When you're in a work setting - whether that's remotely or in-person - you are collaborating with others that have different strengths and backgrounds that complement one another. However, just like other times of socialization, you might notice there are speech behaviors or patterns that confuse conversation. This could be due to a number of reasons. Sometimes, it can be certain dialects bringing out regional slang that doesn't translate perfectly from the speaker to the recepient. It could also be speech differences through pronunciations: vocal fluctuations that are more common with other languages and regions, creating a different context in sentences; or an accent from an outside area. In the workplace, things can get more complex.

There is a preconceived standard of language considered "suitable" in a professional setting that might not always account for regional and cultural factors. In the Western world, this type of language is standardized English that is characterized by precision, respect, and formality. Optimal language used in jobs in the United States encourage engagement with professionals and customers that reduces any allowance of confusion or misinterpretation. In order to navigate discourse without risks of offense, certain generalized terms are discouraged. For instance, addressing a group as "Hey, guys!" This type of phrasing is both associated with casual settings, as well as considered non-inclusive by some. 

In terms of interracultural or outside regional interactions, conversational complications can easily occur. Approximately 40% of Americans have experienced communication flaws due to cultural divides, according to studies reported by Preply. One of these factors is a mixed receptiveness towards an individual speaking a foreign language in front of another or a group. In regions that have less cultural exchange, this scenario is considered highly inappropriate amongst many - even outside a professional environment. In urban areas or areas characterized by more culutral diversity, there is a variability in a general perception of this scenario. Regardless, an American work setting generally does not prefer foreign language usage by an employee in front of customers or other employees unless on a break or done during outside work hours. Multilingual companies tend to have more flexibility with non-predominant language usage. Another common intercultural social obstacle can be attributed to contrasting ideas of dress code, asstertiveness versus rudeness, cursing in formal settings, and body language or gestures: such as handshakes, which are not preferred in many Asian cultures.

Presented data in a different article from the same previous source used American participants to conduct a study. The results from that study showed that other miscommunication barriers involve being interrupted (24%), being talked over (19%), and having to repeat themselves (18%). Besides being common conversational habits confusing conversation that are developed regardless of age, gender, or race; these factors can also further complicate cultural exchanges that require more consideration to guide. Previous research I conducted for a sociology class assignment found that while both genders interrupt each other, men are responsible for the highest number of interruptions when talking specifically to women, averaging at least two times of interruptions in a three-minute conversation. Other findings concluded that women speak more than men: women speak 21,845 words daily compared to 18,570 by men.  Lastly, studies have shown that women's phrasing leans more on the side of passivity, which is psychologically considered to be less agressive and more polite. My class, as well as other sociologists, linked part of a woman's higher word count and passive speech particularly in mixed-gender group settings to their urge to express ideas before an interruption from a man. This data therefore substantiates the notion that women are more likely to be interrupted in professional settings than men.

As a concluding point, the previously used publication from Preply touches on how age demographics affect topics clearly communicated. Their research conducted showed that in order from older to younger generations, on average each reported a lower overall confidence in communication clarity and skills than the previous. Generation Z was the lowest, having an average confidence score of 3.55 compared to the Baby Boomer score of 3.88. It is also worth noting that there are inconsistencies in topics deemed appropriate to discuss by ages as well, which could translate to an issue in a workplace setting. Generation Z is significantly more likely to openly talk about race, gender, sexuality, politics, and mental health than other generations. The contrast in mentality surrounding more personal or socially sensitive perspectives could allow for tensions between coworkers, with management, or with customers.

Communication is best approached, including in one's job, when there is open perspective and patience with one another. As this transcribed data indicates, there is a multitude of ways in which different people might experience varying challenges in social interactions. Bringing awareness to ones's own tendencies in conversation that can cause challenges is vital for conversational growth and to combat impeding obstacles in personal and professional relationships.