Handling Language Barriers

Communicating as an operative or civilian in foreign lands with people of incompatible languages is a barrier but you can still connect with them.

Like the thrill of culture shock, it seems like a negative part of travel, but it can actually be an exciting learning experience if you let it. That’s how to “handle” language barriers, as a learning exercise.

A positive attitude and perception of a problem can go a long way with intercultural communication.

But there is no secret method of breaking the language barrier. Even linguists will have difficulties understanding a new language out in the real world.

So unless you’re a prodigy, don’t try to figure out the technical structure of the nation’s language, expecting to get half fluent by reading an instructional on it during the flight to that country. It’s a waste of time and you won’t get anything practical out of it.

Focus on key words and phrases (and their pronunciation) that you know you’ll need and use. For example, the 3 most important, useful and most commonly used are; “Thank you”, “Hello” and “Goodbye”.

That trifecta is the most generic of words which also makes them extremely valuable to the foreigner.

An obvious tourist properly greeting a local for business or social, almost always breaks the ice. Which is a great start on breaking that language barrier even if you don’t know any more words.

Verbal languages differ so greatly that they seem literally alien but body language is generally universal.

It seems we often forget how effectively we communicate with each other without ever saying a word, perhaps because it’s usually non-verbal.

So use this “universal language” consciously and actively. Emphasize facial expressions, hand gestures and let your body convey your message.

Frustration can’t always be helped but never show anger to the person you’re trying to communicate.

It’s not their fault they don’t speak your language or you don’t speak theirs while you’re in their country.