1. Listen for unintentional meanings. In intercultural contacts, users of a second language in this
interaction may read unintended meanings into the word usages.
2. Listen for emotional meanings. A word understood denotatively by both parties nevertheless
may carry strong emotional feelings that are culturally conditioned for one person but not for the other person. Thus, a word that appears unequivocal to you may produce different images for the intercultural users of that word. We cannot assume that the word means the same thing to each person: we can only assume that words and phrases are culturally conditioned.
3. Ask for clarification. When someone speaks to you in a restricted code, ask for clarification. Invite the person to restate and amplify. The alternative, sometimes, is pretending you understood when, in fact, you did not.
4. Offer clarification. Our own cultural experiences make it unnecessary to elaborate in intercultural communication. Thus, we may unintentionally use a restricted code in intercultural contacts and produce confusion with conversational style and words that any of our intercultural friends might understand perfectly well. In intercultural communication, we should avoid slang, jargon, and personal references that exclude another person’s experiences. Also, it may be helpful to avoid lavish words; try to be direct.
5. Give others the benefit of a perceptual doubt. Remember that not only our cultural experiences but our language can shape how we see things. The foreign national in our country or the host country national when we travel may categorize his or her world differently. Try to understand that world, and communicate as best you can within that person’s framework.
6. Meet people on their cognitive territory. As the person who has studied intercultural communication, you must take the initiative in meeting people where they are cognitively. As you step into their cognitive territory, you will be more effective and broaden your self-insight.
7. Learn greetings, if you find yourself in a culture where the language difference suggests your learning a new language, then at least learn appropriate greetings. Of course, learn the entire language, but knowing how to greet others in imperative immediately.
8. Realize that meanings are in people, not in words. The dictionary does not really tell us everything about the meaning of words and phrases. The same word bad can mean something that is good or something that is awful, depending upon your cultural outlook and your use of language.
9. Speak considerately. If you are conversing with a person from another country, perhaps a visitor to this country, speak distinctly. Do not fall into the trap of compensating for the other person’s broken English by speaking loudly. That only embarrasses you both.
10. Do not give up. When your attempts fail at language or at the larger considerations of intercultural communication, stay with the attempt.
11. Learn when to be direct and indirect. In Italy, you are expected to tell things to people in a straightforward manner; tell things as they seem to you. However, in Japan, people are concerned with saving face; you would rarely tell people something directly, especially if you know more than they about a particular matter. Rather, you would speak indirectly. In England or Scotland, one needs to be indirect also. One suggests but does not order or dictate.