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Although linguistic diversity can make life interesting, there are times when we need help to communicate across accent and language barriers. Because diverse workplaces are rapidly becoming more the rule than the exception, it is likely that at some point you will find yourself working with someone who is less than fluent in English or has an accent that is difficult to understand. These differences can be frustrating, but there is much you can do to bridge the gap:
Be Optimistic
Because we have become accustomed to encountering language differences, we sometimes see a communication problem when there is none. When we hear a foreign accent, for example, we assume the speaker cannot understand us, does not know English vocabulary and cannot read or write English.
In fact, many immigrants read, write, understand and fully grasp the English vocabulary but still possess heavy accents. This is because many languages do not share English's Latin and Germanic roots. Russian, Vietnamese and Mandarin are good examples. Because these roots are different, the fundamental sounds used to create words are also different and very difficult to grasp. It is not, therefore, unusual to meet someone whose grasp of English vocabulary and grammar is perfect -- even better than many native-born Americans' -- but who still has difficulty with pronunciation. Those of you who have ever attempted to pronounce Cantonese or Japanese, languages completely unrelated to English, have experienced this firsthand.
Go Slow
When you find yourself having difficulty understanding a colleague's spoken English, try speaking a bit more slowly yourself. This may seem strange, but what you are trying to accomplish is to change the pace of the entire exchange. The slower you go, the slower the other person will go, and, in turn, the easier it will be for you to understand what he or she is saying. If you are a non-native English speaker yourself, remember that stress and excitement can tempt you to talk faster, and your accent will get heavier.
If slowing the pace doesn't help, ask yourself two questions: First, are you really trying to understand? Second, do you expect you will be able to understand? Too many of us are guilty of jumping to the conclusion we will never understand what the other person is saying. In short, we give up and, without realizing it, stop listening. The next stage in this communication breakdown is obvious: Because we have given up and stopped listening, we have created a self-fulfilling prophecy and have no hope of ever understanding.
Avoid Slang
If you have avoided the trap of assuming your colleague will not understand you and have established that he or she indeed has difficulty with vocabulary, one of the most effective things you can do to improve communication is to not use slang. Most immigrants have learned English in a formal setting. Their grammar may be better than yours, but they probably know very little informal English. Think about some of our idioms for a minute. Do you realize we drive in a parkway and park in a driveway and that, according to the peculiarities of English slang, a slim chance and a fat chance are the same thing?
Keep such usage to a minimum and use terms that have precise meanings. Avoid words like "seldom," "often" or "soon." Think about what those words mean. Even those of you who were born and raised in the US might have a tough time coming up with an exact definition. If something needs to be done "soon," clarify when "soon" is. Is it in one week, one hour or one month? If an event happens "often," clarify what that means: once an hour, twice a month, four times a year, etc.
Above all else, when faced with language differences, set the tone for teamwork. Your colleague is struggling to speak English, and you are struggling to understand. Admit it if you do not understand and take some of the responsibility for the challenge. After all, your colleague is making the effort to learn a second language and has shown the courage to adapt to an unfamiliar workplace in an unfamiliar country. Meeting him or her halfway is the least you can do.
