Today’s reality is undeniable; we live in a city where
cross-cultural communication
is more important than ever
before and must be utilized.
There are many methods one
can employ to effectively communicate across language and
culture. First, the most important strategy is to keep an
open mind. This sounds simple but bear in mind that encountering a behavior that is
different usually elicits a negative response. We need to consciously remain open-minded
and our focus should be on
relationship building, cultural
understanding, and fostering
trust. Second, where possible, it is important to establish
rapport through mirroring the
counterpart’s
communication style. In any interaction,
it is necessary to focus on the
common goal of communication. Finally, if the counterpart
does not speak English then
the best option is to em