what is language barrier essay

Home — Essay Samples — Science — Language — Effects of Language Barriers

Effects of Language Barriers

• Categories: Language

About this sample

Words: 278 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 278 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

Table of contents

Definition and types of language barriers, impacts on personal communication, effects on business and professional communication, sociocultural implications, solutions to overcome language barriers, case study/examples.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

• Expert in: Science

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 1037 words

2 pages / 806 words

1 pages / 490 words

2 pages / 1069 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Language

Native language is often overlooked as something that people use instinctively, but it actually plays a crucial role in shaping one's identity (Norton, 2019). The connection between language and identity is not only direct [...]

The English language is widely regarded as the global lingua franca, serving as a common means of communication for people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. However, despite its widespread use, the English language presents a [...]

Vygotsky's theory of speech, also known as the sociocultural theory, has had a significant impact on the field of developmental psychology. This theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and cultural context in the [...]

Language learning has become an essential tool for individuals to succeed in their personal and professional lives. As a multilingual AI language model, I understand the importance of language learning firsthand. In this essay, [...]

Throughout history the English language has changed dramatically, and to this day continues evolving. The Modern English language spoken today is derived from Old English, which was spoken for centuries until around 1100. As [...]

The qualitative study of Landmark and her team was participated by Norwegian physicians and patients as they explored series of recordings of physician’s prescribed therapy to their respective patients. Through these records, [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Medical Information

Language Barrier: Understanding its Impact, Challenges, and Strategies for Effective Communication

Introduction:.

A language barrier refers to the difficulty or inability to communicate effectively due to differences in language and linguistic abilities between individuals. Language barriers can occur in various settings, including healthcare, education, business, and social interactions. This comprehensive article aims to provide an understanding of language barriers, exploring their impact, challenges they pose, and strategies to overcome them for effective communication and meaningful interactions.

Impact of Language Barriers:

Language barriers can have significant implications for individuals and communities:

• Limited access to information: Language barriers can restrict individuals from accessing important information, services, and resources, leading to disparities in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
• Miscommunication and misunderstandings: Ineffective communication due to language barriers can result in misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and misdiagnoses, leading to errors, conflicts, or suboptimal outcomes.
• Social isolation and exclusion: Language barriers can contribute to social isolation, as individuals may struggle to participate fully in social, cultural, and community activities.
• Reduced trust and confidence: Inability to communicate fluently in a shared language can lead to decreased trust, confidence, and satisfaction in interpersonal interactions and professional relationships.

Challenges of Language Barriers:

Language barriers present several challenges to effective communication:

• Linguistic differences: Different languages have unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, making it challenging to convey messages accurately and understand nuances.
• Cultural differences: Language is closely intertwined with culture, and understanding cultural contexts and norms is essential for effective communication.
• Non-verbal communication: Language barriers can hinder the interpretation and understanding of non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures, which are important for conveying meaning.
• Limited resources and support: In certain contexts, resources and support for translation, interpretation, or language assistance may be limited, further exacerbating language barriers.

Strategies for Effective Communication:

Overcoming language barriers requires proactive strategies and approaches:

• Professional interpreters: Utilize trained interpreters or translators proficient in both languages to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive communication.
• Use of technology: Employ language translation tools, mobile applications, or video conferencing services that offer real-time translation capabilities.
• Simple and clear language: Use plain language, avoid jargon or technical terms, and break down complex information into simpler concepts to enhance comprehension.
• Visual aids and gestures: Incorporate visual aids, diagrams, pictures, or gestures to supplement verbal communication and facilitate understanding.
• Cultural competence: Develop cultural competence by learning about and respecting cultural norms, practices, and customs to foster better cross-cultural communication.
• Patience and active listening: Demonstrate patience, active listening, and empathy when communicating with individuals who have limited language proficiency, allowing for clarification and understanding.

