Getting to Know Afghan Newcomers: Considerations for Culturally Aware Communication

In the last year, over 80,000 Afghan newcomers have arrived in the United States. As with most populations, there is a lot of diversity and complexity among Afghans, and knowledge of these nuances helps us better serve newcomers. Culturally aware communication is especially essential for strong rapport building, which leads to smooth and successful integration for Afghan newcomers. Below, Dr. Farid Saydee, a native of Afghanistan and the Founder and President of Language Mentors International, offers a variety of considerations that can inform this important process.