A Square Pig and an Awesome Possum!

Why Words Matter in a Multicultural Workplace

For multicultural workplaces, which is now becoming the norm in many countries, communication clarity is more critical than ever. Even fluent English speakers—those who have studied it academically or used it professionally for years—can face unexpected challenges when navigating colloquial expressions, accents, and cultural references.

While language skills are often assessed based on grammar and vocabulary, what’s often overlooked is the contextual understanding of spoken language. Everyday idioms, slang, and even pronunciation variations can lead to misunderstandings that go unnoticed—until they result in confusion or miscommunication.

Lost in Translation: Real-Life Examples

To highlight this, I’ll share two amusing yet insightful examples from my wife’s experiences. She’s Romanian, holds a degree in English language and literature, and speaks at a native level. Yet, even with her fluency, she has had moments where cultural and linguistic nuances led to unexpected misunderstandings.

Square Pig in a Round Hole

During a workplace discussion, she heard someone say, “It’s like a square peg in a round hole.” However, due to the Australian accent, she misheard it as “square pig in a round hole.”

To her, this phrase didn’t make much sense, but given that English is full of odd expressions, she didn’t question it. It was only later, when she mentioned it in conversation and received puzzled looks, that she realised her misunderstanding.

The ‘Awesome Possum’ Moment

During an Olympic Games broadcast, the Australian commentators enthusiastically referred to the rowing team as The Awesome Foursome – a name that has been used for many years for our men’s rowing coxless four crew.  My wife, unfamiliar with this nickname and interpreting the phrase through the lens of her daily language exposure, heard it as “Awesome Possum” and assumed it was a common Australian saying for something great.

For a while, she confidently used “Awesome Possum” in conversations, believing it was standard Aussie slang. She used it at home and thankfully I was able to enlighten her on the correct term.

Why These Misunderstandings Matter in the Workplace

While these examples are light-hearted, they underscore a crucial reality: Even highly proficient English speakers can misinterpret phrases due to pronunciation, accent, or cultural unfamiliarity. This can have more significant consequences in a workplace setting:

• Misinterpreted Instructions – If key information is delivered using colloquial language, it may not be fully understood.

• Unnecessary Confusion in Meetings – Idioms that are second nature to native speakers can alienate or mislead non-native speakers.

• Professional Credibility Risks – Using a phrase incorrectly in formal settings can create unintended impressions.

How to Foster Clear Communication in Multicultural Workplaces

• Minimise Jargon & Colloquialisms

  • Instead of: “We need to hit the ground running,” say “We need to get started immediately.”

  • Instead of: “Let’s touch base later,” say “Let’s meet later to discuss.”

• Encourage Clarification & Questions - Normalise asking, “Could you clarify what you mean?” - Rephrase key points to ensure shared understanding.

• Be Mindful of Accent & Pronunciation Differences - Speak at a moderate pace and articulate words clearly in discussions.- If a term or phrase is culture-specific, offer a brief explanation or an alternative way to express it.

• Use Written Reinforcement - Follow up important verbal communication with an email summary. - In meetings, consider using slides or visuals to support key points.

The Power of Inclusive Language

Clear, inclusive communication is about more than just vocabulary—it’s about making sure messages are understood across cultural and linguistic backgrounds. By being aware of how language is used in diverse workplaces, we can create a more welcoming, engaging, and productive environment for everyone.

Next time you’re in a meeting or giving instructions, take a moment to reflect: Am I speaking clearly? Could my words be misinterpreted? A small adjustment in language can make a significant difference in workplace understanding and engagement.

💬Have you ever encountered a funny or confusing language misunderstanding in the workplace? Share your experience in the comments!