Community and Policy Considerations:

Addressing language barriers requires a collective effort and policy considerations:

• Language support services: Ensure the availability of language support services, such as interpreters, translators, or bilingual staff, in public institutions, healthcare facilities, and service-oriented organizations.
• Education and awareness: Promote cultural competency training, language access policies, and awareness campaigns to foster inclusive and equitable communication practices.
• Collaboration and partnerships: Encourage collaboration between diverse communities, organizations, and language service providers to develop sustainable solutions and improve language access.

Conclusion:

Language barriers can significantly impact effective communication and meaningful interactions. Understanding the challenges they pose and employing strategies to overcome them are crucial for fostering inclusive environments, providing equitable access to services, and building stronger connections across linguistic and cultural divides. By prioritizing effective communication, we can bridge language barriers and promote understanding, respect, and inclusivity in our increasingly diverse societies.

Hashtags: #LanguageBarrier #EffectiveCommunication #CulturalCompetence #LanguageAccess

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Alexander Enabnit

Alexandra Warren

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test your knowledge, asked by users, related centers, related specialties, related physicians, related procedures, related resources, join dovehubs.

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process. Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness. As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

For Patients

For professionals, for partners.

Humphrey Fellows at Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication – ASU

Exploring the world through servant leadership

My experience dealing with a language barrier

• CevherShare

My biggest challenge in the United States is the language barrier. Even after a year here, I very often face difficulties in communication. I did not grow up listening to American music or watching American television, and I did not have enough learning opportunities during my youth. Being an adult, it is only harder to confront these challenges in communication. Ironically, I was invited to share with a high school class of Spanish speakers how I am dealing with this challenging situation.

First of all, I recognize that I have a weakness. Usually, I warn people that I am learning English in case they don’t understand me. I don’t mind repeating or rephrasing. Secondly, I listen carefully, making sure that I have comprehended correctly. Even if I don’t understand something the first time, I’ve realized the best thing to do is to ask for clarification and to not be afraid to raise questions as many time it is necessary. Watching people speak also help me to add new words, expressions or entire phrases to my vocabulary. In addition, to be a better English speaker, I have exposed myself to the local culture, and in my case, every night I watch short videos, news or movies.

However, my big fear is public speaking. I don’t feel confident in conversation, and, to add to that, I have a natural nervousness being on the stage.  I might not be the right person to give advice on public speaking, but I’ve found that being calm and paying attention to your respiration while speak slowly and getting plenty of practice are good tips. Another strategy that works for me is what I am doing right now–writing down what I want to speak. This is good because I already have some words and sentences in my mind, instead of improvising during the presentation. I received this method from a colleague who is a native English speaker.

All this is a lot of effort, but it doesn’t avoid criticism from others. It doesn’t stop questionings faces, laughs, and misunderstandings. Do not let these challenges push you down.  Observe your small success. For example, I noticed that I usually pay more attention to my few hard times than I do to the countless successful communications I had through the day.

Finally, speaking a new idiom will make a difference in your personal and professional life. It will help you to connect with people from different nationalities, share your experiences, learn from others, be friendly and secure more professional opportunities.

Related Posts

A trip to us-mexico borderlands in nogales: when commitment & trust meet up.

June 18, 2014 September 24, 2021

What a desert can teach a Humphrey Fellow?

June 9, 2014 September 24, 2021

An inspiring night with Forest Whitaker

April 24, 2014 September 24, 2021

About Ivana Braga

Language Barrier in Education and Social Life Research Paper

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Immigration causes differences in language and lifestyle. Language barriers refer to challenges experienced when one tries to communicate with an individual or people who speak a different language. This phenomenon is common in areas where there is a conglomeration of people from diverse backgrounds like culture and nationality. The term is also used to refer to problems encountered by immigrants when learning a foreign language (Kim & Mattila, 2011).

Due to these challenges, there have been efforts to eliminate or reduce the impact of these differences especially in international learning institutions. Differences in language cause difficulties in education and even social life and can be solved in many ways to become less problematic. Consequently, immigrants should be aware of language differences before moving, and this problem can be solved in a short period of time.

