Preventing Cross Cultural MiscommunicationMiscommunications happen all the time

Preventing Cross Cultural Miscommunication
Good morning everyone. Today, I am going to talk about preventing cross cultural miscommunication. Miscommunication between people happens all the time, especially when one of the parties is using a second language. We often end up hearing miscommunication stories in the form of a joke: "You wouldn’t believe what happened to me..." But we don’t always hear all of the stories, especially when we cause the miscommunication with international audiences.
Native English speakers have the so-called advantage of speaking the so-called world language. If this is your case, it is likely your audience put up with the visible problems of miscommunication.
You may not even be aware there is any miscommunication, and your communication can suffer from it. Misunderstandings lead to doubt about the real intent of others. This can have a very negative effect on a communication bottom line.
That’s why when we communicate in English and deal with international audiences, we need to pay special attention to any miscommunication.
[1]First of all, we need to address cultural differences in communication styles. Every country has its own communication style and habits. These different styles do not translate well, so we need to pay special attention to communication with foreign people.[2]Americans like to use slang words and phrases that even other Americans don’t always understand. "I’m jazzed when that happens! "[3]Japanese people do not like to refuse something, so they say that it will be discussed "later". Later means never. French people can get easily offended. For example, every word has to have a French translation—e-mail, mail, and mel are too English, so the word "cour-riel" was created.[4]Germans love details and Italians don’t. And the list of generalized differences can go on and on.
Understanding the cultural differences, we must ask the second question: how can cross cultural communication be easy? Before trying to learn everything about all of the different cultures out there, it is important to look at your own communication styles first. How is our own English language perceived in different cultures?[5]Here are some of the main stumbling blocks for foreigners trying to understand what we have said.
[6]The first one in the list is metaphor traps. In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors.[7]We even use mixed metaphors and dead metaphors. Here are some examples of the metaphors we use: We talk about "leveling the playing field" before we "charge straight in" to the "front line of operations". He can "step up to the plate and grab the bull by the horns". "I gather you’ve understood" that "to grasp this concept" is a "touchdown for our team". These phrases actually mean something. And yet how many people would not follow their meanings? You might say: these metaphors are as subtle as a sledgehammer, everyone would understand them. But this is not the case.
[8]The second stumbling block is the confusion over conditionals. Another area of miscommunication where native English speakers mislead foreigners is the use of the conditional: could, should, would, and the hypothetical: if. We use these variations in English more than in many other cultures. It is simple. To your international audience, "could" and "can" mean "will". "If you pay on time, we can deliver on time" will be heard as "we will deliver on time". Instead, try saying, we will begin manufacturing after your payment is received. Then make sure that your client has heard you, understood you, and is willing to act on your conversation.
[9]The third trouble is unknowing lack of respect English speakers can rapidly create bad impressions by being inappropriately informal. Many cultures have a different concept of respect and formality. In many cultures people will only address others using personal names after several months —or not at all. Native English speakers from all countries generally address acquaintances on a first name basis faster than in some cultures. Americans being the champions with the general use of nick names added to the mix.[10]Beginning your conversation informally in many cultures can be insulting.
With these stumbling blocks in mind, let’s come to the third part of my talk today:[11]English guidelines to avoid miscommunication You can eliminate many sources of cross cultural miscommunication simply by paying attention to your own use of English. After looking at the above points, here are some guidelines:
1. Be aware of the metaphors you use, explain them clearly. Better yet, eliminate them.
2.[12]Avoid making a conditional statement when possible. Clearly identify what you are saying, doing, promising. Better yet, simplify your communication and your offer.
3. Be aware of the other person’s cultural habits with regards to respect as much as possible.[13]If you are not familiar with the other person’s habits, the least you can do is to ask for permission to call them by their first name. Better yet, ask them how people call them in their own country, and ask if you can call them in the same way.
The bottom line is this[14]If you want to communicate effectively across cultures you must use simple English.[15]The drawback of communicating effectively across cultures is that your vocabulary will probably become severely reduced in size. The advantage is that your communication will be more pertinent, direct, and stronger.
Examining your own communication habits and their cross cultural implications is the best place to start. Your own communication will be the source of fewer stories of cultural communication blunders. And your own communication becomes a strong tool to get more international friends. OK I think we have covered how to prevent most cross cultural miscommunication by examining your own English communication. Next time, we will discuss the way American culture is perceived by foreign cultures.