Lost in Translation: How to Communicate Across Cultures

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of cross-cultural communication, highlighting the challenges and nuances involved when interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds. It reveals that translation services are a significant industry, emphasizing the need for cultural understanding beyond language. The speakers share personal anecdotes and provide practical advice on verbal and nonverbal communication, including dealing with anxiety, avoiding cultural judgments, and being mindful of idiomatic expressions and gestures. They also address the complexities of using translators and offer tips to maintain rapport and clarity. The session aims to raise awareness and equip viewers with strategies to navigate cross-cultural interactions effectively.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Cross-cultural communication is a significant aspect of our globalized world, with translation services being a $40 billion industry growing at 8% annually.
• 🤔 A large percentage of students in the class, such as 40%, are from different countries, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances beyond language.
• 🤝 Cultural customs can vary greatly, as illustrated by the example of George W. Bush and King Abdullah from Saudi Arabia, where holding hands during conversation is customary.
• 👂 Cross-cultural communication is often under-appreciated and can lead to misunderstandings due to unexpressed underlying differences in communication styles.
• 🚫 It can be challenging to receive feedback from people of different cultures, as they might not openly communicate misunderstandings unless there's a close relationship.
• 🗣 Verbal communication barriers include anxiety, ethnocentrism (judging others by one's own cultural standards), and different meanings of the same language (e.g., Nigerian/American-English vs. British-English vs. Australian-English).
• 👀 Nonverbal communication can be misinterpreted, as demonstrated by the story of a gesture that had different meanings in Mexican and Argentine cultures, leading to a dangerous misunderstanding.
• 😆 Humor is difficult to translate and can lead to offense; it's advised not to attempt jokes through translators.
• 👥 Maintain rapport and eye contact with the audience when using a translator, rather than focusing solely on the translator.
• 📝 Preparation is key when using translators; share materials in advance and practice to ensure the message is conveyed accurately.
• 📚 Avoid using jargon and colloquial phrases through translators, as they often don't translate well and can lead to confusion.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is cross-cultural communication, its importance, and the challenges it presents.

What percentage of the class is mentioned to be from another country?

The script mentions that 40% of the classmates are from another country.

How large is the translation services industry and what is its growth rate?

The translation services industry is described as a $40 billion industry with an annual growth rate of 8%.

Why is cross-cultural communication considered under-appreciated in the script?

Cross-cultural communication is considered under-appreciated because the script suggests that there hasn't been a session on it in the class, and it often goes beyond simple language differences which are not always recognized or expressed.

What is the acronym 'LIT' used to represent in the context of the script?

In the script, 'LIT' stands for 'Listen, Inquire, and Test', which are the recommended actions to take when communicating cross-culturally.

What are the three barriers to communication mentioned in Fred Jandt's book according to the script?

The three barriers to communication mentioned are anxiety, judging other groups by your own culture, and the same language having different meanings.

How does the script illustrate the importance of understanding cultural nuances in communication?

The script illustrates this through personal stories and examples, such as the incident with George W and King Abdullah from Saudi where holding hands while talking is customary, and the story of Willem's father using a gesture that had a different meaning in Argentina.

What is the advice given against using humor through a translator according to the script?

The advice given is to avoid making jokes through a translator because humor doesn't translate well and the risk of offending someone is too high.

Why is it suggested to maintain eye contact and rapport with the audience when using a translator?

It is suggested to maintain eye contact and rapport with the audience to ensure effective communication and to avoid isolating or marginalizing the person who is meant to translate.

What is the script's suggestion regarding the use of colloquial phrases or jargon through a translator?

The script suggests avoiding the use of colloquial phrases or jargon through a translator as it may not work well and can lead to misunderstandings.

How can the speakers in the script serve as resources for the audience?

The speakers offer their contact information and list the geographies they have experience with, so they can provide advice, stories, and lessons to help others avoid the mistakes they made.