Study and work in a different language is very challenging,
think in Portuguese and then write or talk in English can became
misunderstood if we don't adapt it to the UK context.
In my country, we are very direct and open when you speak, and
also more loud and emotive. These facts and the language
differences can turn a simple conversation into a big
misunderstanding.
For e.g. in the other day, my business English lecture advice me
"Catia, in UK you shouldn't ask direct questions because may be
impolite…you need to say - I was wondering if you could tell me
if…, may you tell me please…, etc.", and I answer "but why?"…there
again I was doing the same mistake he was telling me not to do.
Even when I'm with colleges and friends, this language problem
happened "Does the restaurant have cow meat?" (Translating
literally from Portuguese to English)…
Only experience and my dear English Lecturer will help me
improve. In the end of the day, life is about learning, and we only
learn from our mistakes….