A routine announcement sent in for this weeks paper intrigued us. An expert on intergenerational communication will conduct a workshop at Rodef Shalom, Nov. 2.
What, precisely, is intergenerational communication? If you know, perhaps you dont need to attend. But an expert, Jeff Vankooten, says something that seems more and more obvious: Generations cant communicate with each other. Well, the Bible says that clearly, this is nothing new. But, as Vankooten points out, as people age and live longer, there are more generations to be bridged. There are Mature, Boomer, Gen-X, and Gen-Y Millennials and probably others in between.
Another thing: The communication issues today are not necessarily about the major topics the war in Iraq, for example, or who to vote for. It is the simple, daily interactions that seem fraught with misunderstandings. The distinct populations have developed unique methods of communication that are often misunderstood by other generational groups, says Vankooten.
Indeed so. Just have a short talk with your child, your grandmother, your aunt and youll get the idea. Just attend a board meeting or a coffee klatsch.
Youll pick up the dissonance right away that is, if theres even more than one generation present. Vankooten, bring it on.
