Intercultural Communication: Barriers

C. Language Barriers (continued)

4. Idiomatic Expressions. An idiom is an expression whose meaning appears to mean one thing in terms of words and grammar used, but means something else. If taken literally idiomatic expressions may cause problems and confusion.

Examine the table below:

What are each of the idiomatic expressions truly communicating? Once complete check with the table below.

The problem with idioms is that some are dated to a specific time and place. If you notice several of the idioms above are direct reference to farm animals and an understanding of how the animals behave. Idioms may also change meaning over time as definitions and culture change. Definitions for the idioms above are given below, but others may have slightly different understandings of idioms so it is best to ask if you do not understand.

On a GV team one must ask for clarification if an idiom is used. Those GV team members who are particularly attuned to culture, will understand how the language is used in culture. It will allow them to use the idioms of another culture to enhance the communications and help them appear to be a more natural speaker. However, because of the need for clarity and conciseness on the GV team, it is best to try and avoid idioms while working on a GV team with a short mandate. As mentioned earlier, GV team members could learn these on their own and integrate as needed to improve communication, but for the most should be avoided.

How many of the idioms were you able to decide the real meaning? The answers are provided below, but remember an idiom's meaning may differ depending on context and subculture, use with care.

Language Barriers (continued)

5. Humor. It is truly difficult to find a joke or humorous situation that translates across all cultures. The story is told of a girl who moved from England to Canada. While in school taking English classes, there were times when she would burst out laughing while the rest of the class remained silent. At other times the entire class would begin laughing while she remained quiet. The difference: When she laughed, the story being studied was written by a British author. When she remained quiet, the story was written by a North American author. She understood the British humor her Canadian counterparts did not. Similarly, her Canadian counterparts understood the Canadian humor she did not. Even when the entire class spoke the same language cultural differences in humor do not always translate.

While laughing and humor is common to all cultures, the things that cause humor differs from one culture to another. Some humor that is acceptable and considered funny in one culture may be extremely offensive in another. For example, Britain's Benny Hill or Monty Python type comedy uses humor that may be considered crude or coarse in another culture. Much of American humor is based on ridiculing or making fun of other people. Different knowledge is needed to understand the humor.


Take the example below:

Why do lawyers not have to worry about sharks when they vacation at the beach?

The Answer: Professional Courtesy

To understand this joke, a person needs to know several things. First, sharks are known to stalk and attack people swimming at the beach. Second, some lawyers in the United States have the reputation for preying upon and verbally attacking people to win their case. Third, members of some professions in the United States give special consideration to other members of their profession a practice known as professional courtesy. Without this background knowledge there would be little chance of finding the joke funny.

As a result, humor, on a GV team, should be used with caution. What may be intended as an attempt at humor, may be considered offensive to another. While it is good to learn to laugh with team members, understanding the humor may take some explaining.