DMIS Model
The DMIS Model stands for "The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity". It is a framework that was created to explain the reactions of people to cultural differences. The DMIS consists of 6 different stages which include denial, defense, minimization, acceptance, adaptation, and integration.
How was DMIS developed?
The DMIS model of Bennet was developed using theoretical concepts to explain a pattern that emerges from systematic observations.
What was the writer's intention?
The intention of the writer is to make cross-cultural encounters for trainers and educators easier to prepare for.
What are the main discussion points?
The major discussion points to me within the article were ethnocentrism, which is just the way things are -
avoiding cultural difference, either by denying its existence, by raising defenses against it, or by minimizing its importance and ethnorelativism, which is amongst many viable possibilities -
seeking cultural difference, either by accepting its importance, by adapting perspective to take it into account, or by integrating the whole concept into a definition of identity. Also, what if someone spends so much more time around one culture (talking years and decades) that they naturally and instinctively forget their past norms from another culture. In this case, how can assimilation be prevented? Another discussion point I gathered was how can one push people out of the denial stage if they are just unwilling to be aware of other cultures and the differences between them?
What is the stage I currently am in, and how can I evolve to the next stage?
Personally, I think that I am in the integration stage of the DMIS. This is due to being born and raised on a culturally diverse island where I have been exposed, since young, to many different cultures. I was able to learn from them and also pick up certain aspects of their cultures. For example a cultural aspect from the Caribbean which has become a part of me is the accent. When I am meeting new people I tend to change my accent and speak more enunciated but when I speak to people from back home my accent naturally comes out. There are many words and phrases as well which are used back home that would not really be understood in the Netherlands, and I often use them when speaking to my friends from back home. Both of my parents are also Indian and growing up I have been exposed greatly to Indian culture as well. I celebrate the festivals even when in the Netherlands, and I even observe some of the fasts which are usually kept on these holidays. I have picked up many things from both cultures growing up and integrated these aspects into who I am. I actually think this could be a mix of both adaptation and integration. Maybe because I adapt some of my behaviors depending on who I am around.
Reflection
Overall, Intercultural Communication taught me more about myself and made me realize that I am very lucky to have grown up on such a diversified island. I feel like I am more understanding and open-minded due to this when it comes to dealing with people from other cultures. Even if I may get annoyed or mad, I still try to reason their actions and behaviours and I try to learn about why they do what they do. The DMIS model has made me realize the stages that I am within, and also by collaborating with students from other cultures during thiis minor, I was able to realize and recognize their behaviors and conclude within which stage they land in as well. I worked together with students who are originally from the Netherlands, South Africa, Bulgaria, Phillipines, and more! It was an interesting experience to see the cultural differences between us but I have yet to learn more about people from many more cultures, and I am definitely excited to!
