English is the accepted language of science, but the contexts in which climate change occur are not constrained to the English-speaking world. The languages of communities suffering from climate change range drastically, from regional dialects of popular languages such as Spanish to lesser known indigenous tongues. To conduct purposeful investigations on climate change in local knowledge systems, a researcher must be attentive to the language of the indigenous community. Critical terms for research and communication such as climate, weather, climate change and climate variability are what we might call “multifaceted” words. They do not translate perfectly from one language to another and can carry different implications and meanings that will skew outcomes if not carefully navigated and negotiated with local knowledge systems. Research and science communication require attention to, respect for and sensitivity to linguistic differences. I share recommended practices for research across language differences based on research and lessons garnered during fieldwork conducted on climate change and coffee farmers in Risaralda, Colombia, with an international team. These four practices for navigating language differences are: (1) Establish an understanding of what “multifaceted” words mean ahead of time and consult if necessary; (2) Establish a protocol for researchers to keep notes on various manifestations of or uses of particular concepts or terms in the local context; (3) Debrief with the team every day in order to rapidly adjust language of interview protocols or communications in response to local feedback; (4) Understand that if you have a foreign accent, your interviewees are tolerating you, not the other way around.