How would you amend your communication with people if they did not speak English proficiently?

Provide at least eight examples.

 

In the said situation, having a fluent speaker on hand who is either a trained interpreter, a staff member, or adult family member is ideal, but not always possible. Hopefully, the practical tips covered below will prove helpful.

Be respectful and aware that English is a difficult language.

Awareness that English is not an easy language to understand is a good start to adjust to this situation. Try to appreciate the struggle of those who have to put great effort into speaking and understanding English as their second language. Being respectful, clear, and empathetic will help make your interactions with non-native speakers better.

Keep it simple.

Try to avoid using complex words or phrases, or terms that may be difficult to understand from a foreign perspective. Basic words such as hello, good, give, please, more, and low will be better choices than positive, cooperate, increase, decrease. Keep sentences simple as well and avoid using run-on sentences.

Speak more slowly.

Speaking at a slower rate will help anyone who is less familiar with the language. By speaking at an appropriate pace, you'll make it easier on the non-native speaker you are interacting with, and allow them to get more out of the conversation. Also when people don't understand our language, there is a tendency for us to treat the situation as if they are deaf without realizing it. Articulate your words in shorter phrases, rather than just increasing the volume of your voice.

Enunciate clearly and use voice intonation.

Enunciate clearly so the receiver can understand what you're saying. Pronounce your words fully and remember to pause when needed, such as between sentences or subject matters. Also use the tone of your voice to help deliver the message you are trying to convey by signifying various different moods and emotions.

Use body language.

Body language can make interactions clearer no matter what languages your contacts speak. Hand gestures help give context to your speech, and can both prompt and signal different messages. Your facial expressions and posture can also provide context. As always for effective communication, be sure to make eye contact with the person you are interacting with.

Give and seek feedback.

Even if you are using simpler words and shorter sentences, you can't be certain that the receiver understood your point or there has been communication until the receiver acknowledges it with feedback. Many misunderstandings go unnoticed by both parties, so don't assume that you are automatically understood by the receiver. Clarify if the receiver has questions. It is important to note that cultural practices can vary when it comes to answering direct questions, for example, it may be seen as more polite or appropriate to just agree (even without fully understanding it) than to give a negative response.

Repeat if necessary.

Much of what we gain from a conversation is in the context or general content of the discussion. Repeat key phrases and summarize important points as much as possible. 

Avoid using idioms and acronyms.

Every culture has a language of its own that includes many acronyms and idioms. These can hinder communication since non-native speakers are unaware of the context of such acronyms, common expressions, and idioms.