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Conversing without a language
Breaking the barriers of communication.
By Namita Gour
On occasions when we run out of words and crave to talk in our mother tongue, the inability of the other person to understand the language is a major barrier.
How do you overcome that in a city like Doha where there are people from all over the world walking the sunny, sandy streets of the souqs, grand shopping malls, and climbing up the corporate ladder?
A simple answer is body language and face expressions, more often used by our subconscious mind than we think. Experts believe that body language is four times more effective than the verbal communication. So watch out your gestures/body language when declining an offer, driving, or being put down by your boss.
Especially in Doha, where there are people from all walks of life working together as a team, it is easy to offend even when we don’t intend to. Just keep few things in mind. While speaking with an Asian and an Arab try to maintain your personal zone and don’t get too close. As a standard people prefer to stay at an-arms-length, getting too close is considered immoral in Qatari culture for men and women alike. If unintentionally you do come close, the other person might move a step back. Don’t feel offended it’s something very normal here.
Be careful when correcting someone, even if it’s concerning work, some people here take it very personally, and might not like to be questioned. Be extremely polite and calm in your approach. Eye contact and positive body language can take you a long way, sometimes it might intimidate, but look assertive and not dominating.
Usually people at the work place keep a straight face, but a smile can do wonders and earn you some good friends. You might not meet people who smile generously or respond to it, but that is because of the cultural differences, diverse backgrounds and belief that they are different from the rest.
If women don’t wear a hijab they attract attention, but don’t worry, you usually get admiring looks and flirtatious stares. At this time make sure your body language portrays confidence. In a business meeting an Arab male might not shake hands with a female counterpart, it is because in Qatari culture women are not supposed to be touched by a stranger.
On the whole, people in Qatar are very helpful and will go out of their way to help you, even if they don’t understand your language.
Last but not the least, respect other cultures like your own and make the most while in Doha – a pulsating city of diverse cultures, people and opportunities.