Language differences cause a major barrier in communication. Under normal circumstances, communication can only take place if there is a common language to be used as a link between the communicating parties.

It is quite common among immigrants, who find themselves in a foreign country, which uses a different language from his or her home language (Kim & Mattila, 2011). Because of this barrier, affected immigrants are prone to misunderstanding, since the information passed across cannot be accurately interpreted. What are some of these language differences?

As an element of cultural identity, human language is diverse and unique. For instance, English speakers are likely to encounter communication problems when interacting with Frenchmen because of the disjoint nature of the languages being used. Besides language uniqueness, the difference in accent affects the attainment of effective communication.

It is not surprising that some English-speaking students find the American accent to be a barrier to effective communication (Kim & Mattila, 2011). This problem arises from the fact that British English is more preferred by most international students and other immigrants. While this is the case, there are distinctive features, which define language accent.

These include pronunciations, stress and intonations. For the case of these immigrants, the problem of accent is usually complicated because of the diverse nature of the American culture. This is to mean that people from certain regions within the country may not understand one another, and the problem worsens when a third party from a different country is included (Green, 2009).

Another language difference that acts as a communication barrier is the presence of phrases and idioms. In the case of American English, communication involves the usage of an array of phrases and idioms, which carry meanings that are different from the literal meaning of the root words used (Green, 2009).

This can be a major communication problem, especially when immigrants do not have exposure to the phrases and idioms, which are commonly used. Many would get confused and misunderstood because of these distinctive differences.

Language structure also creates differences among world languages, thus affecting immigrants. A good example is the universally recognized sentence structure of subject-verb-object in English (Green, 2009). This broadly differs from Japanese sentence structure, subject-object-verb. Additionally, some international languages contain suffixes, which cannot be converted into another language, say English.

As a result, immigrants from such language backgrounds are likely to experience communication difficulties. Other factors include but not limited to culture, slang and language style. However, these barriers shouldn’t be problems when adapting new environments. This can be realized through familiarization of another country’s language before immigrating (Cronjé, 2009).

Language differences shouldn’t be a barrier in education because of the essence of learning, language is one of the things people learn. As an immigrant, it is important to have the willingness to learn new culture, which includes language, behavior and even lifestyle. While one may decide not to conform to a new country’s behavior, it is never optional to learn a new language in a foreign country (Cronjé, 2009).

In fact, it is believed that the process of learning a new language ought to be considered as an adaptive approach in overcoming a wide range of barriers encountered by immigrants. For one to be comfortable with learning a new language, it is essential to understand the pronunciation. As mentioned before, people from different countries pronounce words differently.

It is therefore, crucial for foreign students to identify difficult sounds for daily practice until confidence is gained. Additionally, learning preference should be given to words that are commonly used together with short phrases. For this to be successful, the learner needs to have an educated speaker who can help in correcting pronunciation mistakes (Cronjé, 2009).

Besides pronunciation, immigrants need to understand rhythm, intonation and stress, commonly used by native speakers of the foreign language. The simplest way of learning these elements is through imitation of native people that are educated. One can listen to some statements repetitively using audio and video tools (Cronjé, 2009).

This can be followed by trying to say the same phrases using a recording machine. In order for this to work, one has to repeat the process severally with an educated speaker for corrections. Skills gained from pronunciation lessons are essential in eliminating chances of misunderstandings during communication. Another way of learning a foreign language with ease is through borrowing or purchasing relevant materials, which are used by language learners.

These may include but not limited to dictionaries, audio textbooks and translation dictionaries (Sherry, Thomas & Wing, 2010). These tools help in minimizing language differences and communication barriers within a short period of time.

Although language differences could be a communication barrier, there are several methods of communication, which have been developed to overcome these challenges. In other words, there are numerous ways of conversing smoothly without acquiring foreign language proficiency (Sherry, Thomas & Wing, 2010).

