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To build strong relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds, it's essential to learn how to communicate with them both verbally and non-verbally. You can broaden your understanding of culture and practice tolerance. Equip yourself with knowledge to communicate more effectively, and you can also learn a lot from different cultures while sharing insights from your own culture.
Steps
Flexible Attitude
Research their culture in advance. A little knowledge can be helpful. If you have time to prepare for a trip or meeting with people from another culture, take the time to learn about what is ‘acceptable and not acceptable’ in that culture. You can find information online from sources like the National Center for Cultural Competence.
Prepare for differences. Different cultures communicate with varying volumes, express emotions at different levels, enjoy small talk or not, and display many other differences in communication. When engaging with people from other cultures, be mentally prepared for the unexpected differences you might encounter.
Understand hierarchy. When communicating with someone from another culture, there are unspoken social hierarchies you may not be aware of. For example, you might come from a culture where men and women are treated equally in communication, but when working in a multicultural company, you may interact with individuals from cultures where men hold a dominant role in conversations. Similarly, you may encounter people who believe younger individuals should listen to elders, even if you believe all age groups should be treated equally.
Be honest about communication challenges. If you don't understand the other person or think they don't understand you, make an effort to explain. Avoid being rude or insensitive, and instead, patiently clarify the issue. It's better to be direct than to let the matter slide unresolved, as this could lead to bigger problems later.
- If you're unsure of their point, ask: "I'm not sure I understand you correctly. Could we go over that again?"
- If you think they don't understand you, say: "Let's review everything to make sure we both understand each other." Feel free to let them ask questions as well.
Show respect and tolerance. Every culture has its core values, beliefs, and biases. These can manifest during your interactions. In basic conversations, refrain from judging others based on these differences. Instead, show respect and openness. You may even learn something new in the process.
- Even if cultural differences become clear during the conversation, remain open and understanding instead of arguing. For example, if you're American and someone comments that Americans tend to be workaholics, you might respond: "It's true, Americans highly value career, and there are many reasons for that. Could you share your country's view on work?"
"Remember: innovation, creativity, and intelligence are free from age discrimination, cultural boundaries, racial distinctions, and gender bias."
Maureen Taylor
Public speaking expert
Public speaking expert
Be patient. Communicating with people from different cultures can be an enlightening and valuable experience, but it comes with its challenges. Be prepared for things not always going as expected or fully understood. You should practice patience with others and ask them to do the same with you.
Verbal communication
Speak clearly and slowly when necessary. Avoid raising your voice unnecessarily or assuming people understand you. Yelling won't make your words clearer; it will only make you seem rude. Similarly, even though cultural differences may create communication barriers, do not treat others as if they are unintelligent. These communication differences stem from cultural variations, not from intellectual limitations.
Be courteous. Be polite and use formal address until you are certain it's no longer required (such as when a business partner asks you to address them by their first name). Depending on the culture you're interacting with, this could involve addressing the other person in the following ways:
- By their full name
- By their last name
- With “Mr.” or “sir”
- Using respectful titles if the language includes honorifics for communication.
Master foreign language skills. If you plan to communicate with people who speak a different language, try learning a few basic phrases. While it might not be possible to become fluent in that language, learning a few sentences can go a long way.
- Learn basic phrases such as: 'Hello,' 'Please,' 'Thank you,' 'How are you?' etc.
- Bring a basic conversation book or an electronic device that helps you look up important phrases that you know and don't know.
- Be patient when someone is trying to speak your language.
Try to speak the dominant language if you belong to a minority language group. If you're interacting with people who speak a different language, make an effort to use their language as much as you can. Even if you can only say 'Hello' and 'How are you?', your effort will be appreciated.
Avoid slang and offensive words. This is crucial unless you're completely familiar with how they are used in that culture. Using inappropriate or offensive language can cause confusion and may even offend others. Since slang and offensive words are complex and highly contextual, it's best to avoid them unless you are confident about their proper use.
Non-verbal communication
Keep your palm open. In some cultures, pointing with your index finger means 'OK,' while other gestures may be considered offensive. Since you might not know which gestures are seen as negative, it's safer to stick with an 'open hand' gesture. For example, use your whole hand to point at something instead of just one finger.
Maintain a formal posture. Keep both feet flat on the floor, sit upright, and avoid excessive hand gestures. Stay composed, as certain postures may be deemed disrespectful in various cultures. For instance, exposing your feet in some cultures is considered rude, so avoid crossing your legs in a way that makes your feet visible.
- If you're certain that an informal posture is acceptable, feel free to adopt it.
Understand the rules regarding physical contact. Some cultures are more comfortable with physical contact than others. For example, some places may shake hands or touch more enthusiastically than others.
- Don’t be offended if physical contact differs from what you're used to, unless you feel harassed or mistreated. If you're uncomfortable, communicate your feelings.
- The general rule is to approach physical contact cautiously with people from different cultures when you first meet. However, if they seem comfortable with a more familiar approach, feel free to follow suit if it feels appropriate.
Know how to engage in eye contact. In some cultures, making eye contact during a conversation is seen as a sign of sincerity and interest in the conversation. However, in other cultures, it may be viewed as disrespectful, confrontational, or even flirtatious. On the other hand, in some places, avoiding eye contact with authority figures is considered polite.
Be prepared for various facial expressions. Different cultures express emotions differently through facial expressions. For example, Americans tend to smile a lot, while in other places, smiling may be interpreted as a sign of shallowness. When communicating with people from other cultural backgrounds, you may notice they express emotions more vividly (such as joy, sadness, or frustration), or they may rarely show facial expressions.
- Most communication is non-verbal, regardless of the culture. Focus on the content being spoken and ask questions to clarify what needs to be understood. For example, if someone reacts with a smile or laughter, you might want to clarify by saying, 'I’m actually being serious.'
Respect personal space according to the situation. Some cultures require more personal space than others. If you're interacting with someone from a different culture and notice they stand closer or farther away than you're used to, it’s not necessarily because they want to invade your space or avoid you. Be attentive to the personal space cues and interact in the most comfortable way possible.
