Part 1 – Warm-up Discussion
10–12 minutes
Have you worked with people from different countries or cultures? What was that like?
What challenges come with working across different time zones?
Do you think communication styles vary by culture? Can you give an example?
How do you handle misunderstandings when working with international teams?
What have you learned from collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds?
Part 2 – Target Language & Vocabulary
15–20 minutes
📖 Key Vocabulary
Learn these important words before using them in phrases:
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| nuance | subtle difference in meaning or expression | Cultural nuances can affect communication styles. |
| misunderstanding | failure to understand correctly | Time zone differences can cause misunderstandings. |
| adapt | to adjust to new conditions | You need to adapt your communication style for different cultures. |
| directness | being straightforward in communication | German business culture values directness. |
| cultural sensitivity | awareness of cultural differences | Cultural sensitivity is crucial in global teams. |
| accommodate | to adjust or make allowances for | We accommodate different time zones in our meetings. |
🎯 Practice Exercise: Drag & Drop Vocabulary
Complete the text below by dragging the vocabulary words to fill in the blanks. The text uses the context from this lesson's topic.
nuance
misunderstanding
adapt
directness
cultural sensitivity
accommodate
Working with international teams requires understanding the of different communication styles. Yesterday we had a during the meeting due to language barriers. I learned to my communication style depending on who I'm talking to. Some cultures value while others prefer indirect communication. Showing helps build trust with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Our team tries to different time zones when scheduling meetings.
🔤 Key Phrases & Expressions
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| I've worked with teams from... | I've worked with teams from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. |
| A challenge we face is... | A challenge we face is coordinating meetings across multiple time zones. |
| To accommodate everyone, we... | To accommodate everyone, we rotate meeting times so no one is always inconvenienced. |
| Cultural differences can affect... | Cultural differences can affect communication styles—some are direct, others more diplomatic. |
| It's important to be aware of... | It's important to be aware of different work norms and communication expectations. |
| When misunderstandings happen, I... | When misunderstandings happen, I ask clarifying questions and assume positive intent. |
| Working with diverse teams has taught me... | Working with diverse teams has taught me to be more patient and culturally sensitive. |
| One thing I appreciate about... is... | One thing I appreciate about working internationally is exposure to different perspectives. |
Homework Assignment
Complete after class
📝 Writing Task
Write about an experience working with an international or cross-cultural team (250-300 words). Discuss challenges, what you learned, and how it changed your perspective on communication and collaboration.