How to beat the barrier language when you are living in a foreign country.
By: Sofia Moresi
Tags: Self-awareness, Language, Self Improvement, Tips And Tricks

How to beat the barrier language when you are living in a foreign country.

As a traveler and non native english speaker I’ve been always used to work hard to make me understand with others.

I was lucky enough to travel around the world lot from a young age, most of it on my own. Visiting a wide variety of countrys, cultures and dealing with different languages.

Communication had never been an issue before. I am of the one’s that think that with a big smile, body language and a good amount of will you can get anybody to understand you.

Let’s add google translator now, which can be very handy.

But then, Turkey became my personal challenge. After three months traveling the country I decided to settle for a while. So I moved to a city where nobody spoke english, and the turkish vocabulary I was very proud of wasn’t enough for daily life.

I understood how different is traveling than living in a place where you don’t speak the native language, the barrier stops being something fun to become in frustration.

It can be really desperating when you are trying to communicate and what you get is someone talking louder and slower.

After back to back word exchanges that got me nowhere, I even stopped trying the words I knew, because I didn’t want to feel that frustration. Eventually, I found myself exposed to the feeling of not belonging.

So, if you identify with the experience, you may eventually have thought of escaping away. Just because you think you don’t fit in.

But before you decide to scape from this crude reality, remember the reasons that led you to live there in the first place. And if it’s worth it for you, give everything you have to make it work and learn as much as possible from this unique experience.

This is my piece of advice.

1. Train the patience muscle

This may seem obvious, but after several unsuccessful attempts of communication it is easy to forget. I did.

Remember that whenever you want to do something, it will probably take more time and energy than you estimated. Applies for every topic: bureaucratic papers, shopping, attend to a course. Always try to anicipate the move.

What do you need to know/get?

How are you going to ask for it?

Arrive there knowing what is that you need to figure and how you are going to ask for it. Use the translator, search some pictures that illustrate what you need. It will make the difference for you and the interlocutor.

When you feel you are being pulled by someone in a hurry, get away from from them. Without understanding the language plus rushing yourself, will never be a good combination. So save yourself the bitter cup.

2. Be respectful of your interlocutor

If you don’t speak the native language, for locals you are a tourist in their land.

Sometimes we assume the entire world works in english but the truth is not. Specially if you go far from capital cities.

You are the one who speaks a language other than the local one.

Whatever reason that made you do it: studying, working, traveling, something lead you to this experience. Whereas people is just living their regular daily life.

I know how frustrating is not being able to express yourself. Sometimes you try hard and you don’t even get a look in your eyes. That can also happen.

But imagine being on the other side. There are many people in this world who never spoke another language, they just didn’t have that chance. And when you just assume that they should understand you, they may feel less.

Having the opportunity to live life in another country is a privilege, which allows you to know and observe different areas of the world.

Use that wisdom that life is giving you embrace your empathy.

Just by changing the words of the opening conversation, you make a difference in the perception of the receptor.

Be grateful for the time and comprehension coming from the other side. Not everybody has the spirit to give you some of their energy.

3. Learning a few words never hurt anyone

It may be that you are trying to learn the language because you need it, or it may not. You are surrounded by other people who speak the same language as you.

Knowing a few words will be helpful. Why?

Because the locals will mostly appreciate it when they see that you are trying. It can make them decide if they are trying to be helpful or they will just ignore you.

It will help you integrate with the culture and you need this. It doesn’t matter the length of the experience. In this present, this is your home. Keep living as an outsider will take you closer to the non belonging feeling.

Is an amazing brain exercise that you can transform in a game.

Start with basic, like things you eat, or you usually buy.

Play with the language. How would you get some bread from the bakery?

Simple acts from daily life will make the difference.

4. Namaste

Actually, this is something I found in a book that proposes that when you meet a person, you say in your mind «Namaste». This Sanskrit word means «The spirit that is in me honors the spirit that is in you».

Somehow in doing so I began to feel peace, giving me calm before each conversation began.

I think, it is a way of acknowledging that despite our borders, politics, religion and language barriers, we are all the same. Human beings trying to discover how life works.

When you do, your head naturally tilts down a bit and the other person can sense your respect.

Give it a try, it may work for you too.