Better communication

Practical Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

Try to see things from the point of view of others.
Realize that cultural programming is unconscious. Most of the time, you aren’t consciously aware of how culture influences the way you think, behave, and interpret the world. Just like a computer, you respond to things according to your cultural programming. The people who are most successful with other cultures work hard to bring their unconscious programming to the surface. They observe their own behavior and reflect on why they act or feel the way they do. Once you are more aware of your own programming, you can start to put yourself into the cultural shoes of others and see things from their perspective.

Don’t assume anything Observe the people you interact with who are from other cultures. Try to describe as objectively as possible what you see. Avoid descriptions that make a judgment about what you see. For example, instead of saying that the person you just met was disrespectful, you should simply observe that the person didn’t say thank you when you offered him something to eat. The first sentence assumes the correct way to show respect, while the second simply describes the behavior. Separating yourself from your cultural assumptions will free your mind to explore other cultural points of view.

Lear how to deal with the things you can't agree with
Being culturally sensitive doesn’t mean you have to like everything. When interacting with a new culture, you will find some things are very easy for you to adapt to, and others that you just can’t accept no matter how hard you try. Try to find a compromise with the things you can’t agree with so that you can still function in the society while not violating your own deeply held beliefs. In short if you expect disagreeable things to happen they will be much easier to accept and won’t bother you so much.

Remember that culture shock can be a good thing. It’s not easy to feel confused and disoriented all the time. Recognize that this is normal process, and that it will eventually lead to a better understanding of the new culture. Use your cultural detective skills to discover the reason behind the annoying, frustrating or confusing behavior of the people around you. Take time to retreat and recharge, but keep in mind that each encounter with the new culture is an opportunity to learn.

Keep your sense of humor. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and the ability to laugh at yourself will help you keep things in perspective. Even the most experienced intercultural professional can tell stories of embarrassing mistakes. Learn from your mistakes and look for the humor in them. But be careful! Shared humour will help in any difficult situation, however, if the humour is only on one side it will make the situation much worse!

Culture is dynamic: it changes. Develop your ability to tolerate ambiguity.
·        People who share the same values and beliefs will not necessarily share the same behaviours and vice versa.
·        Similar behaviours can have different meanings and different behaviours can have similar meanings.
·        Out of context behaviour has no fixed meaning. Judging behaviour out of context is dangerous.

Business meetings, negotiations, discussions and conversations
When involved in communications with people from other cultures it is sometimes easy for the conversation to become adversarial. Misunderstandings can quickly develop into conflicts which is the worst possible outcome for everybody involved.

Misinterpretation of Communication
Problem
Even in ordinary circumstances, people often say things that are not interpreted in the way the statement was intended. When people are angry with each other, the likelihood of misinterpreting communication is greatly increased to the point where it is almost inevitable.

Solution
Misunderstandings always occur when communicating with people who are not 100% sure of the language. Go over important points again using different vocabulary and repeat important questions using humour.

Failure to Understand the Others Perspective
Problem
People often view conflicts from very different perspectives depending upon such things as cultural background, economic position, and religious beliefs. In order for the parties to communicate effectively, they need to understand (though not necessarily agree with) the perspectives of other parties to a conflict.

Solution
Don't assume anything before you speak with somebody. Ask polite but relevant questions to find out what the other person wants and try to give it to them if you can! Obviously you should have a firm view of what you want but you can try to compromise on what the other person feels is important.

Cultural Misunderstandings
Problem
Culture affects both the substance and style of communication. Culture influences how people express themselves, to whom they talk, and how. For example, while some people may feel comfortable talking openly about their feelings with anyone, others will only talk openly and honestly with very close friends, while others may not talk that way at all. Such differences can cause people from different cultures to misinterpret both what is said and what is left unsaid, leading to misunderstandings.

Solution
Learn a little about the culture of the people you are doing business with. Use or employ somebody neutral who has local knowledge to help intermediate.

Language Differences
Problem
When conflicts involve people who speak different languages (or even different dialects), it is very easy for misunderstandings to arise. Even when skilled translators are used, it is difficult for translators to transmit complex feelings and emotions as clearly as they are originally spoken.

Solution
People from different countries and cultures often use the English language differently. Certain vocabulary or phrases can sound impolite to others. If something doesn't sound right then ask for clarification good humour and friendly demeanour is the name of the game here.

Misinterpreted Motives
Problem
Motives can be misinterpreted as easily as statements can be misunderstood, maybe even more so. When parties are in conflict, there is a tendency to assume the opponent's motives are malign, even when they are not.

Solution
If there is a lack of trust then it is probably a good idea to slow things down and take things step by step. Set small goals that when reached can help build trust in the relationship. And remember the best way to gain somebody's trust is to be trustworthy yourself!

Inaccurate Stereotypes
Problem
Often, communication difficulties arise because people think they know all they need to know about the other party and that further communication is unnecessary. Yet images of opponents tend to be overly hostile and exaggerated and become a caricature. Opponents are seen to be more extreme and outrageous than they really are.

Solution
This one is easy - don't stereotype people! We are all products of the culture that we come from but everybody is also an individual and has different life experiences. None of us like being stereotyped.

Poor Listening Skills
Problem
Successful communication requires that the parties listen actively and carefully--asking questions and confirming interpretations to make sure they understand what the other person is meaning. People seldom work this hard at listening, however. Often in conflictual situations, they hardly listen at all rather, while their opponent is talking; they are busy planning their own response. This frequently leads to misunderstandings.

Solution
This could well be the biggest barrier to any communication. It is difficult sometimes but if you're thinking of the response you're either not listening and assuming what is being said or you are thinking of the last point and are one step behind. Try to listen to what is being said, you can take your time to respond to delicate situations or difficult questions. Nobody really trusts a fast talker!

Inflammatory Statements
Problem
Sometimes communication can make matters worse rather than better. When communication is threatening, hostile, or inflammatory there is a danger that the conflict will only escalate and all communication will come to an end

Solution
If things have reached this point then there have been some real communication errors, probably from both sides. The only hope of salvaging the relationship and continue worthwhile communication is to stop completely take a short break or pause and start over again. If the main problem cannot be avoided on this occasion the try to tackle it from a different perspective. Make it clear that any breakdown was due to the problem at hand and not anything personal about the other party.

Cultural Diversity
Once we understand that differences are OK, then we can start communicate successfully and even learn from each other and share ideas across cultures.
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