{"id":11464,"date":"2019-09-26T09:47:42","date_gmt":"2019-09-26T09:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/face\/?p=11464"},"modified":"2024-03-26T12:10:14","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T12:10:14","slug":"language-barriers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/language-barriers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to communicate when language fails"},"content":{"rendered":"Approx read: <\/span> 3<\/span> mins<\/span><\/span>

Getting your point across can be tricky at the best of times.<\/span><\/h2>\n

But for travellers who seek out remote or isolated parts of the world, language barriers can sometimes present a serious obstacle to staying safe.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Whether it\u2019s asking for help with a broken-down vehicle or explaining that a member of your party is injured and requires medical assistance, you need to be able to bridge that communication gap quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, you need to learn the skills necessary for non-verbal or limited language communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

And make no mistake, this is a powerful tool in the arsenal of more intrepid travellers. When you\u2019re stranded on a lonely mountain pass with only a local goat herd for assistance, you\u2019ll need to employ every technique going to get your point across.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, the next time you\u2019re miles from civilisation – and the convenience of the English-speaking world – try these tips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Keep calm and carry on<\/span><\/h4>\n

Despite the temptation to raise your voice, shouting can be counterproductive. <\/span><\/p>\n

Not only does a raised voice fail to help someone understand a language they\u2019re not familiar with but it can also provoke a defensive response – causing your would-be helper to react in a similarly aggressive manner. Breathe deeply, keep your voice at a normal volume and be aware of your body language.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Ditch the shades<\/span><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re wearing sunglasses, take them off. <\/span><\/p>\n

The eyes are the window to the soul, they say, and the difference between someone aggressively barking orders in a foreign tongue and pleading for help during a crisis can often come down to the way they\u2019re looking at you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Maintain eye contact to ensure you\u2019re not misunderstood and have someone\u2019s full attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Utilise body language to convey info quickly<\/span><\/h4>\n

There may be some 6,000 languages spoken on this planet, but there\u2019s only one way of frowning and one way of pointing. <\/span><\/p>\n

While experts may differ on the percentage of everyday communication which is non-verbal, they all agree that clear and precise body language can communicate ideas simply and quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

A facial expression and a gesture of the arms can convey \u201csomething bad has happened in that direction,\u201d to almost anyone on Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Leave synonyms at home<\/span><\/h4>\n

Consistency is key when attempting to impart crucial information.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need to communicate the word \u2018car\u2019, use the word \u2018car. Don\u2019t suddenly change to \u2018vehicle\u2019 or \u2018jeep\u2019 or \u2018minivan\u2019 or any other synonym of that word – unless, of course, you think it is a word they will be more familiar with.<\/span><\/p>\n

People can quickly pick up on new language – but not if you keep changing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Use simple constructions<\/span><\/h4>\n

Forget conditional forms, idiomatic (non-literal) language or fancy tenses, keep sentences ultra short and ultra simplified. \u201cCar no good\u201d stands a much greater chance of being understood than \u201cThere seems to be a problem with the car.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Keep your ears open<\/span><\/h4>\n

Communication is a two-way street. Even with no common language, you can often get an idea of what someone is saying by picking up on body-language and simple words\/phrases which seem relevant to your predicament. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPolice\u201d, \u201cdoctor\u201d, \u201cfollow\u201d, \u201cwait\u201d – how soon until you start to get a hang of what\u2019s being said to you?<\/span><\/p>\n

How a little language goes a long way<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n