Some problems of multicultural communication - language barriers

Introduction Over the years, the world has undergone a transformation process in which it has become a particular omnibus form of culturally diverse societies. Whether it is based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, physical abilities, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, you are more likely than ever to find yourself in a culturally diverse organisational setting. With this diversity comes the potential for great benefits as well as potential problems. Many of these problems consist of difficulties in the form of communicating, problem solving and resolving conflicts within diverse groups where people have significantly different values, beliefs, perspective, work styles and communication styles. In order to overcome these potential problems and to draw upon the possible benefits, each of us must enhance our ability to understand cultural differences, and to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts with those who are different from ourselves. Working with diverse cultures in their home element is more a matter of finesse, diplomacy and communication than the direct application of coercive power. Cultural literacy is about understanding one’s individual cultural patterns and knowing one’s own cultural norms. ...