THE JOYS (AND PERILS!) OF CROSS-CULTURAL TALK

Sometimes cross-cultural communication works beautifully – and sometimes there are misunderstandings that are either hilarious or heartbreaking. Image credit: *ANDREA PIACQUADIO* on Pexels.

By CHANDRAKANT SHAH, MD

In our globalized world, people from different cultural backgrounds come into contact more often than ever before – at workplaces, in classrooms, in healthcare, and online.

While this diversity brings great richness, it also introduces challenges in communication. Cross-cultural communication is the art of successfully conveying ideas, emotions, and intentions across cultural boundaries. Sometimes these efforts succeed beautifully – and sometimes they lead to misunderstandings that are either hilarious or heartbreaking.

A few months ago, I was asked to give the eulogy at the funeral service of my close Indigenous colleague. To bring a lighter moment to the eulogy at the end, I made a statement: “Joe, you had promised to have lunch with me for the past several years, but did not fulfil your promise. As you know I am also in the departure lounge and when I leave Mother Earth, I will chase you to have that promise fulfilled.”

Following the service, as I was chatting with a friend, someone tugged my jacket. I turned around to find a girl, around eight years old, trying to get my attention.

“Please do not chase my grandfather, let him go,” she said and she left.

I was perplexed, and cornered an Indigenous elder whom I knew and sought his interpretation of her behaviour. He told me that in his culture when the spirit is leaving the body, you let it go to the spirit world and do not hold it back. I felt remorse about my statement and called the family to apologize.

In another example dating back nearly half a century, I was visiting the First Nations Community in a remote area as a physician. A patient came to see me for a headache. She answered, “I do not know” to all my questions about her condition, never making eye contact. I was quite frustrated and desperate. As I learned the history of Indigenous relations with mainstream Canada, I realized the mistrust and understood her behaviour.

At its core, cross-cultural communication is about more than speaking different languages. It involves understanding how cultural values, behaviours and expectations shape communication styles.

For instance, in some cultures, direct eye contact signifies confidence; in others, it may be considered rude or confrontational. A handshake may be expected in Canada, while a bow is more appropriate in Japan. When we don’t know these cultural nuances, even everyday interactions can go wrong.

Cross-cultural communication is not about perfection – it’s about connection. It’s about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and listening with the intent to understand, not just reply. Whether it ends in laughter or tears, every cultural interaction teaches us something – about others, and about ourselves.

In an age where misinformation, stereotypes and polarization are rampant, cross-cultural communication is more than a skill; it is a moral act. It’s how we turn strangers into neighbours, neighbours into friends, and friends into allies. With open hearts and curious minds, we can bridge not just language gaps, but the deeper divides that separate us. Along the way, we may find that what we thought were cultural walls are just doors waiting to be opened.

In workplaces, poor cross-cultural communication can lead to misunderstandings, reduced productivity, or even conflicts. International businesses must navigate cultural nuances in marketing, management, and customer relations. A brand campaign that succeeds in Canada might offend the sensibilities of India or China if cultural references are misinterpreted. In diplomatic or political settings, cross-cultural communication is crucial for peacebuilding, negotiations, and international collaboration.

Misreading cultural cues can derail sensitive talks or foster mistrust between nations.

On a personal level, immigrants, refugees, and international students face daily challenges in navigating a new culture. Teachers, healthcare providers, and public service workers need cross-cultural skills to serve diverse populations effectively and equitably. Whether in schools, hospitals, or neighbourhoods, communication across cultures helps build inclusive communities.

Several barriers can hinder effective cross-cultural communication. Misunderstandings often arise when people speak different languages or dialects. Even among English speakers, cultural idioms or slang can confuse non-native speakers. Gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and personal space have different meanings across cultures.

Assuming all members of a cultural group behave a certain way leads to generalizations and undermines genuine interaction. Prejudices, whether conscious or unconscious, create emotional distance and mistrust. The belief that one’s own culture is superior and ethnocentric attitudes hinder openness to learning from others and lead to judgmental behaviours. People may assume others think, behave, and communicate like they do. This leads to shock or frustration when expectations are unmet.

Ignoring cultural differences entirely to treat everyone the same can also be problematic. Equity requires recognizing and respecting diversity, not erasing it.

To overcome these barriers, individuals and organizations can adopt certain principles and practices:

1. Cultural awareness: The first step is self-awareness. Recognizing one’s own cultural assumptions, values, and communication style is essential before attempting to understand others.

2. Active listening: Being fully present in a conversation, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting on what was heard can prevent misinterpretation.

3. Empathy and respect: Trying to understand the other person’s perspective with compassion helps bridge gaps and build trust.

4. Open-mindedness: Avoiding quick judgments and being curious about other ways of thinking and doing things fosters mutual respect.

5. Adaptability: Effective communicators adjust their style to fit the cultural context. This might involve slowing down speech, using simpler language, or modifying nonverbal cues.

6. Education and training: Cross-cultural communication can be improved through training programs that teach cultural norms, communication styles, and conflict resolution techniques.

7. Language skills: Learning even a few words in another person’s language can demonstrate goodwill and effort, opening doors to deeper connections.

Cross-cultural communication is both a challenge and an opportunity. It demands more than mere tolerance; it requires understanding, effort, and humility. In an age where global problems require collaborative solutions on climate change, pandemics, migration, conflict resolution, our ability to communicate across cultures is critical.

By listening deeply, speaking mindfully, and seeing the world through diverse lenses, we avoid conflict and enrich our worldview. We do not merely exchange words – we exchange humanity.

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THE JOYS (AND PERILS!) OF CROSS-CULTURAL TALK