Say Anything to Anyone, Anywhere: 5 Keys To Successful Cross-Cultural Communication

Chapter 23

Acronyms, Abbreviations, Analogies, Slang, and Sports Jargon

Does Anyone Know Where “Left Field” Is?

Acronyms and abbreviations create confusion and misunderstanding, no matter what culture you are from. This is only exacerbated by the fact that they are different for every industry and for every company. Before Circles Of Excellence will begin working with a new company, we ask for a list of that company’s common acronyms and abbreviations. From ASP (average selling price) to YOY (year over year), business acronyms and abbreviations can be totally befuddling to the acronym un-savvy!

Acronyms and abbreviations are essentially a form of the old art of shorthand. Experts in shorthand were trained to understand the language of shorthand. But business professionals nowadays are expected to learn and understand the language of business shorthand without any formal training. Cross-cultural communication is challenging enough without having to worry about getting lost in the midst of a conversation due to undefined acronyms and abbreviations.

Communication is much easier, and much more understandable, when acronyms and abbreviations are predefined, clarified, or eliminated if not needed. This is helpful in all types of communication, regardless of the difference in cultures. It is best in written communication to provide a list of any acronyms and abbreviations that you’re planning to use, along with a key or index defining their meaning. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings ...