Communicating across cultures

Communicating across cultures

Nowadays, there are more people who speak English as a second or third language than there are native speakers of
English. In business, English is being used as the main medium of communication across many cultures. However,
knowing the English language doesn’t necessarily mean that people will be able to communicate effectively.As well as
looking at language improvement, Power Speaking discusses what you need to consider when you are communicating across cultures.
Think about a film you have seen recently.This needs to be a film from a different country. How did the people in the film greet each other? How did they talk to each other? Can you see any differences between the way they behaved with each other and the ways people in your country behave in the same situation?
When you are meeting with people from different countries, it’s very important to be aware that communication might not go smoothly just because you both speak English.This is because lots of our communication is non-verbal – this means we communicate a lot through gestures, and facial expressions – and a lot of it depends on a shared cultural understanding. One example is when you shake hands. In the UK, it is quite complicated: depending on your generation, you may or may not automatically shake hands with someone you meet at work.The rules for this are generally
unspoken but understood – and if you come from a different culture, they may be impossible to understand.There are other things too. Eye contact is a key one. In some cultures, you are expected to make eye contact with the people you are talking to, in others it can be seen as offensive.That’s why knowing something about different cultures, and being open minded about the differences between cultures is so important. It’s not just language that makes us effective communicators.

Tips for communicating effectively across cultures

1. If you are working with colleagues from different cultures, try to find out something about those cultures. Being informed about different cultures can help you to identify where misunderstandings have occurred.
2. Be observant. If you are watching foreign films or TV programmes, watch how people communicate with each other. Can you identify any differences from the ways people communicate in your country?
3. Be open-minded. Problems can arise when people don’t respond or act in the way we expect them to, but this might be a result of cross-cultural interference.Try to be aware of those differences, and help others to be aware too.
4. Choose your language carefully.Try to avoid very informal or slang expressions, or too many idioms. Using simple, clear language will help you convey your message clearly.
5. Share information about your own culture with visitors from other countries. It is often small things which can be confusing: for example, in your country, do you take your shoes off before you enter the house? Try to be aware of the little things which make your culture special.