Let’s talk about something that’s become as essential as sunscreen in Greece: multicultural communication – or as it’s often called in professional circles, cross-cultural communication skills.
With more people packing up and moving across borders, whether chasing sunshine, cheaper rents, or a slower pace of life – it’s time we faced a vital truth:
Just because you’ve moved, doesn’t mean the culture should.
The Myth of “It’s Just Like Home”
Some folks land in new countries expecting the local corner shop to stock their favourite tea, dinner to be served at 6pm sharp, and everyone to speak English with subtitles. They act like they’ve brought the rulebook with them.
But multicultural communication is not about being comfortable. It’s about being curious. About realising that if you’re visiting someone else’s house, you probably shouldn’t start rearranging the furniture.
Why Do We Feel Entitled?
Let’s call it what it is: cultural entitlement. In many Western societies, we’re sold the dream that the world should adjust to us. Fast service. Familiar food. No surprises.
When those expectations crash into reality abroad, we blame the locals. But that attitude doesn’t make us global citizens – it makes us loud tourists who forgot we’re guests.
What Does Respect Look Like in Different Cultures?
Multicultural communication means knowing that a handshake in one place is a faux pas in another, a core aspect of developing cross cultural communication skills. That speaking loudly on a bus might mark you out as a nuisance. And that failing to greet someone properly might mean you don’t get help when you need it.
Here are real-world examples of how different countries set the tone for cultural respect:
France
- Expectation: Speak French, respect traditions
- Why: Language is linked to national identity. Even basic French is appreciated.
- Nuance: Rural areas may expect stricter adherence than cosmopolitan cities like Paris.
Japan
- Expectation: Politeness, subtlety, group harmony
- Why: Etiquette, bowing, and not drawing attention to oneself are central to social life.
- Nuance: Urban Japan is more forgiving, but learning basic norms is essential.
United Arab Emirates
- Expectation: Modest dress, public decorum, cultural respect
- Why: Islamic values govern public behaviour; expats must adapt.
- Nuance: Gated expat communities offer some cultural insulation, but the rules still apply in public.
Germany
- Expectation: Punctuality, rule-following, formality
- Why: Cultural efficiency and structure are prized. Integration involves mastering bureaucracy.
- Nuance: Youth culture is more relaxed, but the system itself expects order.
Sweden
- Expectation: Quiet public spaces, equality, modesty
- Why: The cultural concept of lagom means not overdoing anything – including volume.
- Nuance: Public spaces are quiet; social settings can be more expressive.
Greece
- Expectation: Respect for traditions and family values, watch your gestures
- Why: Some hand signals are deeply offensive. Warmth and hospitality are central.
- Nuance: Locals are forgiving of mistakes if effort is shown.
Morocco
- Expectation: Formal greetings before business
- Why: Respect and hospitality are core values. Greetings show cultural awareness.
- Nuance: Knowing a few Arabic phrases helps enormously.
South Korea
- Expectation: Respect hierarchy and social harmony
- Why: Confucian values underpin society. Bowing and using titles are important.
- Example: Shoes off at the door, speak softly in public.
India
- Expectation: Adapt to diverse customs, respect religious norms
- Why: Regional variation is immense. Hierarchies and traditions vary.
- Example: Use the right hand for food and handshakes.
Brazil
- Expectation: Embrace physical warmth and flexibility
- Why: Hugs, cheek kisses and loose timekeeping are cultural norms.
- Example: Don’t discuss politics at dinner.
Russia
- Expectation: Formality and cultural pride
- Why: Manners matter. Criticism of culture is frowned upon.
- Example: Accept drinks and hospitality graciously.
Thailand
- Expectation: Be polite, avoid confrontation, respect monarchy
- Why: Buddhist values of harmony shape behaviour.
- Example: Never touch someone’s head; remove shoes indoors.
Nigeria
- Expectation: Community-mindedness, elder respect
- Why: Extended family is central. Titles and greetings are key.
- Example: Modest dress in northern regions is essential.
Language is the First Bridge
You don’t need fluency. You need effort. Even a mangled greeting shows you’re trying, and trying earns respect. It also opens the door to connection, empathy, and better service.
Integration Is Not Erasure
Adapting, one of the key pillars of cross cultural communications – doesn’t mean losing who you are. It means respecting where you are. True multicultural communication is about mutual curiosity, not cultural takeover.
So if you’re living abroad or planning to, here’s the real question: Are you just passing through, or are you truly arriving?
Multicultural Communication Support
Anchor Light Therapy Collective – Multicultural Counseling
Provides therapy services with a focus on multicultural understanding and communication.
Final Thought: Be a Guest, Not a Gatecrasher
You don’t have to erase your own culture. You just have to be humble enough to blend with someone else’s while you’re living in their home.
Because multicultural communication isn’t just about being polite, it’s about being human in a global world that’s more connected than ever.
So next time you’re tempted to roll your eyes at how slowly things move, or scoff at a tradition you don’t understand, ask yourself:
If you were hosting, how would you want your guest to behave?
*This image is AI-generated with prompts made by me and serve no educational purpose, it is only used to highlight certain aspects of this article.
