THE INEXACTITUDE OF LANGUAGE

PREVENTING MISUNDERSTANDINGS

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

FOSTERING RESPECT

AVOIDING CONFLICTS Para 1 {A; B; C; D; E} Intercultural communication refers to messages transmitted between members of two or more different societies. Effective intercultural communication helps firms avoid conflict, prevent misunderstandings, and foster respect. Para 2 {A; B; C; D; E} The workplace is growing more diverse every day. Managers cannot assume that what they find inoffensive will also be inoffensive to their subordinates. A lack of sensitivity can lead to claims of discrimination or harassment, which costs firms big money. Intercultural communication involves exercising sensitivity and tact to avoid such conflicts. Para 3 {A; B; C; D; E} We human beings have developed language to communicate ideas to one another. Still, our language represents an imperfect form. of communication. Sometimes, words cannot accurately convey an idea, because the information might be highly complex. Also, a concept that exists in one culture or language might not be part of another. Effective intercultural communication tries to bridge language gaps as effectively as possible so that everyone at the workplace finds themselves on the same page. Para 4 {A; B; C; D; E} Given the inexactitude of language, misunderstandings can frequently arise between people from different cultures when they exchange information. Idioms often become lost in translation. For example, the English expression “to shoulder responsibility” translates into Swedish as “be a man for your hat”. Intercultural communication does not rely on expressions native to a particular language that could lead to confusion; rather, it relies on clear messages that all parties understand. Para 5 {A; B; C; D; E} Communication happens differently in various cultures. What one society finds acceptable may be anathema to another. When coworkers from different cultures do not take these differences into account, not only does communication suffer but conflicts come to the fore. Effective intercultural communication does not try to ignore societal differences; rather, it respects the variations among the human race and enables people to transmit information clearly.