Cross-cultural communication is a fascinating yet often frustrating aspect of working in a globalised world. Even when speaking the same language—as English—different cultural interpretations of words, phrases, and timeframes can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities.
The Problem: Words Don’t Always Mean What You Think
A shared language doesn’t guarantee clear communication. Cultural backgrounds shape meaning, particularly when it comes to time, commitment, and politeness.
Take the phrase “I’ll get back to you soon.” In Australia, it might mean within a day or two, while in the US, it could imply within a few hours. In some European cultures, “soon” might mean within the week, while in parts of Asia, it could mean “when I have an update.”
A classic example from South Africa, my birth country involves “now now” and “just now.” Despite sounding immediate, neither means right now. “Now now” suggests an action will be taken shortly, while “just now” can mean anything from later today to never. Imagine the confusion when a South African tells an Australian colleague, “I’ll do it just now,” and the Aussie expects a quick turnaround, only to be left waiting.
Cultural Differences in Time Perception
Time perception varies widely:
- Monochronic cultures (as Australia, Germany, the UK, and the US) view time as structured and deadlines as strict.
- Polychronic cultures (as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa) see time as fluid, with flexibility in schedules and deadlines.
For example, if an Australian businessperson schedules a meeting for 9:00 AM sharp, they expect it to start on time. However, in some Middle Eastern, African or South American contexts, a 9:00 AM meeting might not start until 9:30 or later, as personal interactions take precedence over rigid scheduling.
Different Cultures, Different Meanings
1. Agreeing Doesn’t Always Mean Yes
In many Asian cultures, particularly in Japan and Thailand, avoiding direct confrontation is a sign of respect. If a Japanese colleague says, “Yes, I understand”, it may not mean they agree or will proceed with the task—it may simply mean they acknowledge what was said. Australians, who are more direct, might misinterpret this as agreement.
2. Humour can Backfire
Australian humour is often dry and sarcastic as well as self deprecating, which doesn’t always translate well. In the US, sarcasm can be taken literally, while in some Asian cultures, self-deprecating jokes may be seen as a sign of weakness rather than humility. Humour does not translate across borders.
3. Formality and Hierarchy Matter
Australian workplaces are informal, with employees addressing even senior leaders by their first names. In contrast, countries like China, India, and Germany value formality, and addressing a senior executive casually might seem disrespectful.
The Solution: Be Clear, Explicit, and Culturally Aware
You don’t need to master every culture’s nuances, but greater clarity and awareness can enhance communication. Here’s how:
1. Be Explicit in Timelines
Rather than saying, “I’ll get back to you soon,” specify a timeframe: “I’ll get back to you by Wednesday afternoon.”
2. Confirm Understanding
Instead of assuming your message is clear, ask: “Just to clarify, when do you expect the report?”
3. Repeat Key Points in Different Ways
Repetition helps: “Let’s meet at 10:00 AM sharp on Thursday” followed by “So, we’ll see you at 10:00 AM Thursday morning, right?” reinforces expectations.
4. Adapt Your Communication Style
For high-context cultures (e.g., Japan, China, Saudi Arabia), be mindful of indirect communication and nonverbal cues. For low-context cultures (e.g., Australia, the US, Germany), be direct and precise.
5. Provide Written Follow-Ups
After meetings, send an email summarising key points to ensure alignment and provide a reference point. Include timelines and who is responsible for what by when.
Bridging the Gap
Miscommunication in English isn’t just about vocabulary—it’s about cultural interpretation. By recognising how different cultures perceive time, commitment, and language, you can minimise misunderstandings and improve global collaboration.
So next time you say, “I’ll get back to you soon,” ask yourself—what does “soon” really mean to your listener?