While the organisation of effective stakeholder engagement activities is vital for democratic decision making, it can be difficult to ensure impact for everyone at the table. Effective engagement involves reaching out to diverse communities and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued. However, this process is not without its challenges, especially when it comes to intercultural communication. To implement strategies that promote inclusivity and therefore maximise impact, it is essential to understand the cultural tendencies and familiarities of participants. In this post, we will explore three key aspects of intercultural communication that are important to consider when organising citizen engagement activities. These are: the use of culturally accessible terminologies, understanding levels of formality, and the involvement of relatable facilitators.
The Use of Culturally Accessible Terminologies
One of the fundamental elements of effective intercultural communication is the use of language that resonates with participants. Culturally accessible terminologies can bridge the gap between different backgrounds and make information more comprehensible and relatable.This means using terms and phrases that are familiar to participants. In DUST, we adapt our terminologies, especially complicated phrasings, to the languages and familiarities in our case study regions.
Why It Matters:
Inclusivity: Using terms familiar to the community ensures that all participants can understand and contribute to the discussion.
Trust: When people hear language that reflects their own experiences and values, it fosters a sense of belonging and trust.
Clarity: Avoiding jargon and technical language that might be alien to certain groups prevents misunderstandings and promotes clearer communication.
In practice:
Research: Understand the cultural context and linguistic preferences of the community you are engaging with. This includes dialects, slang, and idiomatic expressions.
Guidance: Work with local partners, advisors, and community members to identify and use the most appropriate terms.
Adaptation: Be flexible and ready to adjust your language based on feedback and the evolving needs of the community.
Understanding appropriate levels of formality
Delivering engagement activities that are culturally relatable also means understanding how formal the activity and setting should be. The level of formality in communication can significantly affect how messages are received and interpreted. In DUST, we adapt our engagement activities to the varying norms regarding formal and informal interactions in our case study regions. Understanding and adapting to this increases the likelihood of engagement activities being impactful for participants.
Why It Matters:
Respect: Adhering to the appropriate level of formality shows respect for cultural norms and values.
Comfort: Matching the formality level can make participants feel more comfortable and willing to engage.
Engagement: Understanding when to use formal versus informal communication can enhance participation and the overall effectiveness of engagement activities.
In practice:
Guidance: Seek advice from local partners, advisors and community members who can guide you on the appropriate level of formality.
Setting: Choose places to host events that participants can relate to and that are in line with the level of formality that they are used to.
Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your approach based on the signals that your participants give. How are they dressed? How do they speak?
The Involvement of Relatable Facilitators
Having facilitators who are connected to the area in which you are hosting a participation event, especially those that share similar backgrounds or identities with the community, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of citizen engagement activities. Relatable facilitators can bridge cultural gaps and foster a more inclusive environment. In DUST, we would not be able to deliver impactful activities with a range of stakeholders without our regional partners that provide guidance on project approaches and organise activities on the ground in our case study regions.
Why It Matters:
Representation: Facilitators who reflect the community's identity can increase the perceived legitimacy and relevance of the engagement process.
Trust: Participants are more likely to trust and open up to facilitators who they feel understand their experiences and perspectives.
Relatability: Relatable facilitators can better empathize with the community's concerns and communicate in a way that resonates.
In practice:
Guidance: Finding facilitators who have cultural or experiential similarities with participants is key. Listen to their perspectives when it comes to working with communities.
Connections: Facilitation is more than just hosting. Utilising the connections of partners and advisors on the ground can help to bring the right people to the table.
Support: Ensure facilitators have the resources and support they need to effectively engage with the community.
Conclusion
Intercultural communication is essential for successful citizen engagement activities. By using culturally accessible terminologies, respecting differing degrees of cultural formality, and involving relatable facilitators, we can create more inclusive and effective engagement processes. The common factor in all these strategies is to be guided by local partners, advisors and community members that understand their communities and regions. Our activities in DUST are greatly boosted by the high level of cooperation between diverse partners, relying heavily on the knowledge of our regional partners. Through the deployment of the strategies listed here, we can enhance our communication with citizens and other stakeholders, fostering trust, respect, and mutual understanding between diverse communities and the institutions that serve them.