Lost in Translation

Have you ever spoken with someone for whom English is not their first language? I have, many times—and every time, I’m reminded how important it is to pause and think about the words we use.

Slang is a big one. Certain phrases simply don’t translate across cultures. One of my favorites is the expression: “You hit it out of the park!”

Most native American English speakers recognize this as a baseball reference and a form of praise—“You did an outstanding job.” But if you’ve never heard it before, you might take it literally, or just feel lost and confused. I often think about how many people quietly smile and nod through moments like this, not because they understand, but because they don’t want to feel embarrassed.

I often ask people to picture this: Imagine you’re visiting another country. You’re conversational in the language, but far from fluent. People are speaking quickly. They’re using idioms you don’t know. You’re trying to keep up, but you’re a step behind. It’s exhausting and frustrating. Now, flip that lens. That’s how someone can feel when they’re not fully proficient in English and we speak quickly, use slang, or don’t enunciate clearly.

In my own life, when my family visits from India, they often tell me, “We don’t have accents—Americans do.” That simple comment shifted my perspective. They’re absolutely right. An “accent” is not a flaw—it’s just a different pattern of speech. Ever since, I’ve been much more intentional about my pace, pronunciation, and choice of words when I speak with people from other countries or cultures.

Words matter. They are often the very first bridge we build with another human being. In business—whether with clients, vendors, or employees from different backgrounds—language is the foundation of trust. When we choose our words thoughtfully, slow down a bit, and stay curious about how we’re being heard, we don’t just communicate better—we build stronger, more respectful relationships.

At Seva Global, this is at the heart of cultural confidence: being willing to step into someone else’s shoes, see from their lens, and adjust how we show up so everyone can truly connect.