For instance, it is possible to pass across information through written communication, which is a common method applied when dealing with figures and facts. Additionally, this method of communication is the most preferred when making presentations. Although it may have limitations to a person learning a new language, it is easy to keep record and make corrections where necessary.

Another commonly used method of communication today by language learners is nonverbal communication. This does not make use of oral communication skills and one may find it relevant, especially when he or she is still new in a foreign country. Nonverbal communication is also referred to as body language. It encompasses an array of elements, including gestures, actions and facial expressions (Smitherman, 2003).

With this approach, it is possible to communicate without necessarily speaking. In cases where both oral and nonverbal communication is used, harmony is essential to avoid misunderstanding and confusion. Nonetheless, variation and understanding of the sign language may pose a challenge, especially when the other party is new to it.

Although some people view language differences lightly, it is regarded as a major communication issue. This is based on the fact that poor communication has a wide range of negative effects, which are experienced in schools, health centers and in other settings (Smitherman, 2003). The most detrimental effect of language barriers is misunderstandings, arising from communication gaps.

Misunderstandings emanate from several instances, including, the use of slang or jargons, which are not universally recognized. Additionally, misunderstandings may arise from variation in accents due to diverse backgrounds and culture. It is doubtless that most conflicts in schools, families and even offices arise from misunderstandings. In essence, misunderstandings can breed frustrations and stress when a person is new in a foreign country.

In some cases, these misunderstandings have been closely linked to emerging cases of stress among foreign students (Smitherman, 2003). One may feel out of place when he or she can neither get what is being communicated nor share ideas effectively. As a result of stress and disconnection from the surrounding immigrants, they may opt to be alone by excluding themselves from joint activities like playing and academic group discussions.

Language barriers are also a major problem in written communication. Foreign students who do not understand the native language used in learning institutions find hardships in understanding lecture notes and other study materials (Roush, 2008). This is also experienced in written exams where students may have a correct idea, expressed wrongly due to ineffective communication.

In extreme cases of such misunderstandings in written communications, students may end up failing their exams or scoring low grades. The negative impact of language barriers can also be experienced in the corporate world. Oftentimes, immigrants looking for employment in foreign countries fail interview tests because of language barriers.

Due to communication gaps, employers might not see the value in a foreign applicant. This may emanate from language mistakes or wrong answering of questions caused by poor understanding of the language being used (Roush, 2008). Foreign students seeking admissions in learning institutions may also be less considered because of their ineffective communication skills.

Language barriers may also trigger cultural conflicts. For instance, different cultures have different ways of greeting each other or expressing gratitude. Based on such variations, it is possible for miscommunications to arise when certain things are not done the way they have been done before in one’s home country (Sherry, Thomas & Wing, 2010). This is therefore, a major challenge, which immigrants need to beware of before going to study or work a foreign country.

As globalization takes center stage and countries get smaller every day, there are new ways of communication that are being adopted. One of these approaches is language. The role played by any language, whether local or international is always immeasurable (Green, 2009). As discussed above, the purpose of a language gets undermined when there are differences, which breed communication barriers.

These barriers are common in settings, which have immigrants, who do not understand the native language of the foreign country. In fact, it is believed that poor communication stems from a plethora of issues, language barrier being one of them. It is highly advisable for immigrants to beware of language differences before moving, and this problem can be solved in a short period of time.

Cronjé, J. C. (2009). Qualitative assessment across language barriers: An action research study. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12 (2), 69-85.

Green, D. A. (2009). New academics’ perceptions of the language of teaching and learning: identifying and overcoming linguistic barriers. International Journal for Academic Development, 14 (1), 33-45.

Kim, E. & Mattila, A. (2011). The Impact of Language Barrier & Cultural Differences on Restaurant Experiences: A Grounded Theory Approach. University of Massachusetts Amherst . Web.

Roush, V. (2008). A Rational Approach to Race Relations: A Guide to Talking Straight about Contemporary Race Issues . Indiana: iUniverse.

Sherry, M., Thomas, P., & Wing, C. (2010). International students: a vulnerable student population. Higher Education, 60 (1), 33-46.

