Communication, especially the lack thereof.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

Yes, we can communicate across barriers of language, culture, etc. 

But I think the problem is that not everyone takes the time to think about the best way to do that when someone speaks another language whether it be linguistically, socially, culturally, or according to literacy levels.  It's why I have to tailor a single message about substance abuse prevention 10 different ways for 10 different audiences.  If I don't do that, maybe only 2 or 3 of the audiences get what I'm saying, even if linguistically, we are speaking the same language. 

And I think that is where a lot of culture clashes come from.  The inability and unwillingness to communicate in ways each party understands. 

Understanding that it's possible is a crucial element in providing the motivation to try.

[Placid Dingo]

Yes, we can communicate across barriers of language, culture, etc. 

But I think the problem is that not everyone takes the time to think about the best way to do that when someone speaks another language whether it be linguistically, socially, culturally, or according to literacy levels.  It's why I have to tailor a single message about substance abuse prevention 10 different ways for 10 different audiences.  If I don't do that, maybe only 2 or 3 of the audiences get what I'm saying, even if linguistically, we are speaking the same language. 

And I think that is where a lot of culture clashes come from.  The inability and unwillingness to communicate in ways each party understands. 

good example is in Japanese the whole language is built around hints and culturally negotiated meanings. If you don't understand me in English it's because I explained it badly. If a Japanese person doesn't understand another Japanese, it's because they understood it badly.