In what ways do you feel challenged or privileged as a communicator across cultures and languages?
- Knowing the common language – English has been supremely helpful in connecting with people. I would consider that as a privilege.
- Biggest challenge is in understanding each other contextually even though we speak the same language.
- Cultural background/mindset is the biggest factor in communicating well. This is my first experience in a multi culture classroom, I am still understanding the challenges.
- Knowing English is empowering but it is not everything. Its just a great means to start a conversation.
What strategies do you find useful and supportive when communicating with people across borders?
- Contextual dimensions: Individual based communication
- Traveling physically and virtually, transnational entrepreneurs leverage two or more socially embedded environments that may be unnoticed or unavailable to entrepreneurs who occupy single locations. Traveling has helped me a lot personally in understanding contexts and having successful conversations.
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To understand how local entrepreneurial practices shape and are shaped by wider social, political, cultural, and global ecologies, I draw on and extend cultural–historical activity theory (CHAT). This theory is helpful in communicating across borders.
4. A class with Intercultural teachers is a good starting point in knowing about culture of a country of interest. Experience is the best way to learn but such classes are a good way to start.