Malentendu

Malentendu is a term used to describe a misunderstanding that arises when the sender's intended meaning diverges from the receiver's interpretation. Originating from French, the noun combines mal- “bad” with entendu “heard,” historically highlighting mishearing but now encompassing broader misinterpretation in communication.

Causes of malentendu include lexical or syntactic ambiguity (polysemy or unclear grammar), pragmatic factors (assumptions about shared knowledge or Speech Acts), and cultural or contextual differences that affect how messages are interpreted. Channel limitations, non-literal language such as idioms, humor, irony, and differences in tone or gesture can also contribute. Inadequate feedback or hurried conversation further increases the risk of miscommunication.

Common types include semantic malentendu (different senses of a word or phrases), pragmatic malentendu (misread speech acts like requests or refusals), phonological/phonetic mishearing (sound-level errors), and cross-cultural malentendu (varying norms and conventions). Examples include mistaking a literal statement for a sarcastic remark, or interpreting a request as a suggestion due to divergent social scripts.

Resolution typically involves clarification and feedback: asking questions, restating or paraphrasing the message, elaborating on assumed knowledge, and confirming understanding. Active listening and a willingness to revise one’s interpretation are central to reducing malentendus in both personal and professional contexts.

In literature, media, and everyday discourse, malentendu is a common driver of conflict and comedy, illustrating how misalignment in interpretation can alter outcomes despite accurate information being exchanged.