Question

what is the difference between cultural sensitivity, cultural awareness and cultural competence?

Answer 1

Cultural sensitivity is being aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist and we should not assign them a value – positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong. Thus being sensitive means beings nonjudgmental about the cultural differences of others. While cultural awareness a foundation of communication and involves the ability to stand back from ourselves and becoming aware of the cultural values, of ourselves our beliefs and perceptions. Thus a culturally aware person is aware of his or her own cultural values. Cultural competence is about being inclusive due to our will and actions to build understanding between people, by being respectful and open to different cultures.