s a mutual exchange that enriches both sides.

Embrace the activities we have planned respectfully, it may not be what you prefer to be doing, but use the opportunity to observe and learn, and participate with respect.

If you want a different experience of Jamaica – then you will be confident after this trip to book your own ticket and do your own thing!

You'll encounter warm hospitality and often dine communally. Respect local traditions regarding seating arrangements and sharing meals. It's important to be mindful of dietary restrictions or allergies; politely communicate your needs to ensure a comfortable dining experience for everyone. 

Misunderstandings can occur, even with the best intentions. If you unintentionally offend someone or make a cultural mistake, apologize sincerely and seek to understand where things went wrong. Approach the situation with humility and a willingness to learn from your experiences.

Jamaica showcases the deep impact of Rastafarian culture, influencing music and daily life with its spiritual beliefs and unique customs. You may not get much opportunity to experience this but good to be aware.

To really make a positive impact, let’s show genuine respect for the local cultures, and actively support sustainable efforts that empower and benefit the communities we visit.

Showing respect: It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority. When dealing with people at the same level, communication can be more informal. Jamaicans stand very close when conversing.

Cultural Sensitivity in the Caribbean https://unique-universe.blog/cultural-sensitive-travel/

Travel is undeniably a privilege, often inaccessible to many locals due to visa restrictions and lingering effects of colonial history. Acknowledging this privilege highlights the importance of practicing cultural sensitivity and ensuring that tourism positively impacts the vibrant communities of the Caribbean. We will be seen as lucky tourists by many – as the wonder what we want to get out of the visit and what we can give.

There are several ways in which you can improve your cultural sensitivity, including: Being open to learning about the traditions and beliefs of other cultures. We also need to be aware of our own culture and how it has influenced us. This delegation is people from Wales – don’t talk about your experiences in England or elsewhere. May be we need to recognise our own biases and prejudices.

More advice off the internet: 

Ground Rules for Culturally Sensitive Conversations

1. Approach with an open mind: Listen to colleague's perspectives and try to understand without comparing to yours.
2. Avoid stereotypes: Stereotypes are based on broad generalizations and can be unproductive in sensitive conversations. Make sure to remember that not everyone is the same and everyone experiences things differently.
3. Have courage to get uncomfortable: Recognizing that culturally sensitive conversations can easily become uncomfortable is an important realization to make. This realization will help the conversation be more productive. No one has all the answers and that's okay. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and admit to what you don't know.
4. Acknowledge triggers: If the conversation is turning into too much of an uncomfortable territory, be conscious of what your triggers are. Your triggers will help you know when you should change topics or end the conversation before it goes in the wrong direction. Respecting each other's boundaries will prevent damage in the relationship and allow you time to process the discussion. 

https://www.umassp.edu/deia/resources/having-conversations-around-diversity-workplace

1. The attitude of openness is demonstrated when you are open to initiate and develop interactions with culturally different others. You suspend judgment in valuing your interactions with them.
2. The attitude of curiosity means that you ask complex questions about other cultures. You can articulate answers to these questions that reflect multiple cultural perspectives.
3. Knowledge of cultural self-awareness means that you articulate insights into your own cultural rules, assumptions, and biases. You are aware of how your experiences shape these rules, assumptions, and biases.
4. Knowledge of cultural worldview frameworks demonstrates your sophisticated understanding of the complexity of elements important to members of another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, communication styles, economy, or beliefs and practices.
5. When you have the skills of non-verbal and verbal communication, you can articulate a complex understanding of cultural differences in verbal and nonverbal communication. 
6. You skillfully negotiate a shared understanding based on those differences.