M2: Learner Manual

10.4. Engaging with CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) clients and co-workers

Key issues when you are engaging in direct contact with CALD clients and co-workers include: 

• Finding out the individual’s preferred language and engaging an interpreter if required. 

• Developing a cultural understanding by acknowledging all three layers of cultural factors (and individual culture). 

·       Artifacts: These "artifacts" are at the surface, those aspects (such as dress) which can be easily discerned, but are hard to understand.

·       Espoused Values: Beneath artifacts are "espoused values" which are conscious strategies, goals and philosophies.

·       Basic Assumptions and Values: The core, or essence, of culture is represented by the basic underlying assumptions and values, which are difficult to discern because they exist at a largely unconscious level. Yet they provide the key to understanding why things happen in a particular way. These basic assumptions form around deeper dimensions of human existence such as the nature of humans, human relationships and activity, reality and truth.[1]

• Being sensitive to the individual’s gender preferences. 

• Being conscious of physical contact, especially with those of the opposite sex.

• Being aware of differences in eye contact or handling belongings.

• Consulting the CALD person regarding their religious practice and making appropriate arrangements for them. 

• Being aware of bereavement ritual or funeral practices. 

• Being aware of differences in communication styles. 

• Being aware of differences in interpretation of meanings. 

• Clarifying the similarity of and differences between the provision of services in the person’s country of origin and Australia.