Intercultural communication can be beneficial and exciting in personal and professional life since the differences in background push people to consider various points of view and ideas. At the same time, communication can be complicated by barriers – contrasting conventions and codes of specific cultures (Thomas & Inkson, 2009). Language is a fundamental code in communication; therefore, contact between native English speakers and English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers may be insufficiently fluent and lead to conflicts arising from messages misinterpretation. Despite the challenges of interactions between native and non-native speakers and the risks of misunderstanding, some strategies can facilitate communication.
My experience of communication with ESL speakers was also complicated due to the different levels of language proficiency. In particular, I noticed that we sometimes talk about other things because of misunderstandings. Moreover, my interlocutors were often embarrassed by their insufficient level of English and did not want to ask questions if something was unclear. This situation created tension, as I tried to push a person to ask questions, but I did not want to exert pressure. Using strategies should help me adapt my behavior in the future and contribute to successful communication.
Examples of strategies for ESL communication include pauses, clear pronunciation, and avoiding colloquial expressions, which are necessary to improve people’s understanding of my speech. I need more concentration and a reminder that I am communicating with the ESL speaker to apply these methods. Other strategies are avoiding embarrassing ESL people and not associating language knowledge with intelligence. They can promote mutual respect and greater freedom in communication. Their application is related to etiquette and is therefore easily feasible, although more practice may be beneficial to develop skills for respectful interactions. In certain circumstances, such as negotiations at the workplace, I might apply strategies of visual restatements, providing summaries, and repeating critical points of the dialogue (Thomas & Inkson, 2009). These measures require some preparation before communication to create supporting material.
Thus, strategies for communicating with ESL speakers can simplify interaction in various circumstances. Although methods require a particular concentration, practice, and, in some cases, preparation, they make communication more understandable and productive. When using strategies, people should also consider the interlocutors’ cultures since each imposes contrasting expectations in communication. As a result, adapting behavior to improve cross-cultural interactions reduces the risks of misunderstanding and conflict between interlocutors.
Reference
Thomas, D. C., & Inkson, K. (2009). Cultural intelligence: Living and working globally (2nd ed.). Berrett-Koehler Publishers.