Intercultural Communication: Barriers

C. Language Barriers

English is commonly used as an international language when working across cultures. On a GV team language communication is the fundamental interaction between team members. Understanding language barriers and how they may be overcome will improve communications and interactions between international team members. Five aspects of how language may be a barrier to intercultural communication are discussed below.

1. Vocabulary Level. Native English speakers know between 20,000 and 35,000 English words. Typical ESL speakers not living in an English speaking country typically know about 2,500 - 9,000 English words (http://testyourvocab.com). At best the ESL speaker would know about 1/2 the words of a Native English speaker. At worst, he/she would be approximately 1/10. Imagine having a conversation where only 1 in 2 words, or worse, 1 in 10 words are known to you.
   
   This lower amount of words limits the ways ESL speakers can describe things or even speak to native English speakers. It also limits the ways English speakers may speak to them. In some cases the language is very subject based. For example, engineers may have a strong English vocabulary as far as Engineering goes, but if you were to move to another topic, say gardening and plants, their vocabulary may be even more limited.

Even if the ESL speakers have a large diverse vocabulary, spellings, verb tense, and usage of words and phrases may be difficult. As an ESL speaker it is always good to ask for clarification and explanation. Even though it may be difficult to use English (or you may think you do not have good second language skills), working in a group is a good opportunity to practice the skills you have and improve. Similarly if someone is using your native language, it is important to correct key mistakes, but constant correction may prove embarrassing for the team member. You need to proceed at a pace acceptable to the team member. Some will learn and develop their vocabulary and grammar at a quicker rate.


2. Accent. An accent is the unique way someone pronounces the words of a language. It shows which country or part of the country a person comes from. Often accents happen because sounds of letters or combinations of letters do not occur in the native language. Some examples may include Japanese speakers having a difficult time hearing the sound of the letter "L" or English speakers hearing the special vowel sounds in German. In whatever case, the accent is the result of a new language speaker often applying first language pronunciation rules on the second language. Often it is a matter of listening and practicing.

On a GV team accents may be difficult to overcome, but if one is using video or audio conferencing team members have an opportunity to improve pronunciation skills and increase vocabulary. However, having a texting or instant messaging service available allows team members to write words that are difficult to understand. This will promote clarity and understanding.


3. Listening Comprehension. For ESL speakers listening, processing what has been said and understanding may proceed at a slower pace, especially when first learning a second language. Proceeding at a natural pace of an English speaker may be too fast. Often the ESL listener will not tell you if they do not understand or if you are speaking too fast. While it is important to learn to ask the native speaker to slow down or repeat what was said, cultural values may prevent this as it would appear improper or rude. Similarly as a native speaker it is good to periodically check if you are speaking too fast or if the listener understands what you are saying. Asking for clarification, either as the speaker or listener becomes a critical skill to learn and use to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. While this may slow the speed of meetings and reports, it becomes critical to avoid having to correct mistakes or redo assignments.

On a GV team patience helps the second language speaker and pays larger dividends in the future as language skills improve. There are fewer mistakes and an increased understanding that allows the pace of interaction to increase. This is a two edged sword. Those using a second language can use the opportunity to develop and improve English language skills with native English language speakers. This takes considerable humility as one may have a difficult time speaking the language. It also requires the native English speakers to be patient and helpful in providing pronunciations to ESL participants.