Chapter 4 blog

The most misunderstandings that I have had is with my friend who is Korean. We recently had a misunderstanding about when I would be meeting up with him. A few days ago we were do meet up for lunch. I explicitly said I could not be there by three, but could make it by four. I told him this several times. However, when three o clock rolled around, I got a very upset call from him, wondering where I was. I returned his call, and explained again. He was quite exasperated by me this time, still not understanding what I meant. I finally said "I will be there at four. Is that OK?" He responded with a long pause and then said "OK."

My friend did not realize until we met at four, and I was speaking to him in person, that we had a misunderstanding. It took me showing him my calendar, and explaining that I was in a meeting at three. I pointed to the date and time, and showed him where my four o'clock space was. He finally understood, and apologized for being upset with me. I suggested we meet in person the next time we arrange something, so as to have a further reference for our plans.

I believe the base of this misunderstanding came from the language barrier that we have between us. This language barrier can also be further complicated by the cultural differences that we have. I should have said "I'll be there at four" right away, and met up with him in person to physically look at our calendars. This would have avoided much confusion by stating it this way. It can be really frustrating if you do not clear up mis-communications right away.

Have you ever had a miscommunication with someone simply because of a language or cultural barrier? If so, how have you dealt with this?