Language and Cultural Understanding

Cristina Costa Discussion started by Cristina Costa 9 years ago

I think one of the main things to take into consideration is language and cultural understanding. Often in times people say one thing, but usually they mean something else... sometimes ideas get lost into translation and this can lead to frustration.My experience has often been positive, but I think that this is also due to the fact that I am - most times - able to navigate language and cultural understandings of romance and Germanic languages. hence, I think it's important to establish close links with partners during and between meetings. Here are some ideas that might help:
- Negotiating the meeting agenda with the partners
- use ice breakers at each face to face meeting for people to bond (the social aspect is important)
- agree on the language of communication and don't fall into the 'trap' to default to a language that you have in common with just some of the partners or your team (that frustrates the rest of the group)
- organise monthly or bi-monthly online meetings (google hangouts are a good way to do that)
- stimulate a culture of sharing

Replies

Natassa I think that the one thing that can make the difference with language and cultural misunderstanding is practice! Organisations and people that enter the world of European projects need time and practice to learn to work with people from different countries. Many times, even experienced people need time to adjust in a new partnership. Therefore, it is important to schedule frequent meetings with enough time to discuss things and create common understanding. 9 years ago

Natassa On-line meetings can support the communication, but I think that physical meetings boost the cultural understanding and online meetings keep the momentum. 9 years ago