By Ludmila (Mila) Rusakova Golovine
Most of the time when Americans think of doing business abroad the first obstacle that pops into their minds is the language barrier. They believe that this is their greatest obstacle to succeeding abroad. Nevertheless, oddly enough, most American expatriate workers experience some of their most challenging assignments in English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and even Canada. Quite simply, Americans do not expect to have any problems or culture shock when going to other English-speaking countries. Thus, they are caught off guard by seemingly insignificant misunderstandings and subtle differences.
The most common misunderstanding between English-speakers is, in fact, linguistic. Since American, British, Canadian, and Australian cultures evolved separately from each other they can be radically different. Thus, many cultural idioms entered into usage that are meaningless outside of their country of origin. Most of these idioms are derived from sports. For example, Americans will say “I dropped the ball” or “I fumbled” when they make a mistake. These terms come from American football, so they are absolutely meaningless to non-American English-speakers and they render difficult the concepts they are trying to convey.
For British English-speakers dealing with Americans, there are also many words used that have subtle differences. The simple adjective “quite” is very different between the two versions of English. In the American version it means “a lot” but in the British version it means “sort of.” Consequently, if the American says that something is “quite good” then it means “very good” but the British person will understand this as only “so-so.” Similarly, the word “moot” has subtle differences among the two cultures. In American usage a “moot point” is one where the issue is decided and no longer worthy of discussion. In the British context, it means that the point is open for discussion. It is apparent how these subtle differences can lead to drastic misunderstandings between the two parties.
Misunderstanding also occurs between Australian English and the other versions. In this case, different words are employed. “Mate” is used more often for “friend” and “sheila” is used for “woman.” The equivalent American English words are still used in Australia but it is a matter of frequency that is different and leads to misunderstanding or uneasiness on the part of the American interlocutor if he/she is not accustomed to this manner of speech.
With Canadians it is more of a difference in pronunciation than word choice. The most recognizable difference would be in words that have “ou” in them. This is why “about” is pronounced “aboot” by most Canadians. Also occasionally Canadians pronounce “t” as “d.” Thus “Ottawa” sounds like “Oddawa.” These are of course little things but since they are unexpected they sometimes give the interlocutor a sense of uneasiness and apprehension.
While linguistic difference is the most obvious variation to point out, it is not as important as the mentality differences. As previously stated, all of these cultures developed separately or in the case of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia only connected politically with great geographic separation. Thus, their mentalities and world views were shaped by different historical experiences. The United States was formed by violently separating itself from England and then pursuing an aggressive policy of westward expansion known as Manifest Destiny. Consequently, the American mentality is individualist and views frontiers and boundaries as something to be overcome.
Canada formed out of a different experience. Since much of northern Canada is tundra, it could not be settled easily. Therefore, boundaries came to be accepted and viewed as unconquerable. Due to this experience, Canadians now value the good of the collective because they had to work together to survive the elements. This focus of the group over the individual sometimes causes intercultural breakdown with Americans despite the fact that they live in such proximity.
Australia developed somewhat similarly to Canada although for different reasons. In this case, it was the inhospitable interior of the country that confined Australians to the coastal areas. Due to the need to cooperate for survival relationships became very important to Australians. Whenever venturing into the Outback, or interior of the country, it was necessary to have a partner. Therefore, having a “mate” became extremely important and this mentality has continued to this day. This contrasts greatly with the American focus on independence and the do-it-yourself philosophy.
The United Kingdom’s development was somewhat different as well. Since it is the mother country of the English-speaking world it has had no frontier experience. Its main boundaries are social in nature. Since the UK kept its aristocracy and legislated its way to a republican system, the old divisions of class structure still remain. Put simply, the level of formality in British English is much higher and one must pay proper attention that the appropriate amount of respect is given depending on the social status of the interlocutor. Consequently, communication, especially in the business world, can seem somewhat rigid in comparison to other English-speaking countries, which are more laid back due to their aforementioned development.
With all of these subtle differences it is not surprising that Americans sometimes feel overwhelmed abroad even while speaking their own language. Nevertheless, with an open mind and a degree of patience the American speaker can actually come to enjoy the variety and appreciate the richness of the English language.
Ludmila (Mila) Rusakova Golovine , Founder, CEO and President, MasterWord Services, Inc., can be reached at mgolovine@masterword.com or 281-589-0810 or via www.masterword.com .
