I
first moved to a non-English speaking country almost 30 years ago. I
did not know how much I would change my own way of communicating. My
own English. And it has really changed.
The Difficulties Of A Non-Native English
Speaker
I think most people who learn English as a second language go
through more adjustments in learning English as a foreign language
than English speakers learning a second language.
Foreigners often tell me English is an easy language to learn. It
should be. There is just so much of it around. On the radio, the
internet and very often in the workplace.
Foreigners think English is easy. But there is a variety of English
communication. There is a big step in thinking you know a language
and in being a good communicator.
Good cross-cultural communication takes some adjustments. Both
parties need to make an effort in finding a common understanding.
The Native English Speaker's Job
When a native English speaker is in a foreigner's home country,
often the native English speaker does most of the adjusting.
If the native English speaker has traveled before, this usually
happens naturally. He instinctively knows how to make it easy for
his foreign listener.
Non-native English speakers do not always realize how much the
English speaker will adapt his conversation to make it easy for him.
English speakers adjust their communication in several ways to make
it easier for non-native English speakers:
The Adjustment Process
I can easily forget the years of adjusting my conversation I went
through. This is what I remember I did:
-
Pay attention constantly to make sure
everyone understands the same thing.
-
Backtrack the conversation as soon as a
little doubt came up or if I was surprised by any reaction or
remark
-
Explained I was tired, when I was and finding
the effort too much.
I remember feeling as if I was doing all the
effort in making the conversations work. I remember being surprised
at many misunderstandings. I was also surprised at how and why they
happened.
Everyone has their own perceptions of their cross-cultural
communication. There is no right or wrong. There are only effective
and enriching cross-cultural exchanges.
Native-English speakers communicating with non-native English
speakers are in a situation with many different and uncontrollable
perceptions. Some perceptions are based on the person or culture,
and others on workplace specific conditions.
It is important for native-English speakers to remember to adjust
their own English communication during their first cross-cultural
encounters.
Practice Makes Productive Cross-Cultural
Communication
It takes practice to smooth over the hurdles caused by these
communication differences. The more conversations you have with
non-native English speakers the more you pick up receptive,
productive and interactive cross-cultural communication skills.
Seasoned English speaking international professionals end up
constantly using a reduced vocabulary. They have to adapt to so many
different language levels. This makes it very easy for their
non-native English-speaking partners to understand them. The
non-native speakers feel flattered. This reinforces their opinion
that English is a very easy language to learn.
I have lived in a non-English speaking country longer than I have in
my native English speaking home. Adjusting my own communication is
permanently on automatic.
My own day-to-day English is very simple and direct. I rely on
creating pictures with words to get specific points across.
Sometimes I get frustrated at limiting my own vocabulary. That's
when I hunt down stimulating conversation, or reading. And even
writing.
Language is important. How you use your language to communicate with
others is also important. Adjusting your English communication to
meet the language levels of others is part of an effective
communication process.
By Cindy King
Learn how to use cross-cultural communication web
marketing tools and international sales strategies for better
results. Visit
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