Intercultural Business Communication

With the international business community the need for language and cultural training for employees is becoming ever apparent. While technology has greatly increased the speed of business, business can only occur as quickly as we are able to effectively communicate. Equally as important to the message being conveyed is how the message is going to be perceived. For instance, do you have a clear understanding the customs and courtesies of the host nation's culture? How do you present the non-verbal message through your actions, mannerisms, and body language?

If I were to construct a class on how language affects intercultural business communications my lesson plan would include open discussions of common communication barriers. The second step in my lesson plan would cover language context and cultural based information such as diversity, interaction, and non-verbal communication. The plan would also cover conversation taboos and how to avoid them. Finally, the training plan would include the nuances of working with and interpreter. For example, how to get the most out of your interpreter by emphasizing the tone of a message, gestures, and body language.

High- and Low- Context Language

As in the U.S., the context of a message can change the meaning of a message in many cultures. In fact, the context of a message is often times used to decipher the meaning of message. Author Edward Hall was has been charged with being the first to expression high and low context, which he used to characterize the differences between societies various cultures (Words of Wisdom, LLC, 2012). These terms are applied as how much and how little they rely on things other than speech to convey the meaning of a message. Hall goes on to explain these other things as animations that occur while speaking, gestures, and sensory cues. What this means is that cultures with a low-context language rely on the literal meaning of words, while those with high-context language focus on the non-verbal aspects (Words of Wisdom, LLC, 2012). It is important to note that low and high do not refer to the intelligence level of the culture, or an individual's ability. In reality this how the culture determines exactly what message is being conveyed to them. This aspect changes the communication in international business is conducted as it requires you to have a clear understanding of person you are, or will be speaking with.

Conversation Taboos

International business is regularly disrupted by poor communication. One misconception is that as long as your communication is professional all problems should be eliminated. While professionalism goes a long ways as to not discriminate against or offend and individual or culture that is not always the case. However, the truth is a lack of understanding can generate unwanted communication that inherently places business at risk