Page 160 - 4126

When you communicate cross-culturally, make particular efforts to
keeping your communication clear, simple and unambiguous.

And (sadly) avoid humour until you know that the person you're
communicating with "gets it" and isn't offended by it. Humour is
notoriously culture-specific: Many things that pass for humour in one
culture can be seen as grossly offensive in another.

AND GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT

Finally, if language barriers present themselves, it may be in every
one's best interest to employ a reliable, experienced translator.

Because English is not the first language of many international
businesspeople, their use of the language may be peppered with
culture-specific or non-standard English phrases, which can hamper
the communication process. Again, having a translator on hand (even
if just during the initial phases of work) may be the best solution here.
The translator can help everyone involved to recognize cultural and
communication differences and ensure that all parties, regardless of
geographic location and background, come together and stay together
through successful project completion.

CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
STRATEGIES

The key to effective cross-cultural communication is knowledge. First,
it is essential that people understand the potential problems of cross-
cultural communication, and make a conscious effort to overcome
these problems. Second, it is important to assume that one’s efforts
will not always be successful, and adjust one’s behaviour
appropriately.

For example, one should always assume that there is a significant
possibility that cultural differences are causing communication
problems, and be willing to be patient and forgiving, rather than

160