Communication issues in today’s workplace can be more complex. Face-to-face communication can be challenging because each culture has their own tacit assumptions. Cross-cultural communication is difficult even when there’s no language barrier. Here are our ten top tips for cross-cultural communication.
1. Maintain etiquette
Many cultures have a specific way of communicating. Do some research on the culture you are meeting with or, if you have time, take part in cross-cultural training. Many cultures, for example, expect some formality to be present at the start of a communication. Each culture has a specific way to indicate formality. For example, in Germany and China the reversed family names and given name is used. In Japan both men and women use ‘san. Don’t use first names until the other person gives you a signal to do so.
2. Avoid slang
Even the most well-educated non-native English speakers will not have a complete understanding of English slang. You may have spoken the words, but they might not understand the context. You could confuse them, or worse, offend them.
3. Speak slowly
It’s not recommended to speak at the same speed as you normally do in everyday conversation, even if English happens to be the language of choice. Speaking clearly and correctly pronouncing words will also help. Divide your sentences into small, distinct sections to give your listener the time they need to digest and translate your words. Slow down a little, but not too much. It might appear patronizing. You can ask the person to slow down if they are talking too fast or if their accent makes it hard to understand.
4. Keep it simple
It’s not necessary to use big words in a conversation between two cultures. Keep it simple. It is easier to understand two-syllable than three-syllable, and one-syllable than two. Please say “Please do it quickly” instead of “Please do it in an efficient manner.”
5. Practice active listening
Active listening can be a powerful strategy to improve cross-cultural communication. Ask frequent questions and repeat or summarize what the person said to make sure you understand them. This builds rapport and helps to ensure that important information is not missed or misunderstood.
6. Talk to each other
Take turns speaking to make the conversation more fluid. Listen to what the other person has to say after you have made your point. It’s best to speak in short exchanges, especially when English is a second language. A long monologue could be hard to understand.
7. Note down everything
You can use this to check if the other person understands you. It’s especially useful when talking about large numbers. In the UK, we write 1,000,000,000 as a billion, but in the USA it is written as 1,000,000,000,000.
8. Avoid closed questions
Avoid asking a question which requires a “yes” or “no” answer. It is often difficult to say no in many cultures. You will get a “yes” even if you are really saying “no”. Instead, ask open-ended questions requiring information.
9. Humour is not to be taken lightly
Many cultures are very serious about business and adhere to protocol and professionalism at all times. They don’t like jokes and humour in a professional context. If you decide to use humor, make sure that it is understood and appreciated by the other culture. Remember that British sarcasm can be offensive to other cultures.
10. Be supportive
All parties must feel comfortable to have effective cross-cultural communication. Treat them with respect in any conversation you have with someone who is not a native English speaker. Do your best to be clear and encourage them when they reply. It will build your confidence and their trust.
