Global Etiquette A
By Maralyn D. Hill
A
merican English can
jeopardize negotiations
and understanding,
whether in business
or traveling abroad.
An Austrian, German, Frenchman,
Japanese, Greek, or other
nationality may understand
each other speaking English,
but not understand the American.
Frequently, there is a huge
communication gap. Confusion is
based on the misuse of sayings that
are understood by Americans, but
not by those from other countries.
It can’t be stressed enough by
companies and individuals to speak
clearly, when dealing with those
from different countries.
Let’s look at some titles: On a
first visit, the individual may be
the Personnel Director, Director
of Human Resources, or Director
of Employment. The next time,
it is changed. Basically, all three
titles above share the same
responsibilities. The individual in
charge of insurance may now be Risk
Management Director. Next year,
a new buzz word may replace that
title. Sales representatives are an
entire different category, ranging
from Account Managers to Service
Representatives.
Local terms that confuse
Raining cats and dogs
Dog and pony show
On a roll
Flying by the seat of your pants
Coming up roses
Don’t make waves
Flat as a pancake
Old as Methuselah
Keep a low profile
Give me a ballpark figure
This is a new ballgame
Let’s make a homerun
Make a touchdown
Jump the gun
On the same wave length
Shotgun approach
Run it up the flagpole
It will never fly
Drive me up the wall
Sounds like a winner.
Many of the above terms refer
to U.S. sports. Someone else, from
somewhere else, is not going to
know what you mean. If you have
watched any of the television
series NCIS, you will have seen
Zeva’s struggle with American
clichés. Someone in that position
is trained beyond belief, but they
still find themselves struggling
with these terms.
Accents and conjunctions
can cause confusion too
“Y’all” has been interpreted to mean
bring more people. However, another
ethnic group considered it an insult,
as it was interpreted to bring
subordinates.
“Can’t” some times is pronounced
“caay-yunt,” which simply does not
make sense.
“What did you” may be stated,
“wadja.”
Avoid conjunctions whenever possible.
Silence
All silence does not need to be
filled. Many cultures use that to
think. Always remember that those
who speak English as a second
language may take every word you
say quite literally.
Behavior
Maybe you are an occasional curser
or a regular one. Forget it when
conducting business. In Buddhist
and Islamic cultures, “thank God” is
considered blasphemy. Be careful,
rather than being considered too
casual or disrespectful.
After a day of meetings and you are
going out, you may not have your
briefcase, but business may just be
starting. Stay aware. Your host
wants to discover more of the real
you. Avoid anything you may regret
the next day.
Acronyms
Americans are quick to use acronyms.
When dealing with people from
another country, spell it out. It
may take longer, but you will be
understood.