Define How to Improving Intercultural Communication Skills?
1. Study other culture
- Research can help you grasp the basics of other culture
- Mistakes will happen, when they do, apologize and ask about the accepted way and move on.
- Source : websites and books that offer advice on travelling to and working in specific cultures. Sample newspapers, magazines to get an idea of dress, nonverbal customs, manners etc.
2. Study Other Languages
- English is the most prevalent language in international business, but it's a mistake to assume everyone understands it.
- Many companies find that they must be able to conduct business in languages other than English.
- If you have long term business relationship with people of another culture, it is helpful to learn their language.
- Even if the same language is spoken in another country, don't assume that it is spoken the same way.
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U.S. English
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British English
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apartment
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Flat
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eggplant
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aubergine
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elevator
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lift
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Long distance call
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Trunk call
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Pharmacist
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chemist
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Sweater
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pullover
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3. Communication style
- Formality may vary. In U.S. workers prefer open and direct communication styles. Japanese workers tend to be less direct.
4. Writing Clearly
- Use simple, clear language - avoid words with double meanings.
- Be brief - simple sentences, short paragraphs.
- Transitional elements - helps readers to follow your speech eg. furthermore, for example, in contrast, however, firstly, finally, in conclusion.
- Address international correspondence properly
- Cite numbers and dates carefully
For exp : in U.S 12-05-08 means December 5, 2008
In Europe it means May 12, 2008
- Avoid slang, idiomatic phrases and business jargon
Eg. face the music, in sixes and sevens.
- Avoid humour and other references to popular culture
- local tv shows, local artists,
5. Speak Clearly
- Speak slowly and clearly - stop at punctuating marks
- Don't rephrase until its necessary - it may confuse them more because they have 2 sets of words to translate and comprehend.
When rephrasing, choose simpler words; don't just repeat loudly.
- Look for and ask for feedback - be alert to signs of confusions in your listener
- Don't talk down to other person - don't get frustrated with the listener for not understanding.
- Learn foreign phrases
- Clarify what will happen next - at the end of the conversation, be sure that you and the listener agree on what has been said and decided. Follow up with a memo / letter to summarize the conversation.
6. Listening Carefully
- Accept what you hear without judgment and let people finish what they have to say.
7. Using Interpreters, Translators and Translation Software
- Microsoft spends several hundred million dollars a year to make virtually all of its software products, websites and help documents avalaible in dozens of languages : the company is believed by some to be the world's largest purchaser of translation services.
8. Help Others adapt to your culture
- When communicating with people from other cultures, suggest e-mail or intranet sites.