Struggling with language barriers in your overseas team?

Embrace Patience 🔹 Recognize that effective communication takes time, especially with language barriers. Patience is crucial. 🔹 Encourage team members to speak slowly and clearly, and to ask for clarification when needed. 🔹 Celebrate small successes in communication to build confidence and encourage continuous improvement.

Use Visual Aids 🔹 Incorporate charts, infographics, and diagrams to support verbal communication and ensure clearer understanding. 🔹 Use screen sharing during meetings to guide discussions and make sure everyone is on the same page. 🔹 Visual aids can break down complex information into understandable bits, aiding those with limited language proficiency.

Leverage Technology 🔹 Utilize translation apps and language learning tools like Duolingo or Babbel to bridge communication gaps. 🔹 Implement AI-driven real-time translation services during video calls and meetings, such as those provided by Google Translate or Microsoft Translator. 🔹 Technology not only supports communication but also fosters a learning environment for language development.

Cultivate Inclusivity 🔹 Create a culture where every team member feels valued and understood, regardless of their language skills. 🔹 Encourage diversity training that includes language awareness to promote empathy and understanding within the team. 🔹 Inclusivity boosts morale and encourages diverse contributions, enriching team dynamics.

As a corporate English teacher, I have seen firsthand the benefits of offering language support. Providing language classes not only enhances the communication skills of the team but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to the personal and professional development of each member. In my experience, facilitating access to learning resources and encouraging language exchange partnerships among team members can truly break down linguistic and cultural barriers. This approach not only fosters a more cohesive and collaborative work environment but also boosts team morale and promotes inclusion. Investing in language skills is undoubtedly a long-term strategy that results in a more efficient and connected team.

Offer Language Support 🔹 Provide access to language training sessions to help team members improve their language skills pertinent to your business. 🔹 Support multilingual documentation and resources to accommodate non-native speakers. 🔹 Language support not only helps in reducing barriers but also empowers employees, enhancing their productivity.

English as a universal language has helped to break down barriers and makes communication much easier. When you have a delegation abroad I highly recommend learning the local language even if you do not master it, local colleagues will appreciate your effort and will help you in many ways to achieve your goals.

When in doubt, speak slowly and plainly. If there are colleagues that use global or regionalized English, make sure to use a term they are commonly familiar with and include the local or American equivalent in parenthesis when in writing (example move [shift]) or mention the both the local or American term ("downtown/CBD") when you are speaking. This will be a good way to help you learn the regional terms but also help them familiarize with the American terms that many Americans take for granted in their daily work. Sometimes it is hard to see these things but these small actions can help in bridging the divide and encourage others to contribute as intended.

Joining a multicultural company, you have to take into account that you are not only dealing with the language, but also with the different accents of each colleague. In addition, many of your meetings will be online, which makes understanding even more difficult. Stay calm, give yourself time to immerse yourself in the language, and get used to the way each person speaks. Personally, it helped me a lot to send an email at the end of the meeting confirming the points that had been discussed and agreed, it gives you the security of having understood everything correctly. Remember you should be cautious about cultural differences, greetings, etc. And finally, enjoy the experience, every experience is good if you can learn from it.

Simplify Communication 🔹 Use plain language and avoid jargon, slang, or idiomatic expressions that can confuse non-native speakers. 🔹 Keep written and spoken communication concise and direct to minimize misunderstandings. 🔹 Simplifying communication helps ensure that all team members can contribute effectively and feel included.

Here’s What Else to Consider 🔹 Foster a buddy system pairing native and non-native speakers for regular language practice and cultural exchange. 🔹 Schedule regular check-ins to address any communication issues and to collect feedback on the communication strategies in place. 🔹 Considering these additional factors can further enhance understanding and cooperation across your team.