What Are Cultural Barriers?

Language

Language is one of the most obvious cultural barriers. Differences in language can render two human beings completely incapable of talking to one another. Traveling or conducting business in a country that speaks a different language can leave one feeling lost and completely out of touch with the surrounding people and situations. While the language barrier is obvious, it is easily overcome. Many times those conducting business in other country will either have undergone training in classes, or will be traveling with a translator. Those not traveling on business are sure to pick up key phrases of the language that will enable them to complete every day tasks while gaining a better understanding of the language as a whole.

Religion is equally as obvious a cultural barrier as is language, but much more difficult to overcome. A Christian traveling in a Muslim country, or vice versa, many not understand the traditions of the local people and may become offended or confused. It is very difficult for the average person to drop some of the perceived notions of other religions and their own as they may be strong believers who were raised on a completely different value system then the people of the religion in the country they have traveled to. The problems of religious cultural barriers can be seen in today's complicated world of international relations and international politics.

According to Colorado University, behavior barriers are associated with verbal and nonverbal communication. These types of barriers become most obvious in common first time meetings and the like with people from a different country. Behavior barrier include things such as looking someone in the eye when first meeting them. In certain cultures, looking someone directly in the eye when being introduced is looked upon as disrespectful and this many cause problems with an American, who was always taught to look someone in the eye. Also, the issue of handshakes and the the like may become a behavioral barrier, as some cultures kiss, some hug and some simply refrain from touching one another.

Emotional barriers are much like behavior barriers, in the sense that they deal with verbal and nonverbal cues. The display of emotion is something that is heavily related to cultural norms. An American who most probably not openly cry at the announcement of success or good news at business meeting, while some from another country and culture may. These types of differences can cause confusion and set up opportunities for misunderstanding. It is important to research the cultural norms of displaying emotion in the country you may be traveling to in order to avoid embarrassing situations that may lead to you looking ignorant or uneducated.