An award-winning author argues that Twitter facilitates cross-cultural communication more than other social networks.

Everybody knows that the Internet has made cross-cultural communication easier. Social networking platforms have played a key role in allowing exchanges between different cultures. But which one is best suited to this type of dialogue?

In an article entitled Why Twitter Influences Cross-Cultural Engagement, author Jessica Faye Carter argues that Twitter is better adapted to cross-cultural interaction than other social networking sites.

According to Carter and various sources she cites, the open, free-flowing aspect of Twitter allows users to take timid or bold steps into exploring other cultures of all kinds. Because of its simple format, users’ shared interests tend to win out over cultural barriers.

She also emphasizes the simplicity of translating Tweets – and tweeting the language translations on the spot -- with tools such as Twinslator.

Although these translation applications suffer from the same problems as any machine translation systems, one might imagine that 140 character phrases have a better chance of coming out right than long articles. But I do wonder what tweet translators make of frequent Twitter abbreviations like “cld” and “gr8.”

Although Carter does not refer to any “other popular social networks” by name, as a user of both Facebook and Twitter, I can clearly see her point. Friending someone on Facebook involves a real connection; following someone on Twitter represents less commitment and thus can encourage Internet users to explore different cultural contexts.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.

An award-winning author argues that Twitter facilitates cross-cultural communication more than other social networks.

Everybody knows that the Internet has made cross-cultural communication easier. Social networking platforms have played a key role in allowing exchanges between different cultures. But which one is best suited to this type of dialogue?

In an article entitled Why Twitter Influences Cross-Cultural Engagement, author Jessica Faye Carter argues that Twitter is better adapted to cross-cultural interaction than other social networking sites.

According to Carter and various sources she cites, the open, free-flowing aspect of Twitter allows users to take timid or bold steps into exploring other cultures of all kinds. Because of its simple format, users’ shared interests tend to win out over cultural barriers.

She also emphasizes the simplicity of translating Tweets – and tweeting the language translations on the spot -- with tools such as Twinslator.

Although these translation applications suffer from the same problems as any machine translation systems, one might imagine that 140 character phrases have a better chance of coming out right than long articles. But I do wonder what tweet translators make of frequent Twitter abbreviations like “cld” and “gr8.”

Although Carter does not refer to any “other popular social networks” by name, as a user of both Facebook and Twitter, I can clearly see her point. Friending someone on Facebook involves a real connection; following someone on Twitter represents less commitment and thus can encourage Internet users to explore different cultural contexts.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.