06/23/2025

Lost in Translation

Global communication skills matter more than ever

Something keeps happening in our borderless, online and AI-supported world. Communications get lost in translation because our language hasn’t adjusted to the worldwide exposure of online content. A world of confusion occurs every time we communicate just about anything on websites, social media, apps and podcasts.

The Global Language Gap: Why Miscommunication Happens

The U.S. is famous for having its own unique lingo. Foreigners and non-native English speakers know this all too well. Facing language confusion is their way of life. Whether watching videos on YouTube or the latest U.S. series on Netflix, non-Americans scratch their heads hearing idioms like "break a leg," "jump the gun" or size comparisons like "a football field." These expressions make no sense to foreigners and are often interpreted quite differently.

And, while the effort to learn a language and culture can be expected of anyone interacting with a domestic-facing company, using country-centric language in a global, online world can be confusing and miss an opportunity to engage with audiences around the globe.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.