INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR : Overcoming Language Barriers in International Business Communication

STEKOM University, Indonesia – The International Seminar entitled "Overcoming Language Barriers in International Business Communication" featured a number of international speakers to discuss in more detail about how to overcome language barriers in international business communication.

Opening Speech:  

1.    Dr. Joseph Teguh Santoso (Rector of STEKOM University) Indonesia

Speakers:

1.    Sergii Karpenko (Lecturer, Dept of Comp Science & Software Engineering & Software Development Director Oracle) ISTU, Ukraine

2.    Marhayta Parshyna (PhD in Economic Sciences, Assoc Prof of International Economic Relations & Regional Studies Dept) UMCF, Ukraine

3.    Ida Hendriyani, M. Hum. (Lecturer of Computer Systems Dept.) STEKOM, Indonesia

Hosts :Anggi Novita Sari (International Affairs) STEKOM, Indonesia

This International Webinar discusses how to overcome language barriers in International business communication. Some of the strategies discussed are speaking clearly and slowly, asking for clarification, checking for understanding, avoiding business terms, defining the basics and choosing effective means of communication. Cross-border communication in international business is important. The importance of cross-border communication in International business is highlighted in this webinar, with a focus on overcoming language barriers. The participants of this international webinar consisted of various countries who were invited to collaborate and exchange knowledge. This International webinar also discusses the importance of technology and continuous learning in overcoming language barriers in international business communication. As well as the important role of cross-border collaboration in finding innovative solutions to global problems.

In this seminar, Sergii Karpenko (Lecturer, Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering & Software Development Director Oracle) ISTU, Ukraine discusses the importance of cross-cultural connections and business communication in developing cross-border relationships. Cross-cultural communication is critical in the global business environment because it can create a positive work culture and increase a company's success through a better understanding of the target audience and the development of solid cross-cultural communication skills. The definition of cross-cultural communication and its main principles are very important in a business context because they ensure successful interactions between individuals from different cultures. Obstacles in cross-cultural communication, such as language, can still be overcome with technological developments. However, cultural understanding, the ability to empathize and listen carefully remain the keys that must be considered in cross-cultural interactions.

Understanding cultural differences in cross-cultural communication is important for increasing work effectiveness. Because misconceptions stereotypes or judgments of a group can be overcome through effective cross-cultural cooperation and adaptation to cultural differences. The importance of adapting to cultural differences in cross-cultural communication is to prevent misunderstandings and improve teamwork. For example, differences in communication preferences between British and Ukrainians. Cross-cultural management in the context of International business helps companies achieve success in foreign markets with the highest efficiency. The goal is to increase the company's success in foreign markets by operating efficiently. The importance of cross-cultural management to prevent conflict and errors in international cooperation. Good cross-cultural competence can help avoid or mediate cross-cultural conflicts.

Cross-cultural management has a variety of challenges, including cultural differences, time zones, national holidays and conflicting social customs. Innovative strategies in technology can help overcome language barriers and improve cross-cultural communication. The challenges of cross-cultural management between Slovakia and Ukraine in a supermarket show the complexity of work with specific work styles. Oracle provides training and focuses on diversity to improve cross-cultural communication, especially in terms of female leadership and working with people with special needs. Patience, understanding and active communication when working with colleagues from other countries and foreign clients are essential to building good relationships and avoiding negative stereotypes.

Furthermore, regarding the importance of cross-cultural and linguistic understanding in the work environment. Differences in religion, holidays and English proficiency levels can impact team performance and project delivery. So the ability to speak English in working in a global environment is important. Differences in English language skills are a challenge faced when doing business in a global environment. Because communication difficulties can hinder problem resolution and timely project delivery. Additionally, cultural differences and holidays can significantly impact team collaboration. So cultural analysis in cross-cultural management is also important. Various cultural frameworks provide the insight necessary to understand cultural differences in communication and decision making.

The internet has brought global communications, allowing people to work globally without having to leave the office or travel to another country. Businesses in the 21st century have faced greater challenges than ever before. So cross-cultural communication in a global business environment is important. Differences in time zones, holidays and work rules in different countries require readiness to work with other cultures.

The next speaker, Marhayta Parshyna (PhD in Economic Sciences, Assoc Prof of International Economic Relations & Regional Studies Dept) UMCF, Ukraine said that language is a common obstacle in international business communication. To overcome these obstacles, both parties must work carefully and understand that not all speakers have the same obstacles. Language barriers can occur in the form of expertise, technical, cultural and physical. Expertise, for example, occurs when someone does not understand a particular language, while technical barriers occur due to gaps in technical knowledge. Cultural differences can also cause language barriers, such as differences in the use of greetings. Meanwhile, physical obstacles, for example hearing loss, can also affect the ability to communicate. Therefore, strategies to overcome language barriers use a multiprocessing approach that considers that each speaker has different obstacles and it is important to understand these differences.

Communicating effectively in an international business context is important. Because speaking clearly, asking for clarification and checking for understanding are key to avoiding misunderstandings and building strong relationships. Speaking slowly and clearly and focusing on clear pronunciation is also important in effective international communication. In addition, asking for clarification when you don't fully understand, avoiding assumptions and frequently checking the other person's understanding are steps that are no less important in communication. And in business communication we also need to avoid using business language that is contextual and specific to a culture because it can lead to misunderstandings and lack of clarity, especially when talking to outsiders or clients who are not familiar with our industry terminology. But we need to explain terms that the interlocutor may not understand.

The next speaker, Ida Hendriyani, M.Hum. (Lecturer of the Department of Computer Systems) STEKOM, Indonesia, said that strategies to overcome language barriers in international business communication are important keys to success, including understanding of physical constraints, cultural, language, perception, interpersonal, gender and emotional constraints. The importance of effective communication in International business and how language barriers can be a common challenge in International business settings need to be considered. The communication process will involve several parties such as the sender, message encoding, communication channel and recipient. The role of the sender as a source of information, the encoding process to convey the message and the communication channel play an important role in message transmission.

Communication can occur through personal and nonpersonal channels. Nonpersonal channels involve mass media such as television and radio, while personal channels involve direct contact between sellers and customers. There are several obstacles in achieving effective communication such as physical, cultural, language, perception, interpersonal, gender and emotional barriers. Physical obstacles in communication include natural or artificial disturbances that can interfere with the communication process, such as noise or room architecture that does not support effective communication. The way to overcome physical obstacles in communicating directly and ensuring the message is conveyed clearly is to use effective communication techniques such as speaking clearly and using open-ended questions to ensure understanding. Furthermore, regarding cultural barriers in communication, this can occur because of cultural differences that influence the way people communicate. To overcome cultural barriers, it is necessary to learn about other cultures, communicate clearly and politely, and avoid sensitive topics such as religion. Language barriers in communication can arise due to language differences that hinder understanding. Strategies to overcome language barriers include using simple language, using international languages ​​such as English and hiring translators or interpreters.

Business communication involves the exchange of information between business parties to achieve organizational goals through effective business communication. This can improve organizational practices, reduce errors and achieve business goals. Internal business communication includes upward, downward and horizontal communication, with the aim of conveying information, goals, policies and instructions within the organization. Upward communication helps increase innovation, motivation and business plan development, while downward communication facilitates decision making, employee efficiency and productivity.