How to avoid misunderstanding between different cultures when communicating

When interacting with people from different cultures, you will be broadened your understanding and access to different perspectives. Conversing with someone who speaks another language or lives different social customs may sound intimidating at first, but if you show that you’re doing your best, everything will go well. Today’s wikiHow brings together some tips that can help you avoid misunderstandings and find common ground with people (especially foreigners).

Table of Contents

Politely keep your distance until you get to know the person.

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Cultures have different conceptions of personal space. In general, talking close to your face or standing/sitting too close to someone you don’t know is considered rude. Keep an arm’s length (enough room for a bow or handshake) until you know the distance the other person is comfortable with. ^{[1] X Research Source}

For example, Latinos tend to stand close and often touch each other. However, if you do this to someone you just met, they may feel uncomfortable.

Speak slowly and carefully.

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Pronounce and say each word clearly so that the other person can follow. If you’re talking to someone whose mother tongue is not yours, make sure they understand every word. You don’t have to raise your voice (unless the other person is really having trouble hearing), just pronounce it correctly and clearly read every syllable of each word. In between each sentence, pause for a moment to give them time to understand what you are saying. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Maintain eye contact during a conversation to determine if the other person understands what you are saying. If this person starts to get confused, stop and ask what they don’t understand so you can clarify.

Use simple and understandable language.

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Avoid using metaphors, idioms and slang when talking to foreigners. People who speak a language other than your mother tongue tend to take words literally, so rhetoric becomes harder for them to translate. In order to reduce misunderstanding situations, you should say exactly what you mean. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Some slang words can be so ingrained that you don’t even realize it’s slang. Suppose, if you ask a foreigner, “Have you had a bear?” then the seemingly simple question will confuse them, because in this case, “bear” is a slang word for lover.
Avoid using sarcasm because it’s hard to explain – especially if you’re talking to someone from a culture that’s not used to sarcasm or a dry sense of humour (the ability to say something that’s outrageous and funny but in a real, emotionless way).

Limit hand gestures and signs.

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Maintain a formal, reserved posture by crossing your arms in front of you or hanging them at your sides. Gestures (especially hand gestures) can lead to misunderstandings in communication between people of different cultures. “Conversing with hand gestures” is common in many countries, but can become too informal and casual for some cultures. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Some gestures that are normal in your culture can come across as rude to foreigners. For example, pointing a finger in someone’s face is rude in many cultures. Even a subtle nod doesn’t always mean “yes”, because to the Greeks and Bulgarians it means “no”. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Usually, it’s safe to mimic the other person’s posture. For example, if he/she clasps his/her hands behind his/her back and you do the same, you’re more likely not to offend or mislead him.
When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor or crossed at the ankles and try not to move too much. Showing the soles of the feet or pointing the toes at others is considered rude by some Indian and Middle Eastern societies. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Address politely by calling the person’s last name.

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Many cultures are very formal towards strangers. Some other countries are more relaxed, but with the utmost courtesy, you will never be able to mislead. If you’re being overly formal, the other person will remind you, but they certainly won’t be upset about it. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

In general, you should address strangers with “Mr” or “Mrs” and the person’s last name. In many cultures, it is impolite to call someone by their first name. If the other person wants to be called by your first name or nickname, they will take the initiative to tell you.
Remember to behave properly! Frequently use words like “please”, “thank you”, “forgive me”, “sorry” and “I’m sorry”. He/she will appreciate it even more if you say these words in their native language.

Make frequent eye contact for short periods of time.

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Maintain short eye contact to show concern and respect. Eye contact has different meanings across cultures, so it’s best to keep things moving quickly if you don’t want to be misunderstood. In some Asian, Latin American and African communities, prolonged eye contact is seen as rude and defiant. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

In highly hierarchical cultures, such as many countries in Asia, it is advisable to limit eye contact when speaking to someone older or in authority. This shows respect for their position.
In Middle Eastern cultures, it’s normal to make prolonged eye contact with someone of the same sex, but if you’re talking to someone of the opposite sex, avoid making eye contact for too long.

Indicates what to do when giving instructions.

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Indicates what needs to be done to ensure that no information is left out. While you should refrain from hand gestures in general, this is completely different from instructing the other person how to do something. It is often easier for people to follow instructions with actions than with verbal instructions, especially if you do not speak their native language. ^{[9] X Research Source}

For example, if you are talking about baking, simulate stirring with an empty spoon and bowl. You can also wave your hand over the cake to describe how to sprinkle ice on it after it cools.
If you’re showing someone how to use it, go through the steps yourself.
Body language is also helpful when you’re trying to communicate in a language other than your mother tongue and don’t remember the vocabulary. If you can express what you mean, the other person will usually understand very quickly.

Ask the person if you don’t understand.

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Use open-ended questions for more details or clarification. While yes/no questions are easier to answer, some cultures don’t appreciate negative answers. Because of that, it is likely that you will receive a series of “yes” answers even if the other person doesn’t mean it, and this can lead to misunderstandings. Open-ended questions will provide enough information for you to determine what the other person is saying. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Similarly, if you want to make sure the other person understands you, ask them to repeat what you just said instead of just asking if they understood.
You can also repeat words or phrases that have multiple meanings as a way to clarify. ^{[11] X Research Source} For example, if the person keeps mentioning your assistant when you don’t have one, ask again: “Assistant?” The other person will give more information about the person they are talking about and then you can clearly explain the role of this person.

Learn as much as you can about another culture.

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Get information about culture-specific codes of conduct before meeting someone. Just search with simple keywords like “cultural etiquette”, “social norms” or “customs and norms” along with the name of the culture or country of the person you are about to meet. If you’re talking to someone in a particular setting, learn about the culture’s applicable codes of conduct. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Remember that cultures are extremely diverse, so be as specific as possible. For example, although we can find some information by searching with the keyword “Asian culture”, you will get more specific information if you use the word “Chinese culture”, “Korean culture” or “Japanese culture”.
For example, if you are meeting with a business representative to discuss a contract, look for information on cultural norms both in business and when negotiating contracts.
It also helps a lot to learn some common words and phrases in the person’s native language! For example, polite words and phrases like “I’m sorry,” “please,” and “thank you” can help you overcome (if any) negligence.

Advice

If you’re talking to someone from another culture and you say/do something rude, apologize sincerely and ask them how to handle a similar situation in the future. This way, the other party will have the opportunity to communicate to you about their culture.
If someone mentions a concept of culture that you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask! He or she can happily explain and you will learn new knowledge. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Warning

Jokes should not be made, especially in the context of work. When communicating with someone from another culture, your jokes will be very easily misunderstood, even worse, potentially offensive. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Steps