10 Strategies for overcoming language barriers 

Speak slowly and clearly - Focus on clearly enunciating and slowing down your speech. Even if you’re pressured for time, don’t rush through your communication. Doing so often takes more time, as miscommunication and misunderstanding can result. -

Ask for clarification - If you are not 100% sure you’ve understood what others say, politely ask for clarification. Avoid assuming you’ve understood what’s been said. 

Frequently check for understanding - Check both that you’ve understood what’s been said and that others have fully understood you. Practice reflective listening to check your own understanding. 

Avoid idioms - Business language is often contextual, and therefore culture-specific. As a good general rule, if the phrase requires knowledge of other information— be it a game or metaphor—recognize that this may make your communication more difficult to be understood. 

Be careful of jargon - Watch the use of TLAs (Three Letter Abbreviations) and another organizational language that may not be understood by others. If you use them, provide in parentheses a description of what these are so others can learn to use the same language you do. 

Define the basics of business - In international business contexts, terms may mean different things to different people. Spend time early in your communication defining what these mean to you and others. Invest in building a shared vocabulary. 

Be specific - Spell out your expectations and deadlines clearly. Instead of, ‘Please get back to me shortly,’ say ‘Please email the completed report by 5 pm Eastern Standard time on Wednesday, February 21.’ 

Choose your medium of communication effectively - Carefully choose your form of communication. When a message is complex and complicated or there is tension or conflict that needs to be resolved, switch to another medium. 

Provide information via multiple channels - Follow phone calls with emails that summarize what’s been said. When possible, provide presentations, agendas, etc. in advance so those working in their non-native language can get familiar with the materials. 

Be patient - Cross-cultural communication takes more time. If not at all times, certainly initially you cannot expect your communication to occur with the same speed and ease as when you are communicating with someone from your own culture. 

Download Higher Education Books, Study Notes, Test Series & More..