Managing Cultural Misunderstandings and the Role of AI in Intercultural Communication

This semester's course “KOI7067.FK Basics of Intercultural Communication” has been an experience of personal growth, unexpected challenges and rewarding solutions. Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds at University of Louisiana Monroe (USA) and Tallinn University was an enriching experience, which also revealed the complexities of navigating cultural differences. Our journey, which began with getting to know each other's culture, fun conversations and sometimes misunderstandings, then transformed into a shared goal to use AI as a tool in addressing these challenges.

Early Challenges: Cultural Differences and Misunderstandings

At the beginning of the telecollaboration, our group faced significant cultural misunderstandings. It was not a dramatic conflict, but it was enough to create confusion and tension in our meetings. The main issue stemmed from differing communication styles: while some members preferred a direct and straightforward approach, others leaned toward more indirect and cautious phrasing. We realized that this difference in style can lead to misinterpretations, particularly when providing feedback or assigning tasks. Candid critique of another’s work can be perceived as overly harsh, while the intent was simply to be efficient and precise. On the other hand, those who avoided direct confrontation were seen as disengaged or hesitant to contribute. These misunderstandings due to different styles in communication across cultures created a subtle sense of frustration within the team.

Finding Solutions and Strengthening the Team

Recognizing the need to address these challenges, we tried to unpack our assumptions and clarify our communication styles. This moment was a turning point. By openly sharing our perspectives, we realized that our differences were not barriers but opportunities to learn from one another. We set clear group norms and agreed to balance direct and explicit feedback to avoid ambiguity with being respectful of others boundaries. Scheduling specific timelines and distributing clear roles helped us stay aligned, particularly as we worked across different time zones and cultural contexts. Regular check-ins were also something we considered as important.

AI as a Tool for Addressing Cultural Misunderstandings

Our final assignment was a full circle moment for us. Inspired by our own experiences, we chose to explore how AI could help to overcome cultural misunderstandings. Specifically, we focused on AI tools that could detect bias and adjust tone according to cultural preferences. This idea felt deeply personal, as we had a firsthand experience how communication styles could either hinder or enhance telecollaboration. We researched and proposed a framework for AI tools that could analyze text for cultural tone and bias. For example, an AI could suggest alternative phrasing to make a direct critique sound more collaborative or flag culturally specific phrases that might not translate well. The role and understanding of humor and sarcasm in cultural context could also be improved here. By incorporating bias detection, these tools could also ensure more inclusive and respectful communication across cultures. During our discussions, we debated how to balance the benefits of AI with the need for genuine human connection. While AI can provide valuable insights, it cannot replace the empathy and mutual understanding developed through face-to-face interaction. Real life cultural exchange is still a bit different from what AI can provide us with. This realization shaped our recommendation: AI should complement, not replace, the human effort to build intercultural bridges.

Reflection and Personal Growth

Looking back, this experience has been very enriching for me. Resolving our initial misunderstanding taught me the importance of adaptability and active listening in intercultural settings. My group learned to approach differences with curiosity rather than judgment and to value diverse perspectives as something positive rather than an obstacle. Moreover, I really enjoyed the open mindedness and talkativeness of my group in general. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in each other’s life and culture. Working on our final project deepened my appreciation for the potential of technology to enhance communication. While I had previously viewed AI as a tool for efficiency, I now see its potential to foster understanding and bridging gaps between cultures. This telecollaboration has also inspired me to set new goals for my intercultural communication skills. In the future, I aim to learn more about specific cultural norms and practices, particularly in professional contexts. The journey from misunderstanding to mutual understanding has been the most rewarding part of this semester. It was not just about completing tasks or assignments but about building trust, learning from one another, and finding innovative ways to address universal challenges. As I move forward, I will carry the lessons of this experience with me, confident that both human empathy and technological tools can connect all of us more.