From shared hobbies to speaking the same language, it’s easy to gravitate towards individuals or groups that we find things in common with. As a result, we often end up surrounded by people who share our interests and backgrounds. Unfortunately, this tendency is often rooted in biases that prevent us from branching out and living our full potential in life and in our work.
Globalization has a real impact on workplace dynamics in nearly every industry, and for companies with a international market, diversifying the workforce can present numerous benefits, but also some newfound communication challenges.
Whether it be with colleagues or clients, how well we interact with other people can determine our professional success. Often, communication hurdles arise from cultural gaps, which can be intimidating, especially when a language barrier comes into the equation. If overlooked, these social barriers can plant themselves firmly in our lives and work environments, and end up preventing us from establishing meaningful and impactful connections with others.
Language and culture are intertwined, and by interacting with a language, you’re acquainting yourself with the culture, or the many cultures that it’s rooted in. With an increase in workplace diversity, many companies are providing employees with language training opportunities in an attempt to break down some of these divisive barriers. We’ve laid out some ways that learning another language can help bridge cultural gaps in the workplace both internally and externally.
Speaking the Company’s Lingo
Learning a new language is a great way to improve internal communications, especially in organizations with multilingual teams. Whether your company is opening new offices abroad, hiring international employees, or outsourcing work to new territories, you’ll be faced with questions about how to positively and effectively promote employee integration. By implementing a language learning solution, you can:
- Welcome employees to a new environment. Providing international employees with the tools they need to integrate into a new city, culture, and company is a great way to eliminate cultural gaps. Learning the local language will help them assimilate with others, communicate effectively, and simplify everyday life.
- Encourage intercultural integration. Learning a new language, whether it’s the operational language around the office or the native language of some colleagues, provides an opportunity for shared learning experiences and, over time, improved communication skills. It will create opportunities for meaningful engagement by making it easier for international employees to converse with others and for native speakers to share their skills with learners.
- Increase cultural sensitivity. When employees begin learning a language, they will inevitably learn about a culture as well. Helping your team understand and overcome cultural differences will enable them to feel like they’re part of a single unit that’s working towards common goals. Not only does strengthened teamwork benefit individuals on a social level, but it is also likely to increase your organization’s productivity.
Understanding Cultural Nuances Through Language
Language is more than just a tool for communication; it is a reflection of cultural values, beliefs, and practices. Each language carries with it the history and identity of its speakers, encapsulating unique ways of thinking and seeing the world. For instance, certain phrases or expressions in one language may not have direct translations in another, highlighting cultural concepts that are deeply ingrained in that community. By learning a new language, employees can gain insights into these cultural nuances, enabling them to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of their colleagues.
When employees engage in language learning, they begin to uncover the subtleties that shape communication within different cultures. For example, the use of formal versus informal language can indicate the level of respect and hierarchy in a workplace, which varies significantly across cultures. Understanding these distinctions can help employees navigate interactions more effectively and avoid potential faux pas that might arise from cultural misunderstandings.
Moreover, language learning fosters empathy and open-mindedness among employees. As they learn about the idioms, humor, and social norms embedded in a language, they become more attuned to the perspectives and experiences of their colleagues. This appreciation for cultural differences not only enhances interpersonal relationships but also promotes a more harmonious work environment. When employees recognize and respect these differences, they are less likely to make assumptions based on their own cultural frameworks, leading to smoother communication and collaboration.
Effectively Communicating with Clients
Your company can improve international business operations by expanding the languages you’re able to communicate in.
Effective communication is crucial to successful international working relationships, especially when a language barrier exists. Naturally, differences will arise that can make cross-cultural communications with clients and business partners difficult, but if your employees can speak a client’s native language, you’ll be able to:
- Provide your clients with top-notch service. The ability to communicate in a client’s native language will help your employees serve their needs to the highest possible standard. Even if your employees aren’t fluent (yet), the effort your company makes to improve communication won’t go unnoticed. Clients will appreciate that you’re willing and able to gain an understanding of their language and how their culture impacts the way they do business. Plus, it’s a great way to set your organization apart from your competitors.
- Ensure a smooth transition into new territories. Knowing how to conduct business professionally and effectively when entering new markets is extremely important. For companies aspiring to do business in areas of the world with different linguistic backgrounds and cultures, operating on a multilingual level should be a priority. It will give your company the foundation required to understand logistics, legalities, and clientele, which gives you a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Integrate cultural awareness into your brand image. Your company’s image is more than just a name; it’s how clients and potential business partners can identify and advocate what you have to offer. The ability to effectively and professionally communicate with a wide range of people in their native language shows that your team makes an effort to understand and appreciate everyone they do business with.
The Takeaway
Embracing language learning is not just about overcoming communication barriers; it’s about enriching the workplace experience for everyone involved. By fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to learn and grow, organizations can unlock their full potential, driving innovation and success in an increasingly interconnected world. As we move forward, let us recognize the importance of language as a bridge that connects us all, enabling us to collaborate, understand, and thrive together.
