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The language barrier in the workplace can occur due to a difference in languages spoken or if speakers use different technical terms or jargons. This can even happen in the world of gig economy jobs.
For example, people from the same company but different departments or divisions may experience a language barrier in communication due to the technicalities of the languages they use.
People from different industries or careers may also encounter a language barrier in communication for example when a law practitioner talks to an engineer or a marketer, the terms and language used may differ.
To overcome language barriers in the workplaces, people from different fields of specialization should ensure that they use the most common terms when talking to people outside their field or industry.
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How to Overcome Language Barriers in the Workplace
You can easily overcome a language barrier in the workplace nowadays. Here a few tips on how to overcome language barriers in the workplace:
- Use one primary language in the workplace and translate all the relevant documents into it. One can use the available translating websites and tools to convert the work records in one common language for the employees. It is one way to reduce the language barrier in the workplace.
- Another way is to have an interpreter if you want to give feedback or communicate to your employees. An organization can hire an interpreter to translate and pass the required information to the employees.
- The employer can also facilitate the employees to take language classes of the business language which will enable easy communication. The employer should provide access to learning the basic in the workplace to allow employees to understand language and phrases which can also enable the employees to thrive.
- Plain language use. No matter who you are talking to in the workplace, whether they understand your language as their secondary one, always use the most understandable and straightforward language.
- Include visual communication methods as another way to avoid language barrier in communication. Illustrations and demonstrations can go a long way when explaining what the words fail to convey. Visual cues are paramount when there is a language barrier and helps to bridge the gaps created by a language barrier.
- Emphasize or Use repetition. Since a majority of people may not grasp the concept of something new the first time, repeat it for them a few times to increase their chances of understanding. Repetition gives the employees ample time to hear, internalize and understand.
Conclusion on Overcoming a Language Barrier in Communication
The language barrier in communication can make people and businesses miss a lot of opportunities and thus it’s vital to understand how to overcome it.
I can’t tell you how many times people have mentioned that they prefer to not do business with another group in a foreign country. I think this is so pre-historic thinking.
There’s no reason why you should limit yourself in what you can do and overcome. Working through a language barrier is an art rather than a science.
I think that people can discuss and interact easily across the world. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling, in a classroom or at the workplace. Find ways to communicate effectively with your peers and stay efficient.
Thanks to technological advancements, a language barrier can be easily overcome. I’ve worked with people all over the world on a freelance basis and our barriers to communication shouldn’t be an issue.
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Have you been in a language barrier in communication? Please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
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