How Are Language Barriers Affecting Your International Business?

International language barriers can pose significant challenges to businesses looking to expand into new markets. Even experienced companies can run into difficulties with suppliers or partners when language differences create miscommunications that threaten their business plans abroad.

Communication is one of the most important aspects of both personal and professional relationships. When doing business with companies overseas, there are bound to be some language barriers. However, those barriers can negatively impact both the corporate partnerships and projects at hand. 

Companies need to actively work to improve communication between their global colleagues. But, without the right tools, that achievement is easier said than done.

•  Language Barriers Can Be Detrimental

First of all, some companies choose not to do business in countries where there might be a language barrier. They’re afraid of the harm language barriers could cause, so they avoid the scenario entirely. Unfortunately, this course of action could cause them to miss out on potentially lucrative and beneficial business opportunities. 

When you are working in a location where there’s a language barrier, there are other problems or drawbacks you might encounter. For example, when you’re looking for local technicians to join your contingent workforce and complete the project, you might not be able to attract the best talent because you can’t communicate with them as effectively. Likewise, the technicians may be worried they wouldn’t be able to properly communicate with your team during the project.

Another potential roadblock comes in setting up the project in the first place. Some customers might be leery of working with companies that don’t speak their language. It’s more likely that they would choose to work with a team that does, so they can ensure greater communication and less chance of misunderstandings.

• How to Overcome Language Barriers in International Business

If you’re beginning to sweat because you only speak one or two languages, then take a deep breath. There are many different ways you can navigate these barriers for your next global IT deployment. Before you approach any company in any location, make sure you know how to say a few key phrases in their language. Even if you can only say “hello, thank you, I’m sorry, and goodbye,” this will show your potential customers that you care enough to try. 

Also, don’t be too scared to attempt a project just because your team doesn’t speak the language. By making an effort, you can show the other company that you’re trying and are invested in the venture. Learning an entire language is a big project, so they likely won’t expect you to be fluent. That said, if you know that you’re going to be working with multiple customers who speak a particular language, it might behoove you to spend some time learning more than the basic phrases. Additionally, you may want to enlist a professional who is not only familiar with international business in general but also has experience in your specific target region.  

• Working With a Global IT Partner

You don’t have to go through this alone. Just because your team doesn’t speak a particular language doesn’t mean you can’t find someone who does. Working with a company like NSRM can make managing language barriers easier. NSRM has years of experience working with countries across the globe, and we have a vast network of global techs who are primed and ready to help execute your global IT deployments.

Language barriers can be a downfall for some companies when they expand to include international businesses. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Instead, by finding a good translator, hiring local technicians, and working with a global IT partner, you can navigate the difficulties of language barriers with ease. 

Contact us to learn more.