Cultural and Linguistic Interference in Communication through Natural Language Processing in the Context of Globalization

Abstract

In the era of globalization, the intersection of language and culture is increasingly mediated by technological tools, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications. This study investigates the dynamics of cultural and linguistic interference in communication through NLP in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam a rapidly globalizing urban center. The research aims to explore how NLP tools (e.g., machine translation, chat-bots, language learning apps) influence communication across languages and cultures, and whether these technologies effectively bridge linguistic gaps while preserving cultural nuance. A survey-based mixed methods approach was adopted, comprising responses from 310 participants: 100 university students from relevant fields (language, IT, communication), 100 professionals working in international environments, 100 general NLP users recruited via social media platforms, and 10 experts or researchers in linguistics and NLP. Quantitative data was complemented by qualitative insights from open-ended questions and in-depth interviews. Findings reveal that while NLP tools significantly facilitate multilingual communication, especially in professional and educational contexts, they often fall short in accurately conveying cultural subtleties. Users reported moderate satisfaction with linguistic accuracy, but expressed concerns about cultural misrepresentations and over-reliance on literal translations. Experts emphasized the need for more culturally adaptive NLP systems. The study concludes that NLP has considerable potential to enhance intercultural communication, but current systems require contextual and cultural enhancements to achieve meaningful linguistic outcomes. These insights have implications for NLP development, language education, and digital communication policy in globalized urban settings.