---
title: "Why do we often find that people in our team use the same words but seem to mean different things, leading to confusion?"
source: "https://collaborative-software-design.com/dear-como/ambiguous-language-team-discussions/"
date: 2025-03-30
tags: ["Ubiquitous Language"]
section: "Dear CoMo"
---

# Why do we often find that people in our team use the same words but seem to mean different things, leading to confusion?

Ambiguous language in team discussions is a very common problem, and you're wise to recognise it as a hurdle to effective collaboration. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to foster a **shared understanding** within your team.

Firstly, become a keen observer of the language being used. Pay close attention to the words your colleagues and stakeholders employ. Don't hesitate to ask the crucial question: **"What do you mean by X?"**. This simple act of seeking clarification can immediately uncover different interpretations of the same term. If you find that a single word is being used to describe multiple concepts, consider **introducing new, more specific terms** to distinguish between them. For example, if "ticket" could mean a reservation or an actual admission pass, make that distinction explicit. The goal is to work towards a **ubiquitous language** – a shared vocabulary where everyone agrees on the meaning of key terms within your specific context. Techniques like **collaborative modelling**, such as EventStorming, can also help to visually expose these differences in understanding as you model processes together. Remember, **language is crucial in collaborative modelling**, and addressing ambiguity early on is essential for making effective decisions.

By actively working to clarify language and establish a common vocabulary, you'll significantly improve communication within your team, reduce misunderstandings, and pave the way for more productive and aligned collaboration.

XoXo CoMo