If you are working globally and want to communicate well, is it better to have more cultural understanding or to strengthen your language skills?

The Value and Importance of Cultural Understanding

Introduction

Why is cultural understanding so important? As globalisation continues to bring people from diverse backgrounds together, the ability to communicate across cultures has become a vital skill in international business and collaboration.
While it is certainly helpful to speak a shared language like English fluently, cultural understanding often proves to be even more important.
Communication is not just about words; it is about meaning, context, tone, and behaviour. In many cases, the ability to interpret and respond to these cultural cues can make a bigger difference than having grammatically perfect language.

Communication styles between High Context and Low Context Cultures

Take, for example, the difference in communication styles between high-context and low-context cultures.
In high-context cultures such as China, Japan, and many Arab countries, much of the communication is implicit. So, people rely heavily on tone, facial expressions, and shared understanding to convey meaning.

An example of unclear cultural understanding

A Chinese colleague might say:
“maybe” or
“It could be difficult.”
when they actually mean “no.”
In contrast, in low-context cultures like the United States, Australia or Germany, people value direct and clear communication which does not have much subtext, and the words are very important.
If you are a low context communicator and do not understand the indirect style of a high-context culture, you might misread their reluctance as agreement, leading to confusion or even failed projects. Even if you all have perfect grammar, the understanding may not be as perfect and may indeed be inaccurate.

Feedback between different cultures

Another common area of difference is how people give and receive feedback.
In many Western cultures, especially in the United States or the Netherlands, giving critical feedback is considered necessary and even helpful for growth. It is often delivered directly, sometimes even in front of others.
In contrast, in countries like Thailand or Indonesia, criticism is usually given in private and delivered gently to avoid causing embarrassment or loss of face.

An example of unclear cultural understanding

A manager from the UK working in Indonesia might believe they are being open and honest by offering straightforward feedback in a team meeting, while their team might view it as disrespectful or humiliating. Even with perfect English, the cultural message is misunderstood.

Decision Making and Hierarchy

Cultural norms also influence decision-making and hierarchy. In countries like India or Mexico, business culture tends to be more hierarchical. It is expected senior leaders make decisions, and junior employees may be reluctant to speak up or challenge authority.
In more egalitarian societies like Sweden or New Zealand, team members are encouraged to contribute equally, regardless of rank.
A project manager who is unaware of these differences might misinterpret silence in a meeting as lack of interest, when in fact it is a sign of respect for leadership.

Punctuality

Even practical matters such as punctuality and meeting etiquette vary widely across cultures.
A team member in the UK might expect a meeting to begin promptly at the scheduled time. On the other hand, in countries like Brazil or Nigeria, a more relaxed approach to time may be the norm. The meeting will start when everyone has arrived. In this case time is not related to respect.

Meeting Etiquette

Meeting etiquette varies from culture to culture and is key to the success of the meeting. If the meeting etiquette of the cultures involved is not observed, then perfect language skills will not make the meeting a success. On the other hand, if meeting etiquette of the cultures involved is observed, then language skills will not be as important.

An example of the importance of cultural understanding

For example, exchanging business cards with both hands and taking time to study the card is standard practice in Japan, where it shows respect. Failing to do so could be seen as rude, even if the person’s spoken Japanese is flawless.

Humour as part of cultural understanding

Humour does not always translate well across cultures. A light-hearted joke used to ease tension in a UK-based meeting might fall flat or even cause offence in a different cultural setting.
For example, British understatement or sarcasm can easily be misunderstood by someone from a culture where people say exactly what they mean. Language accuracy cannot protect against such misunderstandings, but cultural awareness can help avoid them.

Level of language

It is also worth noting that many successful international professionals operate effectively with only a basic command of a second language, provided they demonstrate cultural sensitivity.

An example

A French engineer working in the Middle East may not speak perfect English, but if they show awareness of local customs, address people appropriately and show respect for religious practices, they are likely to earn trust and cooperation.
On the other hand, a native English speaker who ignores these cultural aspects may struggle to build strong working relationships even though their English is perfect in terms of accuracy.

Tips for Working Globally When You Are Using Your Second or Third Language

Working in a second or third language can be challenging, but there are several ways to manage communication effectively while building cultural understanding and confidence.

Focus on Clarity Over Perfection

Do not worry about making mistakes. Aim to be clear and concise. People appreciate effort and sincerity more than flawless grammar.

Prepare and Practise

Before important meetings or presentations, take time to prepare key vocabulary or phrases. Practising aloud can help build confidence.

Ask for Clarification

If something is unclear, ask for rephrasing or explanation. Phrases like
“Could you please explain that another way?” or
“I’m not sure I completely understood what you were saying. Could you repeat what you just said, in another way?”
are useful and show engagement.

Use Visuals and Summaries

Support your points with charts, slides, or written summaries. These tools can help reduce misunderstandings and make your message more accessible.

Learn Cultural Norms

Take time to learn about the customs, expectations, and business etiquette of the people you are working with. This will often matter more than perfect language and will improver your cultural understanding.

Be Honest About Your Language Level

Let others know if you are still learning. Most people will be more patient and supportive if they understand your situation.

Tips for Working Globally When Using Your First Language with Non-Native Speakers

If you are working in your first language and others are using their second or third, it is important to adapt your communication style to support effective collaboration and good cultural understanding.

Speak Clearly and at a Moderate Pace

Avoid speaking too quickly or using unclear pronunciation. If you know you have a strong accent, try to speak as close to standard pronunciation as you can. Slowing down slightly can make a big difference without sounding unnatural. The best way to slow down is to slow whenever you pause.

Suggest Regular Breaks

Speaking in a second or third language can be tiring or even exhausting. So, suggest regular breaks even if they are only two minutes. It will be appreciated.

Avoid Idioms, Slang, and Jargon

Phrases like “hit the ground running” or “let’s touch base” can be confusing. Use straightforward language that is easy to interpret.

Check for Understanding Without Patronising

Rather than asking
“Do you understand?” try saying
“Would it help if I explained that another way?” or
“Shall I summarise the key points?”

Be Patient and Encouraging

Give people time to express themselves. Avoid finishing their sentences or correcting their grammar unless they ask for help.

Use Visual Aids and Written Follow-Ups

Provide written summaries, follow-up emails or diagrams to support verbal communication. These tools help reinforce key information.

Show Cultural Curiosity and Respect

Make an effort to learn a few words in your colleague’s language or ask respectful questions about their culture. This creates rapport and demonstrates respect and cultural understanding.

Conclusion to More Cultural Understanding or Strong Language skills?

While accurate language can certainly aid communication, it is cultural understanding that brings true connection and collaboration in global work. Whether you are speaking your second or third language or supporting others who are; success depends on listening carefully, showing respect, and adapting to cultural differences. In an international setting, cultural fluency often matters more than linguistic perfection, and it is something all of us can develop with time, effort, and openness.

Further reading about global communication cultural understanding

How to achieve success working in English in the UK
How to explain culture within your global team

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