Meeting of the Minds: Bridging the Language Gap in Multicultural Collaborations

Introduction

Language is more than a mere tool for communication. It not only serves as a portal to understanding and connecting with others but plays a significant role in how we view and experience reality. This notion is particularly relevant in professional settings where diverse cross-cultural communication styles converge. Throughout my career in the pharmaceutical industry, spanning more than three decades in a diverse and multicultural environment, I have encountered countless instances where my use of language has been misunderstood or my intentions have been misinterpreted.

As someone who has a deep fascination with the intricacies of human thinking, it was only natural for me to dive deeper into this subject. In this article, we will explore how language and culture shape our perception by using examples of time, color, and direction. When we consider these fundamental concepts of communication, the significance of these inherent differences becomes clear. This is particularly important when communicating in a meeting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

Time as a Cultural Construct

The way we view time is heavily influenced by the context of language and culture. In Western cultures, time is generally viewed as a linear progression, with a clear past-to-future sequence. This is reflected in the emphasis on planning and punctuality, where there’s a tendency to meticulously map out tasks and events. Time is seen as a finite resource that must be managed efficiently and being on schedule for appointments and meetings is highly valued. In contrast, some Eastern cultures have a more fluid perception of time and may prioritize flexibility and spontaneity over strict adherence to schedules.

On the other hand, many indigenous cultures view time as cyclical rather than linear, offering a different perspective on life's continuum. Time circles back upon itself, repeating significant events and embodying connections to the past and future. An excellent illustration of this concept can be found in the traditional practice of the Medicine Wheel by Native American cultures. This holistic philosophy towards life is evident in the structure of the Medicine Wheel, which emphasizes the significance of balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Acknowledging these diverse interpretations of time is key to understanding how individuals from different cultures approach decision-making, planning, and life itself.

Exploring the Spectrum of Colors in Language's Palette

While colors have a universal language, categorization of hues and shades can vary significantly across cultures. The extensive color vocabulary in Western societies allows for precise distinctions, enhancing our perception of our world's beautiful palette. However, other cultures may not explicitly express these nuances, emphasizing the need to recognize that color perception is a complex realm that extends beyond the surface.

Davidoff (2015) conducted a study on color perception among individuals who speak Greek and English. When the participants were shown green and blue shapes, it was found that while English has a single word for blue, Greek has two distinct terms, 'ble' and 'ghalazio'. Greek-speakers showed a stronger differentiation between various shades of blue compared to English-speakers, who did not exhibit the same distinction. This difference could be attributed to the fact that Greek culture places a strong emphasis on the sea and the sky, both of which are often described as shades of blue. In contrast, English speakers may not have the same need to differentiate between different shades of blue in their daily lives. This study highlights the influence of language on color perception and suggests that language can shape the way individuals perceive and categorize colors.

How Language Shapes Our Orientation

Language also has a profound impact on how we interpret direction. In Western languages, directions are often based on body orientation, relying on terms like "left" and "right." However, other cultures ground their directions in cardinal points, such as north, south, east, and west. This linguistic contrast profoundly impacts how individuals navigate and interpret the world around them - an intriguing reflection of how language molds our perceptions.

Imagine walking through the busy streets of Tokyo, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As you make your way around, you decide to ask a friendly local for directions to a famous temple. In your Western mindset, you may expect to receive instructions such as "Turn left at the intersection, then take a right after the park." However, to your surprise, the local guides you with a different perspective. They might say, "Head north from here, and you'll find the temple on your left." This statement catches you off guard, as you realize that you didn't pay much attention to which direction is considered north. In this example, it may take some time for you to adjust to this new way of understanding direction. However, it also presents a unique opportunity to broaden our understanding of the world we share with others.

Breaking Down Language Barriers in Meetings

Understanding that people have different ways of thinking about elemental concepts such as time, color, and direction, it is crucial to be mindful of our interactions during multicultural meetings and collaborations. So, what approaches can be utilized to reduce the chances of misinterpretation and minimize the risk of unnecessary disputes? Here are some recommendations to contemplate.

• When creating a team, it is important to establish your ways of working from the start. This includes clearly defining the goals of the team, the timeline and frequency of upcoming meetings, and the expectations for completing projects or making decisions. It is important to ensure that all team members comprehend the intended format.

• The next time you’re preparing a visual representation of data in a meeting with participants from different cultures, you may want to carefully consider the range of colors used to distinguish the information. For example, you may want to use distinct primary colors instead of varying shades of blue.

• A small attempt to learn key words or ideas in your teammates' language can make a big difference. It shows that you are willing to understand them on a deeper level, which in turn promotes trust and respect.

• Another approach to effective communication is to avoid overwhelming others with complex planning tools. Instead, try breaking down the process into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only simplifies the task at hand, but also allows for easier understanding and collaboration among team members. Be open to simplifying processes for the benefit of the team.

• This point may be obvious but strive to use clear and concise language to communicate with others. Slang, jargon, and idioms can often lead to misunderstandings and distractions, slowing down progress and causing unnecessary conflicts. After all of these years, I still struggle with this.

• Observe the atmosphere - whether in person or online. When leading or attending a meeting where facial expressions are visible, make it a habit to recognize signs of confusion or disagreement. Instead of making assumptions or not acknowledging diversity, we can encourage an environment where everyone feels heard and respected simply by being cognizant of the unique viewpoints that may be present. Take a moment to stop and inquire if needed. Your colleagues may appreciate the effort.

Conclusion:

Language holds immense power in shaping our perception of the world. Overall, navigating discussions around complex issues in a culturally diverse group requires recognition and understanding of each culture's distinct values, beliefs, and ways of thinking. It’s crucial to approach these discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn from different perspectives, instead of assuming that our own understanding is universally applicable. This can be achieved through empathy, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn from one another - ultimately expanding our own horizons.

References:

1. Davidoff J. Color categorization across cultures. In: Elliot AJ, Fairchild MD, Franklin A, eds. Handbook of Color Psychology. Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology. Cambridge University Press; 2015:259-278.

Thank you for reading this blog post! If you enjoyed the content and want to learn more about the topics discussed, I highly recommend checking out my book, REFLECT: A Perspective on Understanding Your Reality and Becoming Unstuck. In it, I dive deeper into the strategies and insights shared in this post, offering even more valuable information and practical advice. Click here to order your copy of REFLECT today! You can also visit my website for more information.