Smitherman, G. (2003). Talking that Talk: Language, Culture and Education in African America. London: Routledge.

• Computer-Mediated Communication
• Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace
• Teaching Speaking and Pronunciation
• P and B Pronunciation Among Arab Learners
• Hypothesis of the Pronunciation Words
• Foreign Language and Communication
• How Cultural Beliefs, Values, Norms and Practices Influence Communication
• Online Social Networks and Deontology
• Social Networks From Utilitarian Perspective
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Facebook in Modern Society
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2019, April 3). Language Barrier in Education and Social Life. https://ivypanda.com/essays/language-barrier-in-education-and-social-life/

"Language Barrier in Education and Social Life." IvyPanda , 3 Apr. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/language-barrier-in-education-and-social-life/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Language Barrier in Education and Social Life'. 3 April.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Language Barrier in Education and Social Life." April 3, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/language-barrier-in-education-and-social-life/.

1. IvyPanda . "Language Barrier in Education and Social Life." April 3, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/language-barrier-in-education-and-social-life/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Language Barrier in Education and Social Life." April 3, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/language-barrier-in-education-and-social-life/.

• Communication
• Interpretation
• Translation

Understanding and Overcoming Language Barriers: A Comprehensive Guide

In our increasingly globalized world, understanding the “language barrier meaning” is crucial for effective communication in personal and professional settings. At its core, a language barrier is any linguistic limitation that prevents mutual understanding. These barriers can manifest in various forms and significantly impact interactions, collaborations, and relationships. This article delves into the different types of language barriers, their implications, and practical strategies to overcome them.

What is a Language Barrier?

The term “language barrier” typically refers to the lack of a common language that prevents two or more people from communicating effectively. However, its meaning extends beyond just different native languages. It also encompasses proficiency differences, technical jargon, cultural variations, and physical impediments such as hearing loss or speech disorders.

Types of Language Barriers

• Literal Language Barriers: These occur when people speak entirely different languages or dialects. For instance, an English speaker traveling in China who encounters people only speaking Chinese faces a literal language barrier.
• Proficiency Barriers: These arise when individuals have varying proficiency levels in a common language, leading to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns.
• Technical Language Barriers: Specialized jargon within specific industries can create communication gaps. For example, a lawyer and a computer programmer might speak English but struggle to understand each other due to their specialized terminologies.
• Cultural Barriers: Different cultural norms and practices can also hinder effective communication. What seems normal in one culture may be confusing or even offensive in another.
• Language Disabilities: Physical conditions like stuttering or hearing loss can impede communication, making it challenging for affected individuals to convey or comprehend messages accurately.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Understanding the “language barrier meaning” is the first step towards overcoming it. Here are some practical strategies to help bridge these gaps:

• Use Plain Language: Simplify your language to ensure clarity. Avoid jargon and complex terms, and focus on clear, straightforward communication.
• Leverage Translation Services: Professional translation services can bridge linguistic gaps, ensuring that important documents and communications are accurately translated into the necessary languages.
• Employ Interpreters: For real-time communication, interpreters can facilitate conversations between individuals who speak different languages, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Cultural Sensitivity Training: Understanding and navigating cultural differences can significantly enhance communication. Training sessions can help employees and individuals become more culturally aware.
• Use Visual Aids: Diagrams, charts, and other visual tools can help explain complex concepts more clearly than words alone, especially in multilingual environments.
• Encourage Active Listening: Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. This practice helps ensure that all parties feel heard and understood.
• Provide Language Training: Offering language classes and ongoing learning opportunities can help individuals improve their language skills and enhance overall communication.

The Importance of Addressing Language Barriers Language barriers significantly impede progress in business, education, or personal relationships. They can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and missed opportunities. Understanding the “language barrier meaning” and implementing strategies to overcome these obstacles can foster better communication, collaboration, and mutual respect in our increasingly interconnected world. Our company specializes in providing comprehensive translation, localization, and interpretation services to help you navigate and overcome language barriers. Whether you need document translation, real-time interpreting, or cultural training, our expert team is here to assist you. If you have any questions or need tailored solutions for your specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s break down those language barriers together and open the door to more transparent, more effective communication.

