The ways to overcome the language barrier

The problem of language barrier is shown in this article. There are various definitions of this issue from different sources, types of language barrier and the ways of coping with it. The result of solving the language barrier problem while speaking foreign language is given in the end of the article.

Keywords: language barrier, foreign, problem, vocabulary, knowledge, language skills.

В данной статье рассматривается проблема языкового барьера у изучающих иностранный яззык. Приводятся определения языкового барьера из разных источников, виды данной проблемы и способы ее преодоления. В завершении статьи подводится итог, результатом которого является пути решения преодоления языкового барьера при говорении на иностранном языке.

Have you had the problem of disability to speak or express your thoughts clearly in the target language? Haven’t you been able to formulate a thought and convey it verbally despite the fact that you studied grammar, enriched your vocabulary, translated texts, wrote letters, watched movies, listened to music and understood the content for a long time? A lot of learners of foreign languages face the challenge of language barrier.

Language is the key to a person’s self-identity. It enables the person to express emotions, share feelings, tell stories, and convey complex messages and knowledge. Language is our greatest mediator that allows us to relate and understand each other. It can be defined as a system of conceptual symbols that allows us to communicate. It also provides us with a significant frame of reference and a relational context that sustains our identities. [1]

Oxford dictionary defines it as a barrier to communication between people who are unable to speak a common language. Whereas Wiktionary gives definitions: a figurative phrase for the difficulties faced when people who have no language in common attempt to communicate with each other.

To overcome language barrier it is necessary to find out the reasons of its occurrence. There are two types of language barrier. They are linguistic and psychological. The linguistic aspect of the language barrier is associated with the application of theoretical knowledge in practice. You know grammar and vocabulary, but the mechanism for activating the necessary memory cells in a particular situation has not yet been worked. You can perfectly do complex timing exercises, but get stuck trying to order a drink at the pub. Difficulties with the perception of native speakers in real time play a crucial role here. Even if you completed listening tasks in class, watched films and even listened to the news in the original, then communication with the same bartender will be complicated by many unusual factors, for example, the speaker's accent, tone and manner of speech, mood, eventually, the clatter of glasses in the background.

The psychological aspect of the language barrier is a reflection of our inner fears and diffidence. The very atypical situation of communicating with a foreigner in a foreign language makes a person feel uncomfortable. We are afraid of making a mistake, looking stupid, and also feeling embarrassed in front of the native speaker. There are some things that make us feel confused such as low tempo, pronunciation, incorrect stress. We are afraid of not being understood by our interlocutor, and our worst nightmare is to remain incomprehensible and start talking again. As a result, we feel like the dog: it understands everything, but it cannot say anything. The reasons for the psychological barrier are much deeper. It is based on a person's fear of making a mistake in a conversation with a native speaker and lack of confidence in their knowledge. Perhaps the fear of speaking with mistakes arises from improper teaching and the methodology chosen by the teacher. That is why it is necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics of each student separately and find the right approach. Another possible reason for the psychological barrier is the absence of motivation. The lack of the need to speak and express one's thoughts is a very important obstacle to overcome the language barrier. [2]

Reasons for a language barrier:

1. Difficulty of memorizing irules, words and phrases. No language can be learned with a dictionary alone. Words cannot be learned without context, and expressions and idioms cannot be used universally.
2. Lack of speaking practice;
3. Fear of saying wrong;
4. Lack of active and necessary vocabulary;
5. The wrong approach to speaking (for example, the desire to literally translate a phrase into a foreign language);
6. Difficulty with pronunciation. [3]

How to deal with the language barrier?

Practice ahead of time.

Practice everyday situations before entering an English-speaking environment. Speak through typical dialogues such as “getting directions”, “ordering at a cafe”, “checking into a hotel”. You should practice orally as in this way you will accurately record the necessary phrases and formulations in the mind, and, if necessary, remember them automatically. Preparing for the predictable makes dealing the unforeseen easier.

Allow yourself to be wrong.

Remember, you are not on the exam. Nobody will evaluate you, nothing depends on whether you express yourself correctly or not. Only the one who does nothing is not mistaken.

Don't be shy about your speech.

Imperfect knowledge of a foreign language is not a reason to be ashamed. Yes, now your grammar is not perfect, your pronunciation is lame, but this is a necessary step on the way to a higher level. The same goes for the accent: this is not a mistake, but just a feature of your speech. Your errors and hesitations will surely be treated favorably, moreover, they may not even pay attention to them at all. The other person is more likely to appreciate your enthusiasm, and help you through the conversation.

Repeat and ask again if necessary.

Do not give up on the situation if something goes wrong. Repeat your words loudly and clearly or reformulate if it is necessary. When the other person speaks too quickly, do not be embarrassed and ask him to speak more slowly — such requests are always treated with understanding.

Take advantage of the moment and appreciate it.

Remember that communication in the environment is a unique experience. The opportunity to speak with native speakers in a foreign language is not often provided and the practice is invaluable. The knowledge gained from personal experience will give a much more effective result than the theory from the textbook.

Challenge yourself to practice even more. Instead of silently poking a menu item in a cafe, try placing an order verbally. Use your navigator less and ask passers-by for directions more often. Initiate as much communication as possible, because communication practice is your main goal.

The linguistic language barrier can be solved by several ways:

– Learning the song.

This method helps to develop listening skills and memory. It also enriches your vocabulary and helps to keep up with the time. As modern songs introduce us new expressions and slang.

– Read aloud

To be confident in speaking you need to learn words and expressions, pronounce them not in a whisper, but clearly and loudly;

– Ask

If you are not sure of the correct meaning of the words be free to ask you to explain this or that word or phrase;

– Avoid the words that you do not understand

Otherwise it can lead you to a dead end at the end of the conversation;

It is better to train with different accents.

– Translate everything you see

It is a good exercise to activate your passive vocabulary in the right moment.

A language barrier is the difficulty of expressing one's own thoughts or the difficulty of understanding a foreign language associated with fear or shame. While learning English it seems that everything is clear in the book: you freely read and translate texts, after thinking a little, make up sentences yourself, have a basic vocabulary. But as soon as you have to speak in real life for example, at customs, at the airport, in a foreign hotel, it seems as if you are paralyzed, and you cannot remember even the elementary words.

The most effective way to remove the language barrier is to communicate in English. It allows you to give maximum practice of all language skills and speech skills, to influence the emotional state, to call and encourage speaking.

References:

1. Imberti, 2007
2. Anna Kartashova, http://www.galau.com/ru/article/language_barrier_whatisit
3. https://easyspeak.ru/blog/sovety-i-sekrety/kak-preodolet-yazykovoj-barer-v-anglijskom