You are no doubt already familiar with a raft of cultural generalizations about different countries; the French are cool and stylish, the British drink a lot of tea, the Italians and Spanish like a siesta in the afternoon, and the Germans are efficient. When on vacation, just so long as you follow any local dress and public etiquette requirements, you’ll be just fine, but the business world is very different, and local customs and ways of thinking are as important an area of study as your language skills.
Divided by a common language
Before we look at mainland Europe or Asia, a quick mention on other English-speaking countries; although there’s just a land border between the US and Canada, there’s a huge cultural shift. An almost British reserve and outlook can make interactions at best uncertain and at worst baffling as you wonder whether your colleague or potential business partner is enthusiastic about your proposals or not. Talking of Britons, most people are less openly patriotic than in the US, although never mistake this for not being proud of the UK.
Mainland Europe
France’s relaxed and stylish leisure time society doesn’t necessarily translate into the business world. The dress code is extremely strict, for example, and never doubt that you will be judged on your appearance. Classic tailoring is key before you’ve even uttered a word. It’s also worth being aware of the French tradition of ‘faire le bise‘ – air kissing two or even three times – which may seem slightly startling in a formal context.
Although most business transactions in mainland Europe are conducted in English, and it is likely that your colleagues and contacts will speak fluent English, an attempt at conducting some of the proceedings in French by your client before you get involved as their interpreter will be much appreciated. Also, be prepared for much of your business to be conducted over lunch, with wine!
There are few cultural differences between Germany and North America, but it’s worth bearing in mind that chit-chat, lateness, and informality are all frowned upon. Make sure that you are not late for meetings, even by one minute. Also, reassure the client that you are working for that Germans are naturally very direct, so there is unlikely to be any sweetening of the pill if they don’t like an idea or concept. Make sure you use the formal Herr and Frau address, and always the formal Sie rather than Du when speaking to someone directly.
Japanese Social and Business Culture
Japanese business culture is intertwined with social niceties. Whilst in the US business is conducted directly and with facts and figures, a Japanese businessperson is far more likely to take into account thoughts and feelings, and to approach any potential areas of disagreement in a very roundabout way. It’s essential to be attuned to non-verbal clues, and also to read between the lines. Additionally, expect to remove your shoes, and even clean up after yourself in high-end restaurants where business might be conducted. There is no culture of tipping in Japan either, even though the service is some of the best in the world.
You will never be able to get every single thing right; it just isn’t possible. As we become a more globalized society, we seem to be hanging on to our more peculiar cultural differences more than ever. However, sensitivity to social interactions, and taking your cue from your host will give you a broadly-successful starting point. Please and thank you will never go out of fashion anywhere, in business or leisure.
One of the most difficult concepts for native English speakers to wrap their minds around is the fact that English – along with other languages like Mandarin, Finnish and Japanese – is actually one of the toughest tongues to master.
Interpreting and Translation Blog 