The Key to Overcoming Language Barriers

From international students attending private boarding schools to friends traveling the world and businesses conducting international meetings, language barriers can severely limit your communication skills. Luckily, many gestures and actions are universal, but when it comes to truly communicating with another individual, the complexity and diversity of world languages can make things difficult. Luckily, there are some ways to overcome these language barriers.

When Speaking

When you are speaking to someone who speaks a different language — whether it’s at private boarding schools or elsewhere — speaking slowly and clearly can go a long way. This involves choosing your words carefully and stating them concisely. Avoid using any slang or big words. Stick with basic and easy words and concepts while keeping your messages as short and to the point as possible.

It also helps to use words and gestures that are internationally understood. For example, when asking to borrow a phone, you can use the word “telephone” and gesture your hand to your ear like a phone. 

When Listening

When you are listening to someone else speak a foreign language, it’s okay to ask for clarification or reiteration to avoid getting lost in the conversation. Practice active listening by nodding in agreement, making eye contact, or expressing confusion.

Listening is just as important as speaking when it come to communication, especially when you are dealing with language barriers in the classrooms of private boarding schools. Lastly, when it comes to both listening and speaking, be patient.

Using Resources

A plus side of living in such a technologically advanced world is that we have helpful resources at the touch of our thumbs. Using technology such as the Internet can help overcome language barriers in a timely and efficient matter. Not only can you pull up a quick translation on your phone during a conversation, but you can also use resources ahead of time to prepare for a future conversation.

Researching important and commonly used words or phrases beforehand will save you a lot of time and frustration by the time the conversation rolls around. 

Alyssa Koenig is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.