After listening to Pellegrino Riccardi’s talk, one thing really stuck with me. Culture isn’t just about the simple food, music, or traditions. The true root of Culture is about how we see the world and what we expect from others. Language is how we express that. For example, when I took Spanish in High School, we would learn the polite, textbook version of words and phrases. However, when I visited Mexico, the people spoke more casually, almost in a slang tone. That experience showed me that language shifts with culture, and the way we use it communicates more than just words. It reveals belonging and respect in different ways.

A misperception I’ve noticed about my own culture is that many people feel as though Polish people can come off as cold and unfriendly. This can be related to language because, in Polish, people don’t use small talk in the same way English speakers do. To an outsider looking in, this habit can seem unfriendly and or rude, but in reality, warmth is shown more through actions and hospitality.

Challenges that can arise in cross-cultural interactions are primarily language differences. Language Barriers can lead to misunderstandings and even conflict. For example, when visiting a foreign country with people who all speak a different language from you, key information in conversations can be lost in translation.