Cultural issues
Non-discriminatory language
Discriminatory language 'puts people down' and its use is not tolerated at UNE. This is because the use of discriminatory language contributes to the unequal social status of women, people with disabilities, those from various ethnic, religious and racial backgrounds and, indeed, anyone who can be perceived as 'different' from what the most powerful in society say is 'normal'.
The University is committed to the use of non-discriminatory language at all times, whether this be in essays, exam papers, tutorial presentations, the classroom, online and in all the materials teachers and others generate and provide to facilitate your learning.
The UNE Academic Skills Office produces a helpful guide on Using non-discriminatory language covering:
- gender and/or sexual orientation;
- physical and/or intellectual ability;
- race, ethnicity and/or religion; and
- age, class and/or geographical location.
Cultural knowledge, awareness and sensitivity
You should also be aware of the University's support for, and tolerance of, cultural diversity. Cultural knowledge, awareness and sensitivity are expected of all members of UNE and, more widely, in all parts of today's multicultural society. Cultural knowledge, awareness and sensitivity are becoming increasingly important in a wide range of workplace situations, and demanded of potential and existing employees. At UNE, you are expected to be able to study, work and interact with students, teachers and other individuals from all over the world, some of whom may come from vastly different cultural backgrounds than your own.
You have cultural knowledge when you are familiar with some of the values, cultural histories, belief systems, and ways of behaving of members of a group that is different from your own.
You are culturally aware when you have developed an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the values, cultural histories, belief systems, and ways of behaving of members of a group that is different from your own.
Whether you are involved in practicums, field work, clinical or professional placements, archaeological excavations, or just in your everyday classroom work as a student at UNE, you should be sensitive to the cultural beliefs, understandings and practices of others.
This is a complex area of human interaction and, if you are at all uncertain of the appropriate response to a particular situation, you should seek advice from a suitable member of the University's teaching staff or other specialist.
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Are you culturally aware? Try these fun quizzes on the Kwintessential site to test your cultural awareness. Although these quizzes are targetted at dealing with business clients, they give you an idea of how varied different cultures can be. |
Indigenous Australians
When dealing with Indigenous Australian cultural matters, there are a number of resources you can consult. As a first point of call, the staff at the Oorala Centre at UNE will help you.
Summary
As a student at UNE, you are expected to:
- adhere to the University's policies regarding ethical behaviour and research practice;
- obey the copyright law;
- respect the intellectual property rights of others;
- use non-discriminatory language; and
- exercise cultural sensitivity when dealing with individuals from different backgrounds or belief systems to your own.
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Self-test
Try these quick self-test questions to assess what you have learnt from this module. |
This is the final page of eSKILLS UNE
You will need to keep building and adapting your information skills to support lifelong learning. You can proceed to our Lifelong Learning page for information and other resources to help in this adventure.