Understanding the Rich Dialects of England: A Linguistic Journey

The English language, as spoken in England, is a tapestry…

You might also be interested in

Promoting Inclusivity in the Classroom

Inclusivity in the classroom is an essential component…

Unlocking Global Markets: Success Stories and…

In today's interconnected world, expanding into international markets…

How to Learn Another Language Efficiently

Learning another language is both a challenging and…

15215 52nd Avenue S., Suite 100 Seattle, WA 98188-2354 [email protected] 206.244.6709 Toll-free: 800.682.8242

• Interpreting
• Transcreation
• Transcription
• Subtitling & Voice Over
• Additional Services
• Localization
• Technology (IT/Product)
• Documentation
• Translate a File
• Interpret a Meeting
• Transcribe a Recording
• Automate Processes
• Translate a Video
• Other Industries
• Case studies
• White papers
• Privacy policy

Copyright 2023 © Dynamic Language. All rights reserved.

• List of Theories
• Privacy Policy
• Opt-out preferences

Language Barriers in Communication

Communication is one of the most essential aspects of human life. Communication is how human beings interact to convey messages, information or express emotions. Language is the medium through which the process of communication takes place. Language in communication can be verbal, i.e. Using words to read, write and speak or non-verbal i.e using signs, facial expressions or body language. Despite the variety of the means of communication, messages are sometimes not comprehended or simply misunderstood.

Source: cartoonresource/Adobe Stock

Such breaks in communication leading to a failure in the process are called ‘noise’ or ‘communication barriers’. These barriers include cultural diversities, ambiguity in communication and language barriers.

What are Language Barriers?

Language barriers are those features of language use that result in miscomprehension or complete loss in communication. Language barriers deal with aspects of language use that make it difficult to understand. This could be because of a variety of factors like differences in educational background, level of literacy and country or area of the language user.

Types of Language Barriers

A) foreign language.

Communication between people of different countries becomes difficult if neither of the speakers has a common language to communicate in. While knowledge of foreign languages is common practice among people certain languages are still a hurdle for people to learn and communicate. Many translation apps are available on the internet but they are not effective while communicating culture-specific use of languages like idioms, phrases, proverbs and allusions.

For example, the citizens of the USA do not just speak English as half of the population is Hispanics who speak their native language of Spanish. It, therefore, becomes necessary to be bilingual or a polyglot to be able to communicate effectively.

b) Dialects, Pidgin

Dialects are regional variants of a language and very rarely have a written script. People in different parts of a state or country develop and use a regional variety of the official language as a result of the influence of other languages or gradual changes in pronunciation of a particular language. Dialects are distinct from one another even though they have the same language as the base. English spoken in the UK has 37 dialects! The use of dialects in workplaces or areas away from where it is practised may result in miscommunication.

Pidgin is a version of the language that arises when users of two different languages create an in-between language that eases communication. Words and grammatical forms of either language are adopted into use and a pidgin is formed. This is usually a second language and is used only when speakers who know the pidgin version needed to communicate.

For example – people from the country of Papa New Guinea have adopted a pidgin from English where they make sentences like “yu no ken kaminsait” (you no can come inside) instead of “do not disturb” and they use “big school” instead of university.

Accents are peculiar ways of pronouncing words of a language. English is spoken in many other accents other than the standard Received Pronunciation. Accents occur when speakers belonging to different regions or countries speak a language not their own. Their mother tongue will influence how they pronounce words in the foreign language. This causes difficulty in understanding what is being said.

For example – although English is a universally spoken language, the accents adopted by each country easily reveal which part of the world they come from. So, we can recognize accents like British, American, African, Indian, Australian, Irish, far Eastern, etc.

d) Jargon and Slang

Jargon is language or words that are specific to a particular profession. Excessive use of jargon in communication may make comprehension difficult. For example – a doctor’s prescription, the results of a medical test, financial and legal documents need interpretation of experts for the layman.

