Communicating with different cultures can be quite a challenge. Different perspectives and ways of thinking from culture to culture can cause communication issues. Please take a look at our cross cultural communication in the workplace vocabulary.
Beginner
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Communicate | To share information. | We need to communicate clearly with our overseas partners. |
| Culture | Shared beliefs, customs, and behaviors of a group. | Understanding the local culture is crucial for success. |
| Respect | To treat someone with honor and dignity. | We must respect different cultural norms. |
| Listen | To pay attention to what someone is saying. | It’s important to listen carefully to understand their perspective. |
| Understand | To grasp the meaning of something. | I’m trying to understand the nuances of their communication style. |
| Language | A system of communication used by a particular country or community. | Learning the local language can be very helpful. |
| Meeting | A gathering of people for a particular purpose. | The meeting will be conducted in English. |
| Business | An organization engaged in commercial activities. | International business requires cultural sensitivity. |
| Greeting | A polite word or sign of welcome. | Proper greetings vary across cultures. |
| Customs | A traditional and widely observed way of behaving or doing something. | It’s important to be aware of local customs. |
Intermediate Cross Cultural Communication in The Workplace Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Interpret | To explain the meaning of something. | We need someone to interpret the contract for us. |
| Negotiate | To discuss something in an attempt to reach an agreement. | They are negotiating a deal with a Japanese company. |
| Protocol | The official rules of behavior in a particular situation. | There are specific protocols for business meetings in some cultures. |
| Sensitivity | Awareness and understanding of other people’s feelings. | Cultural sensitivity is essential for international business. |
| Misunderstanding | A failure to understand something correctly. | A simple misunderstanding can derail a business deal. |
| Adapt | To adjust to new conditions. | Companies must adapt their strategies to different markets. |
| Etiquette | The customary code of polite behavior in society. | Business etiquette varies significantly across cultures. |
| Diversity | The state of being diverse; variety. | Workplace diversity can be a strength. |
| Cross-cultural | Dealing with or comparing two or more different cultures. | Cross-cultural training is vital for international assignments. |
| Communication barrier | Anything that prevents or hinders communication. | Language differences can be a significant communication barrier. |
Advanced
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Nuance | A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or feeling. | It’s important to understand the cultural nuances of their communication. |
| Context | The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.1 | Understanding the historical context is crucial for interpreting their actions. |
| Diplomacy | The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country’s representatives2 abroad. | Diplomacy is essential for navigating complex cross-cultural situations. |
| Ethnocentrism | Belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture. | Avoiding ethnocentrism is key to successful cross-cultural communication. |
| Cultural relativism | The practice of judging a culture by its own standards, and not by the standards of one’s own culture. | Cultural relativism promotes understanding and tolerance. |
| Intercultural competence | The ability to communicate and interact effectively with people from different cultures. | Intercultural competence is a valuable asset in today’s globalized world. |
| Globalization | The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating3 on an international scale.4 | Globalization has increased the importance of cross-cultural communication. |
| Paradigm | A typical example or pattern of something; a model. | We need to shift our paradigm when dealing with international clients. |
| Proxemics | The branch of knowledge that deals with the amount of space that people feel necessary to set between themselves5 and others. | Understanding proxemics can prevent awkward situations. |
| High-context culture | A culture in which communication relies heavily on context and shared understanding. | Japan is an example of a high-context culture. |
We hope you enjoyed our Cross Cultural Communication in The Workplace Vocabulary.
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