Crew members aboard the International Space Station must navigate more than technical work; they also face differences in language and culture. English and Russian both play central roles, with the United States-led portion operating primarily in English and the Russian segment using Russian. Clear communication is described as a matter of safety during complex procedures and emergency responses.
During the first long-duration mission, crew members used a mix of Russian and English known as Runglish, switching languages when they lacked a word. Even simple commands can be tricky: the Russian words for switch on and switch off can sound similar to learners, while English on and off can confuse Russian speakers. Linguistic flexibility, cultural awareness, and cultural intelligence are described as essential. Shared meals, holidays, and traditions also help build trust among crew members.
Press release issued by UCF Today:
https://www.ucf.edu/news/how-language-and-culture-keep-the-international-space-station-connected/
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