The point of language or cross-cultural mediation is to create an effective relationship between the interlocutors, be they foreign clients or business partners. As long as we do not loom over more or less justified cultural misunderstandings, our advice is to rely on experts and linguists in the field who specialize in a given language and related culture. It will not seem strange now to think of the educational combination that language universities offer, between language and culture. It is difficult to find a language university pathway that proposes the study of language without delving into more humanistic and cultural subjects.
In order to relate, we must therefore be willing to change the "software of the mind" so that we can understand others' behaviors that at first glance might be inappropriate, offensive, rude.
Let's see what might be some of the thematic areas to pay attention to when interacting with a foreign interlocutor.
Communication style and tone of voice in linguistic mediation
Some cultures, such as from Northern Europe and America, favor direct communication, without much ado some cultures, others, such as those more typically from the Asian and Eastern area might prefer for indirect mediation and communication.
At the same time, while in Mediterranean countries the tone of voice tends to be relatively higher than that frequently held by Northern European or Asian cultures. While for some people, keeping a high tone of voice may be completely normal, for others it may be a cause for embarrassment or misunderstanding.
Normally in the middle of a dialogue, we are ethically invited to respect speaking turns in order to avoid overlapping of voices. But you may notice that for some cultures such as the Mediterranean ones, superimposing the voices seems to indicate a sign of participation in the discussion.
Gestures and facial expressions: nonverbal communication in cultural mediation
It is often said that the look or the body is worth a thousand words. the power that nonverbal communication holds is by no means to be underestimated, especially in business and especially in contact with foreign people and interlocutors, with whom we may not share the same habits or nonverbal languages.
Not being in control of one's emotions or state of mind may be advantageous in countries such as Russia or Latin America. But if we were to interact with a client of Northern European or Asian descent, letting what we feel transpire from one's face is not exactly customary accept. You tend in cultures like these to control your facial expressions and your own face.
Maintaining eye contact is another aspect that for Western countries is almost mandatory, while for Indian or African countries, avoiding eye contact is considered as a form of respect, especially when in the presence of older people.
Hands, sign language. Every single gesture that is usual for us or acceptable for someone else could instead be a symbol of rudeness or a reason for misunderstanding.
The conception of time
Time for many countries is money, a resource that cannot be wasted, but rather should be invested to the best advantage. For example, for Northern European countries, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, it is good to meet deadlines and commitments. While more Latin countries, such as Mexico, or eastern countries such as India, are more tolerant and flexible on the issue of delays, since for them time is relationship. They care much more about optimizing time to make connections with people rather than schematically following predetermined schedules without a shadow of a slip.
The conception of time and the concept of punctuality depends a great deal on social and cultural context, as well as subjective and individual perception.
Business etiquette, between linguistic and intercultural mediation
However, this does not detract from the fact that in order to enable a connection with the other, one must know the diversity, background, and peculiarities inherent in each individual, which can make a difference in the course of language mediation and intercultural mediation.
This is what happens when it comes to business etiquette. It is a good habit in the professional field to posture or pose in one way rather than another. "Business does not admit ignorance," so it is best to prepare for an international meeting, and the best way is to rely on an interpreter who knows how to move, what to say, and how to pose. Using the intercultural as well as linguistic mediation of an interpreter can be your trump card.
International Congresses Press Office
