Communicating effectively with other cultures can be challenging, if you allow it to be. This challenge does not mean that living and working with several different cultures on a cruise ship ship will be a problem.

“Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium”

Oxford Dictionary

Understand that cultural differences (among other things) will cause misunderstandings, if we allow it. Accept our differences as something certain. When you achieve this, you are on you way to become more culturally aware. More cultural awareness fosters bonding and trust between people.

Even within our own cultures, we have misunderstandings. Accept that people express themselves differently. If you understand this, then you will see, that we are all perfectly capable of communicating and understanding each other, if that is what we truly want.

Here are a few guidelines for communicating effectively with other cultures:

Speak clearly in a mutually understandable language

For example, if the official language on the ship is English, then it is expected that English is the best language to speak among crew. However, remember that English may not be the person’s first language. So, speak at a steady pace (do not hurry) and even tone to reduce the chances of a misunderstanding.

Be patient.

Encourage effective communication by understanding that speaking a particular language may not come as easily to others. People who cannot easily speak a particular language may be shy during a conversation. Show support and understanding to build trust and have more conversation.

Different nationalities (and persons in general) speak in different tones

Try not to focus on the person tone of speaking (it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it). The tone might not correctly reflect what the person is trying to say. For example, some persons seem as if they are shouting or angry when they speak, but this may just be the normal tone for them, and does not necessarily mean what you think. So, focus on the message.

Use short sentences that get right to the point

Just like this blog. I try to remember that not only English speakers will read it. So I keep my sentences short, and get right to the point. So, I am trying to write content that everybody can understand.

Do not use slang or overly complicated words

I did an experiment on the ship. I realised that many of the non-English speaking crew do not understand slang words. Some slang I tried were like, “no biggie”, “my bad”, “corny” and “its a turn off”, just to name a few. So, I try hard to avoid those words or phrases that might have several meanings. Likewise, I use simpler words. So, instead of “irrelevant”, I say “not important”. Instead of “complicated”, I say “hard” or “not easy”. Instead of “attempt” I say “try”.

Ask questions

Even when you think you understand, it is always a good idea to ask questions to be sure. For example, “so what you are saying is…? “I am not sure I understand, can you say that again?”

Repeat. Repeat and Repeat

Do not overdo this to offend anyone or make them feel hurt. But repeat what you hear, so the other person can hear as well and correct if needed. For example, “just so I understand…”, “let me repeat what you said”

Treat each conversation like a new one

Do not assume that the conversation will go badly. Let go of the expectation. Do not assume that everyone from a particular nationality is the same. Do not speak to them expecting them not to understand or expecting them to show any negative attitude that you saw before.

Actively listen

Listen with the goal of understanding what is being said. Be present and focused on the conversation. Avoid thinking about anything you might have heard from others about that particular nationality.

Equality

Contrary to what so many believe, humans are humans. No culture is superior to another. With this in mind, we then communicate humbly with others and not in a way to show power or superiority.

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In summary, all cultures have the same differences – people who love, people who hate, thieves, liars, comedians, people who fear change and those who embrace it, gossipers, pessimists, optimists, loyalists, and the list goes on. Working on a ship is no different and communicating effectively with other cultures can make the experience an even better one.

The environment gives you that very unique opportunity to live and work with many different nationalities at one time. If done right, you develop into a well socialised person. Remember, if I do not understand something or act in a way different from you, it does not mean I am being difficult or that I am a bad person. And it does not mean that everyone from my country is the same.

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Actual scenarios while working on a ship (no real names used):

Kelly and Rachel are speaking and I walk by. Kelly tells Rachel (in a very calm and friendly tone from what I saw and heard) “don’t forget to swipe out hon”. As soon as Kelly leaves, Rachel says, “I hate how Kelly thinks she knows everything”. Cultures are different in how they view the motives (the reason people do things) of others

John tells Michelle (his supervisor) that he does his work well and does not understand why he got a bad evaluation score. He says this while moving back and forth, with his head down and squeezing his hands in front of him (this tells me he was very anxious and a little shy). Michelle tells John she is going to report him for bullying because she feels threatened when he moves back and forth like that. Cultures are different in how they view and respond to authority and hierarchy within the workplace.