Intercultural (mis)communication in Swedish Workplaces from the Perspective of Brazilian Employees

Abstract

This study explores politeness and linguistic strategies in intercultural workplace communication in Sweden from the perspective of Brazilian white-collar employees. Employing Brown and Levinson's (1987) politeness framework and Hofstede's (2001; 2011) dimensions of Power Distance and Masculinity/Femininity. Data from two intercultural mealtime interactions were collected from a multinational consultancy company in Gothenburg. In addition, a questionnaire collected data from Brazilians working throughout Sweden proving data triangulation. Challenges in intercultural communication include low English proficiency, vocabulary differences, accent comprehension difficulties, cultural expectations, and limited intercultural training. Brazilians employ humor, rephrasing, and linguistic alternatives to bridge cultural differences. Gender influences politeness strategies, with males using swearing and employing foul language to build rapport, while females avoid it. Power Distance also affects behavior and language, with caution exhibited by Brazilians when communicating with superiors. This study contributes to understanding intercultural workplace communication, highlighting language challenges, effective politeness strategies, and the influence of gender and power distance.