Slang refers to those words or expressions that are peculiar to a group of persons who are familiar with it. It is an informal language that persons of a close-knit group coin to indicate shared experience or emotion. It may be considered offensive by people who are not familiar with it.

For example, use a lot of slang words that are not the most familiar with Millennials or the baby boomers. For example, words such as ‘dope’ or ‘lit’ (used to emphasize something which is personally liked) are some of the slang words which are commonly used by Gen Z teens today, which the millennials or the baby boomers are relatively unaware of.

e) Word Choice – ambiguity, verbosity

The choice of words made by a speaker is a result of his/ her knowledge and mastery of the language. However, one must be careful while framing sentences or using particular being aware of the multiple meanings of the words (connotative, denotative) and their uses in idioms and phrases. Idioms and phrases are expressions typical to a language. It requires practice and continuous reading to become familiar with the meaning they convey and to understand how they are to be used in conversations and writing.

For example – when someone says “Stop pulling my leg all the time”, it makes an ambiguous sentence as the listener isn’t sure if the speaker means their leg or if it’s the idiom being used.

Verbosity or wordiness can also make the message obscure. The use of unfamiliar words or more words creates fatigue in the mind of the reader making for a break in communication.

For example – a simple sentence like “she likes to enjoy sunsets” can be made verbose by framing a sentence like “She has the preference for relishing eventide.”

f) Literacy and Vocabulary

Effective communication also depends on the literacy level of the users of the language. The far eastern countries such as Japan, Korea etc prefer their native languages over English and pursue their formal education in Mandarin or Hangeul. Hence they get limited access or exposure to the language of English. This results in limited vocabulary and very little reading of the literature of the English language. Communicating in English at a cosmopolitan workplace makes speakers conscious of their limitations in the use of language and how it becomes a barrier to communication.

g) Grammar and Spelling

Grammatical errors while speaking or writing distort the message and therefore act as a barrier to communication.

For example –

• Agreement between subject and verb The recommendations suggested is carried out. (the subject ‘recommendations’ and the verb ‘is’ do not agree as one is plural and the other is singular) the correct form of the sentence would be – The recommendations suggested are carried out.
• Mismatch between pronoun and noun Mr. Jeff has been assigned the task. It is expected that s he complete it within the time limit allocated.
• Use of between and among The amount is to be divided equally among all of you. The two brothers may decide between them how much they choose to share with the rest. (Among implies a number more than two while between indicates only two)

Spelling errors too affect communication.

For example – sentences involving the use of their, there and they’re

• The employees received their share of the profits. (possessive pronoun)
• There are sixty women working here. (demonstrative adjective)
• The management ensures that they’re informed of all issues concerning the company (contracted form of ‘they are’)

Confusion in the use of homophones

• Principal – Principle
• Weather – Whether
• Stationary – Stationery
• Story – Storey

Tips to Overcome Language Barriers

Develop proficiency in the language: The foremost requirement while communicating is a good level of proficiency in the respective language.

However, certain other activities may also aid in this attempt.

• Learning a foreign language or a vernacular, at least the words and sentences that are essential is a good technique to survive in an unfamiliar country.
• Watching English movies will ensure exposure to a variety of dialects, accents and tones.
• Dictionaries, Thesaurus and online apps will help understanding jargon, slang, idioms and phrases.
• Speaking and writing using simple, precise and clear language will help avoid ambiguity and verbosity.
• Attending language classes or taking up online courses, practice activity books and online exercises will come in handy for students who need training in English.
• The use of grammar and spell check apps will reduce errors in writing and speaking.

Related Posts:

• Barriers to Effective Communication
• Cultural Barriers of Communication
• Physical/Environmental Barriers
• Causes of Psychological Barriers - Definition and Examples
• Semantic Barriers
• Mis communication

Thanks for great help 2

I found this blog post to be very informative. I have always been interested in learning more about language barriers in communication, and this post has given me a lot to think about. Thank you for writing it!

