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Language of Study: Spanish, Modern Languages
Subject major: Mechanical Engineering
Country of Study: Spain
Host University: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Title of Work:
Intercultural Communication and Linguistic Adaptation in a Multilingual Engineering Environment: A Case Study at BOSCH Madrid
Abstract:
My research examines how language and culture influence professional communication in a multilingual engineering environment at BOSCH Madrid. The study asks:
(1) How do professionals adapt their speech when using English as a lingua franca?
(2) How do Spanish dialectal differences—especially between Castilian and Latin American varieties—affect workplace communication?
(3) What intercultural strategies foster clarity and collaboration?
Findings show that communication styles varied according to cultural norms. German and Spanish colleagues tended to value directness and precision, while Latin American speakers preferred courtesy and empathy. Misunderstandings often arose from these contrasts but decreased when participants used intercultural competence, such as clarifying tone, confirming intent, and simplifying technical language. Overall, effective communication in global teams depends not only on linguistic ability but also on cultural adaptability and awareness.
Title of Work (Global Language):
Comunicación Intercultural y Adaptación Lingüística en un Entorno Multilingüe de Ingeniería: Un Estudio de Caso en BOSCH Madrid
Abstract (Global Language):
Mi investigación analiza cómo la lengua y la cultura influyen en la comunicación profesional dentro de un entorno ingenieril multilingüe en BOSCH Madrid. El estudio plantea tres preguntas:
(1) ¿Cómo adaptan los profesionales su discurso al usar el inglés como lengua franca?
(2) ¿Cómo afectan las diferencias dialectales del español —especialmente entre el castellano y las variantes latinoamericanas— a la comunicación laboral?
(3) ¿Qué estrategias interculturales favorecen la claridad y la colaboración?
Los resultados muestran que los estilos comunicativos varían según las normas culturales. Los colegas alemanes y españoles valoraban la franqueza y la precisión, mientras que los latinoamericanos preferían la cortesía y la empatía. Los malentendidos disminuyeron cuando se aplicaba la competencia intercultural, aclarando el tono, confirmando las intenciones y simplificando el lenguaje técnico. En conjunto, la comunicación efectiva en equipos globales depende tanto de la habilidad lingüística como de la adaptabilidad y la conciencia cultural.
Elevator Pitch Video
Elevator Pitch Video
Elevator Pitch Video Transcript
[0:00 – 0:25]
Hello everyone!
My name is Andrés Gonzales, and I’m a Mechanical Engineering major at Northern Arizona University.
I speak both English and Spanish, and I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain,
working at BOSCH, a global leader in engineering innovation.
My presentation is called “Improving Intercultural Technical Communication in Logistics: A Case Study at BOSCH Madrid.”
[0:25 – 0:50]
This photo shows where my project began — the MSS Sensores Department at BOSCH Madrid.
Here, engineers and managers from Germany, Spain, and Latin America worked together in English to design and manage advanced sensor systems.
That mix of cultures and languages made communication both challenging and fascinating, and that’s what sparked my research.
[0:50 – 1:20]
My study asked three key questions.
First — how do professionals adapt their speech when English is everyone’s second language?
Second — how do Spanish dialect differences, like Castilian and Latin American,
affect teamwork and understanding?
And third — what specific intercultural strategies help people communicate more clearly?
[1:20 – 1:55]
I discovered that cultural values shape communication styles.
German and Spanish engineers tended to value directness and precision, while Latin American speakers emphasized courtesy and empathy.
These contrasts sometimes led to misunderstandings, but once people clarified tone, confirmed intent, and simplified technical language, teamwork improved dramatically.
[1:55 – 2:35]
The big takeaway is that engineering is about people — not just machines.
Even the most brilliant idea can fail if the message behind it isn’t clear.
This project showed me that true success in global engineering depends on language awareness and cultural adaptability working together.
That connection between technology and human understanding is what interests me most.
[2:35 – 3:00]
And finally, this picture captures the heart of my experience my coworkers and I at BOSCH Madrid, laughing and enjoying our time together. It reminds me that behind every technical system are people learning to connect across cultures.
If you’re curious about global engineering, communication, or how language shapes teamwork, come visit my poster.
You’ll see real examples from BOSCH Madrid of how small communication choices can create big improvements in collaboration.
Thank you for listening, and I look forward to seeing you at the Summit.
Digital Poster
Digital Poster
IGPSummit2025_Poster_Spanish_Gonzales 2.pdfPage updated
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