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<\/a>Due to her dynamic work, Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107 says that she does not have the opportunity to permanently settle in Lithuania and spends her time in several different European countries \u2013 Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, Lithuania and other countries. She notes that although travelling, most definitely, enriches \u2013 broadens our horizons, provides so many novels, enjoyable experiences, but some miscommunication can also come into play while abroad.<\/p>\n
\u2018The language most of us rely on while travelling nowadays is the lingua franca of today\u2019s world, the English language. Nevertheless, despite its prevalent usage, our mother tongues seem to somehow always interfere with what we communicate in a foreign language. In this respect, I would love to draw attention to cultural nuances visible everywhere \u2013 and seen even when we all agree to use English,\u2019 says the book \u2018Towards Success in Communicating and Teaching Internationally. Teach and Talk Like You Walk\u2019 co-author Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107.<\/p>\n
For example, while some cultures are warmer, some others are, for instance, explicit, distant, and pay more attention to physical distancing, the associate professor shares. She notes that such elements matter in communication and could either be life-saving or detrimental.<\/p>\n
\u2018So, my piece of advice would be \u2013 familiarise yourself with the basic cultural patterns of the part of the world you are about to visit \u2013 do not forget body language, colours, important dates, festivities, food habits, attitude towards time, and more. The differences they make could be more significant than the ones resulting from language itself and its accuracy,\u2019 advises researcher.<\/p>\n
Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107 also points out that language and mind are intertwined and it is impossible to escape these bonds: \u2018What we have been taught, exposed to through the years will always find its way into the communication patterns we use \u2013 no matter whether we use native language or foreign language.\u2019<\/p>\n
She notes that we all have some engrained nuances characterising our communication, all the other people, we interact with, have their own. Furthermore, we all hypothesise the interlocutors will understand us, but there is actually an ocean of differences between us. Therefore, according to Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107, it is important to assume that our interlocutors have had different experiences, styles, influences, requirements, expectations, etc. surrounding them.<\/p>\n
\u2018If this is our starting point \u2013 we will avoid any judgemental behaviour, be ready to observe, explore, and embrace what is different. For success in intercultural communication \u2013 we should just be open, follow suit, and as the proverb says When in Rome, do as the Romans do,\u2019 shares the author of more than 50 scientific articles, 2 monographs and 4 coursebooks.<\/p>\n
Not everyone overcomes culture shock<\/strong><\/p>\n Coming to another country, even after learning about another culture, people still may experience culture shock. In some cases, it can be provoked by even small things, such as insignificant phrases, unusual clothing, makeup, language features such as intonation. Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107 reveals that there are four stages of culture shock: euphoria or honeymoon, disappointment, adaptation and acceptance.<\/p>\n \u2018Whenever witnessing something different \u2013 no matter positive or negative, we might feel baffled, perplexed and not sure about the adequate steps to be taken, etiquette to follow. Exactly that happens when culture shock kicks in \u2013 something new surrounds us, characterising a different culture, and one cannot be sure about proper code of conduct. It is believed that novelties usually fill us with euphoria, eagerness to explore, immerse yourself into it \u2013 but, the stage of euphoria, the first one, commonly does not last long,\u2019 says the associate professor at Kauno kolegija HEI.<\/p>\n She notes that people get homesick, remember the native habits, everything inherent to the cultural milieu they have come from. That is when stage two \u2013 or the stage of shock comes to the fore.<\/p>\n \u2018Whether one stays there or moves on is rather individual \u2013 those people open to new experiences and ready to welcome diversities often move on \u2013 they start exploring, understanding and slowly integrating in the target culture. Some of them might even experience total assimilation \u2013 taking on the characteristics of the new culture they find themselves in,\u2019 shares Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107.<\/p>\n On the other hand, she notes, many people never move from the culture shock stage \u2013 they remain confined to it, to their own habits, patterns and opt for separation or marginalisation, that is \u2013 looking for and spending time with those similar to them only, neglecting the novelties.<\/p>\n According to Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107, although English, due to its widespread use, can facilitate communication, in order to successfully adapt, knowing the local language will always help reduce the feeling of isolation, allow to better understand the locals, and establish relationships with them.<\/p>\n \u2018It seems that migrations have become so common that we do not even pay much attention to them; people travel, are constantly on the move, move abroad for business, education, professional development or simply travel to explore new places, traditions, and relax, recharge their batteries. Whatever the reason, communication is an inevitable part of any such migrations. A totally new language, the one you have not been exposed to before could be intimidating, discomforting \u2013 but we can help ourselves here as well by activating some effective steps \u2013 exposing yourself to the language as much as possible, exploring its attributes, and experience \u2013 try it with no fear \u2013 it will pay off,\u2019 Dr M. Prodanovi\u0107 encourages not to be afraid of using a new language.<\/p>\n