Language barriers in international business are a common challenge on work trips. Read our tips to overcome them in the workplace and abroad
A global outlook opens new doors for trade, but language barriers can impact international business. When you’re not fluent in the local language during a business trip, you’ll not only have to figure out how to get around, but also research local customs and business etiquette to make a good impression.
It sounds like a tall order, but business travel to a country where you don’t speak the language doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re meeting with clients, preparing a sales pitch, or attending an international conference, today’s translation tools make it easier than ever. Here’s how to manage a language barrier when you’re invited as a business guest to a foreign country.
English is the gold standard for international business, with nearly 1.5 billion speakers. It’s also the dominant language online, with over 52% of websites written in English as of January 2024.
But as China’s economy grows, Mandarin is close behind with over 1.1 billion speakers worldwide. For companies with a presence in Europe, German and French are important languages for business, while Spanish is key throughout Latin America. Arabic is used in key energy and finance markets like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
What do we mean when talking about language barriers during business travel? A language barrier in international business refers to confusion or misunderstandings caused by anything language related. It could be an inability to read contracts written in a foreign language or a cultural misunderstanding of local slang.
Language barriers in international business not only make it more difficult to forge working relationships, but can even cause conflict or offense when working with foreign colleagues.
You’ll run into all types of language barriers when abroad, starting with basic issues like telling a taxi driver where you need to go. If you mix up words like “street” and “avenue,” you could end up in a different part of town.
Language barriers often come up in international business translation. Slight differences in wording can lead to legal issues with contracts when translating them for business. Language barriers in the workplace create misunderstandings as well. For example, employees might not understand the nuances of management feedback.
The examples above give you an idea of how language barriers can present a problem for businesses, especially during international travel. The time spent correcting confusion can cause missed opportunities and lost contracts.
Beyond legal issues, cultural differences can lead to communication breakdowns during business travel. Tone is one aspect of communication that varies significantly between cultures. What might be considered a polite request in one country could come across as abrupt in another.
When you’re working with clients, a language barrier impedes your ability to provide satisfactory customer service. Customers expect clear, prompt replies to their questions, which is difficult with a limited vocabulary.
Business travelers might also find it difficult to get to events and meetings on time when faced with navigation issues, causing delays. Productivity suffers when you’re dealing with stressful travel situations due to language issues.
No matter your industry, you already know how important effective communication is. Language proficiency builds relationships while connecting you to a wider client base.
But when you’re traveling abroad and working with foreign colleagues, communication can suffer. Here are a few solutions to overcome these potential barriers.
Becoming fluent in a new language takes time, but today’s digital tools can help out on business trips. One of the most user-friendly yet comprehensive options is Google Translate. Not only does it translate audio to text, but it also translates printed materials like signs and menus using your phone’s camera.
If you have an iPhone, Apple Live Text is another real-time translation app. It translates audio to text using your phone’s microphone. Enter conversation mode to switch between languages for business.
There’s nothing better than practicing with native speakers when you want to build your vocabulary. Try HelloTalk, an app that connects two speakers who want to practice each other’s languages with live chats.
Tools like Google Translate are already using AI for real-time translations, and you can also look out for AI tools like Deepl. These are trained on extensive linguistic data to provide rapid and accurate translations on the go. AI translation tools can summarize texts in foreign languages, simplifying them to prevent cross-cultural misunderstandings.
Apps like Google Translate and Live Text are great for getting around in a foreign city and learning key phrases. For more complex business needs, it’s worth breaking down language barriers with a professional translation service. This is especially true if you’ll be meeting with international clients and drawing up legal contracts. You want to be sure nothing gets lost in translation.
Professional translators can also make your website multilingual, giving you a professional client-facing digital profile in your target countries. Teams of language experts are skilled in both translation and localization. Translation means your website is appropriately converted into another language, word for word. With localization, experts can also make sure that content is adapted to a target culture and audience, while still adhering to your brand and philosophy.
Another way to overcome language barriers is with the help of an interpreter. You can get around your destination and avoid cultural misunderstandings with a fluent guide to help you navigate.
If your business involves regular travel to a specific country, it’s worth investing in language training. This can be done with online courses and tools like Duolingo or Busuu.
In-depth training tools like Babbel for Business and Preply are particularly useful for corporate language training, not only building business- and industry-specific vocabulary but also focusing on cross-cultural aspects.
International business travel presents its own challenges, often obliging you to get out of your comfort zone. But getting around doesn’t have to be stressful with a little bit of planning.
Even if you’ll be traveling with an interpreter or translation app, it’s good to learn some basics. Start with greetings, goodbyes, please, and thank you. In hospitality settings you might not understand the full menu—that’s where a translation app can help—but stock phrases such as “I would like” and “Check, please” will make a good impression on locals and clients alike.
Whether you’re vegan or have a medical condition, write down important phrases that may come in handy. Save them in your notebook or phone to communicate vital information when you need to. Another tip is to carry your hotel’s business card to show taxi drivers where you need to go.
Today’s best business travel apps make it easy to get around with navigation maps and audio to text translations, but what happens when you run out of battery or can’t connect? You’ll need a back-up. Buy a portable power bank, local SIM card, paper map, and pocket phrase book.
Are you traveling off the grid or dealing with limited data? Download your translation apps to use offline. The only thing to remember when using tools like Google Translate offline is that you’ll need to preload the languages onto your device. Just select the destination language and hit download – it’s that easy.
Hand gestures and facial expressions can have very different meanings in different parts of the world. While smiling at strangers is normal in the US, it’s considered unusual in some parts of Europe and Asia.
Nodding one’s head is another form of non-verbal communication that varies between cultures. While nodding your head in a meeting means agreement in many countries, in parts of Turkey and Greece it means “no.” You can find more helpful examples in our guide to the dos and don’ts of business travel.
English is widely spoken in many countries, but never make assumptions. Politely ask if a person speaks English (or your native language) before launching into questions. Use clear, simple phrases without colloquialisms or slang to avoid misunderstandings.
A successful business trip involves more than finding the right words. When working with foreign colleagues, international business etiquette matters as well. Some business cultures, such as those in China, South Korea, and Japan, are quite formal. You can expect defined roles in meetings determined by age and seniority. These cultures rely on non-verbal communication, while in countries like the US, a casual yet direct approach is preferred.
One example of a cultural language barrier in international business is the use of the word “yes.” If you answer a question with the word “yes” in Western cultures, it’s a straightforward agreement. However, in Eastern cultures, “yes” doesn’t always mean a definitive agreement. It can simply mean the respondent is acknowledging the question, but without a firm commitment.
Understanding these various communication styles is just as important as learning polite greetings if you want to grow your business abroad. This is where a local interpreter can really help.
From poor translations to cultural misunderstandings, language barriers can derail your business trip. But with a blend of planning and real-time translation tools, you’ll be able to navigate all the challenges of international travel. Put a few stock phrases in your pocket and practice with colleagues before you go.
Today’s real-time translation apps act as a portable interpreter, while language learning platforms help you build your skills in between trips.
Every business travel challenge has a solution, including language barriers. In terms of business travel, Tripeden.com for Business lightens your load. You’ll be able to book accommodations, flights, and car rentals at exclusive rates to manage payments, all from a single platform. Make the most of our stress-free business travel management solutions to navigate your next international trip.
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