Culture Differences in Communicating at? Work

Do you have difficult communicating with your colleagues from other countries in English? When we do not understand the culture differences this hinders our ability to communicate what we would like to share with our colleagues. 

Some of these problems can be from the differences in High Context countries and Low Context countries. Some of these differences are. 

People within HIGH-CONTEXT (Asia, Southern Europe, Middle East) cultures tend to be more aware and observant of facial expressions, body language, changes in tone, and other aspects of communication that are not directly spoken.

Their communication is sophisticated, refined, and layered. Messages are both spoken and read between the lines. Messages are often implied but not clearly expressed. 

People in LOW-CONTEXT (Northern Europe, The U.S. Canada, The U.K., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) cultures communicate in a more direct way, with explicitly speaking what they want to communicate.

Their communication is precise, simple, and clear. Messages are expressed and understood at face value. Repetition is appreciated if it helps in understanding the message. 

The Global Economy is growing faster every day. And in the past year at lighting speed. IF you need to explain what is happening in your market in English to your Global colleagues’ chances are you are going to have to use LOW CONTEXT communication. Here some strategies that can help you express yourself as the professional you are in your native language when using English.

Written

1. Use short simple sentences.
2. Keep your message short and to the point. 

Listening

1. Focus on the content of the message without looking for a hidden meaning
2. Do not hesitate to ASK questions if the intent is not clear or the message sounds confusing. 

These are some of the differences I see with my clients weekly. I hope this has been of some help.  

Joe Delmont-Ferrara

Helping to Change Lives Through English!!