Interactions across languages and cultures are common in workplaces, schools, online spaces, and everyday life. While multilingualism enriches communication by bringing diverse perspectives, it also creates fertile ground for misunderstandings. Miscommunication in multilingual contexts is not simply about “not knowing enough vocabulary”; it arises from a complex interplay of language, culture, context, and even assumptions. When these elements differ or are unaligned across languages and cultures, miscommunication becomes likely.

At the most basic level, miscommunication can occur when speakers lack a strong command of a common language. For example, limited vocabulary, unfamiliar accents, incorrect grammar, or misuse of idiomatic expressions can distort meaning. A speaker may intend to say one thing, but the listener interprets it differently because of language errors or lack of clarity. For instance, a non-native English speaker may say, “I am boring” instead of “I am bored”, which completely changes the intended meaning. Such errors may seem minor, but can lead to confusion, embarrassment, or even offence if not handled with patience and understanding.

Even when people understand the words, they may misunderstand the intent, because communication is deeply embedded in culture. Cultures vary in how they express respect, disagreement, emotions, or politeness. For example: • In some cultures, direct eye contact is seen as confidence; in others, it is perceived as rude. • Saying “yes” may mean agreement in one culture but simply acknowledgement in another. • Some cultures value directness and clarity, while others favour indirect ways of speaking. Thus, a blunt comment intended to be efficient in one culture may be perceived as rude in another, and a polite refusal might be misinterpreted as agreement if the cultural norms are not understood.

Also, much of human communication is nonverbal, including gestures, facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice. In multilingual settings, people often rely heavily on nonverbal cues to support or interpret spoken language. However, nonverbal signals also vary across cultures. For instance, the thumbs-up gesture may indicate approval in some countries but be offensive in others. A nod may mean agreement in one culture but signals attentiveness in another. Such differences can easily lead to misinterpretation.

Miscommunication also arises when people assume shared knowledge, norms, or experiences that are not shared. For example, using slang and idioms can confuse someone unfamiliar with them. Likewise, assumptions about what is “common sense” or what information needs to be explicitly stated can lead to gaps in understanding. In professional settings, this can manifest as unclear instructions, misunderstood deadlines, or conflicting interpretations of roles and responsibilities, all due to different expectations, language and culture.

How to Minimise Miscommunication

While miscommunication in multilingual contexts is inevitable to some extent, it can be mitigated by:

1. Encouraging clarity and simplicity in language.
2. Avoiding jargon, idioms, and culturally specific references.
3. Actively checking for understanding, not just assuming it.
4. Being patient and allowing extra time for communication.
5. Learning about and respecting cultural differences.

Finally, Miscommunication in multilingual settings is a natural consequence of linguistic and cultural diversity, but it does not have to be a barrier. By recognising the various ways it happens, through language gaps, cultural differences, nonverbal misunderstandings, and false assumptions, individuals can encourage more inclusive, empathetic, and effective communication. In a world where our connections span languages and borders, learning to navigate these challenges is a necessity.