The Pros And Cons Of Verbal Communication

Verbal communication

Different spoken languages are obvious barriers to effective communication in international business. However, becoming fluent in a new language can take many months, even years, of intensive study and most organisations do not have the time or resources to enable employees to improve their language skills. Problems can arise when a person must rely on their knowledge of another language in order to operate in another country or work with a person from another country. If their language skills are slightly rusty or they are not as fluent as they should be, serious problems in understanding can emerge.

A way of getting around these language difficulties is to employ the services of an interpreter – this is often the only

A 'non-stop' flight will, of course, stop eventually – at its intended destination. Similarly, people do not literally 'catch' a bus – something of a physical impossibility! If an international business person is ignorant of the connotations, slang, idioms and dialects of a given language, problems can quickly arise.

Non-verbal communication

Dealing with language is only the beginning. Non-verbal barriers to intercultural communication can often pose greater problems than language barriers. Many non-verbal cues carry different meanings in different cultures – in some cultures their meaning may be strong, while in others they may mean very little or indeed nothing at all.

Non-verbal communication includes stance, facial expressions and gestures. However it also involves seating arrangements, personal distance, sense of time, dress and pitch or tone of voice.

For example, the British typically regard Germans and Americans (among others) as speaking too loudly. However, in Arabic countries, loudness is associated with sincerity and forcefulness, but not when dealing with superiors, when a softer tone is used.

Non-verbal communications operate subconsciously, and as a result generate feelings which

Or someone from an upper-class background may have difficulty taking orders from someone from a lower-class background.

Understanding the relationship between the sexes and the roles assigned in various cultures will provide an insight into how staff from particular cultural groups might work in a given situation.

Personal space

People from different social and cultural backgrounds may have different 'comfort zones' – some may like more distance, some may prefer to get close. Continually invading another individual's personal space can cause discomfort and may be construed as harassment in some cultures, so it is important to understand and observe this when interacting with other people.

Personal appearance

Grooming, eating habits and dress vary between cultures. Some people may choose to wear their national dress or religious garments to work. However, this may cause problems or health and safety issues in some workplaces (e.g. factories, and restaurants). Policies on dress code need to be developed sensitively and pragmatically.

Language Differences

Language differences are an obvious barrier to intercultural communication. If you speak