No English, No Communication?

How International Communication can open your horizon

Just back from an exciting and horizon-expanding journey through Southeast Asia, I find myself overwhelmed by the vibrant diversity of communication methods in this dynamic region. Amongst the many experiences and insights I had the privilege to gather, the potential of international communication stands out.

Language as the Gateway – Communication as the Key

During my time in Thailand and Vietnam, I came to appreciate the crucial role of language in establishing contact and facilitating business transactions. While English is widely spoken in tourist hotspots, local languages such as Thai and Vietnamese prevail in everyday interactions.

That I could engage with fascinating people even without knowing Vietnamese or Thai myself, and without my communication partners speaking English, Spanish or German, I consider an invaluable asset. This allowed me to gain firsthand insights into the economic orientation, daily life of the population, political thoughts, as well as the business model of tourism and regional mobility concepts. Additionally, I have always found interesting conversation partners and learned something new every minute.

This experience underscores for me the importance of communicative competence, apart from linguistic proficiency, in navigating the intricacies of the Southeast Asian region and markets.

Technological Innovation

In the era of globalization, technology has proven to be a cornerstone of international communication. It enables geographical barriers to be overcome quickly and easily, facilitating real-time interactions across continents. Established contacts can be maintained, and new contacts can be established online in the present moment. From digital translation tools for one-on-one communication to networking and meeting platforms, the digital landscape is full of opportunities for businesses to use technology and expand their global footprint.

However, technology has its (invisible) price: time is limited. Which contact is worth maintaining? Which tool proves to be useful? With which business partner will I work in the future? Which market will I successfully enter?

Keeping track of the abundance of contacts is the challenge of the time. On the other hand, it's important not to overestimate technology and blindly trust it.

Communication builds on feeling

Despite the increasing use of technology, I found during my journey that the human component of communication is indispensable for creating trustworthy relationships, obtaining relevant information, gaining the trust of the counterpart, and building trust in oneself.

Whether in personal conversations and negotiations or while networking at cultural events such as karaoke or bingo night, personal contact, a sense of the counterpart's communication, mutual respect and understanding are the foundation for a long-term success in the region.

Key insights to focus on:

1. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize, understand, accept, and consider cultural differences in business- and communication strategy.
2. Language and Communication Skills: Invest in language and intercultural training to recognize language barriers, overcome communicative challenges, and improve intercultural contact.
3. The Technology Balance: Use the power of technology as far as possible and supplement it with human skills as necessary to optimize communication processes and stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

As I reflect on the intercommunicative insights of my journey through Thailand and Vietnam, I also think about the boundless opportunities awaiting those who embrace the challenge of international communication in Southeast Asia.

Even though Southeast Asia may appear far away and culturally distant: By sharpening our skills in dealing with cultural diversity, embracing internationality as an opportunity, and leveraging technological innovations, we can forge meaningful contacts and relationships in the region that transcend borders and enrich our horizons.

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