Code Switching in Listening: Adapting to Different Cultural Contexts with Elizabeth Parks

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liz, a respected voice in the realm of listening and cultural dynamics. Liz brings a unique perspective on how listening varies across different cultures and the importance of adapting our listening styles to foster deeper connections.

Dr. Elizabeth S. Parks is an instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. An affiliate faculty with the Colorado School of Public Health. Dr. Parks' work is at the intersection of social science and the humanities and explores how we can improve listening across diversity and difference.

Today, she has over 50 peer reviewed publications and two acclaimed books, including the recently published book that we'll talk about in the podcast, Listening the Key Concepts, which explores 177 different ways to listen. Her books bring deep insight into ethics and the power of listening.

Liz shares her journey of growing up in a bicultural home, where she learned early on that listening is not a one-size-fits-all approach. She discusses the contrasting ways she showed respect and honor to her family members from different cultural backgrounds, highlighting the significance of adapting her listening style.

 

 "The way that we show up as listeners is really the first act of communication, not the second."– Elizabeth S. Parks 

 

SUPERPOWER Notes:

•  05:08 – Liz reflects on her childhood experiences in a bicultural home and how they shaped her understanding of listening.

•  07:57 – The conversation shifts to Liz's adult experiences and the challenges of adapting her listening style when interacting with her partner's family.

•  10:22 – Liz emphasizes the importance of checking in with others to align expectations and ensure effective communication.

•  11:20 – The concept of code-switching is introduced, explaining how individuals navigate different cultural contexts through their listening behaviors.

•  20:05 – Liz discusses the importance of listening to oneself and maintaining authenticity while adapting to various cultural environments.

•  18:04 – The conversation delves into the research behind listening, with Liz sharing her motivations for studying the topic and the ethical implications of listening.

•  23:11 – Liz outlines three critical questions regarding listening: When do we listen? What kind of listening do we engage in? When do we stop listening?

•  34:07 – The discussion highlights the various types of listening, including horizontal and vertical listening, and their relevance in organizational contexts.

•  45:28 – Liz shares her insights on dialogic listening and the importance of creating meaning together in conversations.

Key Takeaways

• “The way that I listen really, really matters for the ways that those relationships played out.” – Elizabeth S. Parks 

• “Listening is work in these different cultures, but listening to ourselves and being really true to ourselves is also extremely important.” – Elizabeth S. Parks 

• “In order to be the kind of listeners we want to be, we need to be a bit more strategic about our own energy flows.” – Elizabeth S. Parks 

Connect with ELizabeth Parks

• https://www.elizabethsparks.org/

• Latest book: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101234333-14076226?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.routledge.com%2FListening-The-Key-Concepts%2FParks-Faw-Lane%2Fp%2Fbook%2F9781032531847 

Connect with Raquel Ark:

• www.listeningalchemy.com

• Mobile: + 491732340722

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• Podcast email: [e-mail]