You're facing language barriers while networking overseas. How can you effectively overcome them?

Ask for guidance to local colleagues: - prepare beforehand: there is so much information about cultures and their differences online so that you can get a feeling for the culture - use the first interactions to learn about etiquette and ask questions - people will be happy to show you what your doing wrongly and they will appreciate that you’re trying

I suppose the easiest way is to avoid networking at places where language may be a barrier. In Thailand, we often resort to speaking "Tinglish", that mirrors a phenomenon of English in Thailand. The term 'Thai English' is viewed as only 'Tinglish' or colloquial English of Thais. Though Tinglish has been criticized, it is a vital linguistic tool employed by Thais for professional communication.

Always learn the etiquette. People will forgive your grammar but not rudeness. a smile goes a long way. Hello, goodbye, thank you, everything counts as an effort that will be appreciated.

I've worked in several companies where the inability of foreign managers to communicate effectively and efficiently with their Thai employees has had highly adverse, and costly, consequences. In many instances, employees will not admit to a foreign manager that instructions were not fully understood, leading to either the wrong actions being taken or even ignored entirely. A native English speaker with near-fluent Thai language skills, and an empathy honed over a decade of English school management, I'm acutely aware when the breakdown in communication happens, and can use my skills to ensure all parties fully understand all communications. Bi-lingual understanding is just as critical as other processes if not more so - for both sides.

I found helpful: > to have a local person, if possible > keeping the speech short stressing on key words which are universally understood > creating a physiologically safe and comforting environment is more important than verbal acrobatic and long speeches to impress

Use Tech Aids: ?? Translation Apps: Utilize translation apps like Google Translate for real-time assistance. ?? Multilingual Platforms: Use multilingual communication platforms to facilitate understanding. ?? Speech-to-Text: Employ speech-to-text tools to help with comprehension and responses. ?? Bilingual Colleagues: Collaborate with bilingual colleagues who can assist with translations. ?? Digital Dictionaries: Keep a digital dictionary handy for quick reference.

Non-Verbal Cues: ?? Body Language: Use positive body language to convey openness and friendliness. ?? Gestures: Incorporate universally understood gestures to aid communication. ?? Visual Aids: Use visual aids like charts, diagrams, and images to support your points. ?? Facial Expressions: Pay attention to facial expressions to gauge reactions and understanding. ?? Eye Contact: Maintain appropriate eye contact to show attentiveness and engagement.

Yes, there is something beyond formal ways of communication. One principle helped a lot during my posting abroad, respect next person irrespective of his stature. Simple smile, helping in difficult times, wishing on Birthdays, festivals, appreciating for good job etc helps a lot.

Of course, this is very much required. It can be done only for senior management. The middle person ensures no loss of any communication, no mis-understanding from either side. Otherwise, there is high scope to detail the things due to no clear understanding.

Reaching out to locals with whom I shared another language allows me to get a better insight into cultural differences, improve my knowledge of the language itself, while being more at ease with mistakes and learning from them.

Engage Locals: ?? Local Connections: Build connections with locals who can help bridge language gaps. ?? Networking Events: Attend local networking events to practice and improve your language skills. ?? Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture to better understand communication styles. ?? Language Exchange: Participate in language exchange programs to practice with native speakers. ?? Local Mentors: Seek local mentors who can guide you through cultural and language challenges.

Practice Patience: ?? Slow Down: Speak slowly and clearly to ensure better understanding. ?? Repetition: Don’t hesitate to repeat yourself or ask others to repeat if needed. ?? Clarification: Seek clarification whenever you don’t understand something. ?? Stay Calm: Remain calm and composed even when communication is challenging. ?? Encourage Patience: Encourage others to be patient with your language learning process.

Continuous Learning: ?? Ongoing Study: Continuously study and practice the local language. ?? Feedback: Seek feedback from locals to improve your language skills. ?? Language Classes: Enroll in language classes for structured learning. ?? Cultural Learning: Educate yourself about the cultural context of the language. ?? Adapt Techniques: Adapt your learning techniques based on what works best for you.

It is said that the person who knows more & more language, is supposed to be wiser,intelligent & mature too! More you learn about other language, more active you will be, more dynamic you will be. Learning new language is the biggest learning as not only letters & words buts customs, good practices, culture etc are automatically leant! I also leant Thai, Spanish & Korean but now no practice so forgot but I must tell you, it’s immense happiness learning new language

He vivido por dos ocasiones fuera de mi país, en países anglo parlantes y mi mejor recomenación es que aprendas toda tu vida, no solo el idioma sino la cultura, el comportamiento y sobre todo a relacionarte en un ambiente fuera de tu cultura.