I find this note to be very accurate, It got all I needed to know in language barrier. Thank you

Best informative site ever

Leave a Comment

Next post: Scientific Management | Taylorism

Previous post: Servant Leadership

• Advertising, Public relations, Marketing and Consumer Behavior
• Business Communication
• Communication / General
• Communication Barriers
• Communication in Practice
• Communication Models
• Cultural Communication
• Development Communication
• Group Communication
• Intercultural Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Mass Communication
• Organisational Communication
• Political Communication
• Psychology, Behavioral And Social Science
• Technical Communication
• Visual Communication

Communication Theory

Lost in Translation: How Language Barriers Affect Classroom Communication

The classroom is a melting pot of diversity, where students from different linguistic backgrounds unite to pursue knowledge and academic growth. However, this diversity can present unique challenges in the form of language barriers. Language barriers occur when individuals struggle to communicate effectively due to language proficiency and understanding differences. In an educational setting, language barriers can significantly disrupt the flow of information, hamper engagement, and limit meaningful interactions between students and educators.

1.1 How Language Barriers Affect Classroom Communication:

Language is the key to effective communication, serving as a conduit for understanding, expression, and learning. In the classroom, comprehending and articulating ideas in the language of instruction is crucial for academic success. However, classrooms often comprise diverse students with linguistic backgrounds and language proficiency levels. This diversity can lead to language barriers, impeding seamless communication and significantly impacting the learning experience for both students and educators.

A. The Complexity of Language Barriers

Language barriers arise when individuals face difficulties in understanding, speaking, reading, or writing the language used for instruction. These barriers can manifest in various ways, such as limited vocabulary, unfamiliarity with academic language, different linguistic structures, or accents. Moreover, cultural nuances and interpretations can further complicate effective communication, even when a common language is seemingly shared.

In educational settings, language barriers can be particularly challenging. Students who struggle to grasp the language of instruction may find it difficult to follow lectures, comprehend study materials, or actively engage in classroom discussions. This lack of understanding not only affects their academic performance but also their overall educational experience.

B. Impact on Classroom Communication

• Understanding and Comprehension: Language barriers can hinder students’ understanding and comprehension of lessons. The academic content may be overwhelming or confusing for those who are not proficient in the language being used. Consequently, students may fall behind in their studies and struggle to grasp fundamental concepts.
• Participation and Engagement: Language barriers often result in reduced participation and engagement. Students may feel hesitant to contribute to class discussions or ask questions due to fear of making mistakes or being misunderstood. This lack of involvement can isolate them from the learning process.
• Misinterpretation and Miscommunication: Misinterpretation of instructions, assignments, or assessments is a common consequence of language barriers. Students might misconstrue what is expected of them, leading to errors in their work and potentially affecting their grades and academic progress.
• Teacher-Student Relationship: Effective communication between teachers and students is vital for academic support and guidance. Language barriers can strain this communication, making it challenging for teachers to understand students’ needs and provide appropriate assistance.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Language barriers can have a profound emotional impact on students. They may experience frustration, embarrassment, or low self-esteem due to their inability to communicate effectively. These negative emotions can hinder their motivation and enthusiasm for learning.
• Peer Interaction and Collaboration: Effective collaboration and interaction with peers are essential components of the learning process. Language barriers can isolate students, impeding their ability to work well in groups or engage in collaborative activities, which are crucial for holistic development.

C. Addressing Language Barriers:

Efforts to mitigate the effects of language barriers are crucial for ensuring an inclusive and equitable educational environment. Schools and educators can implement several strategies:

• Language Support Programs: Establish language support programs to assist students in improving their language skills, providing additional tutoring or classes focused on language development.
• Clear Communication: Ensure clear and concise communication in the classroom, using visual aids, gestures, and simple language to enhance understanding.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Foster an environment of cultural sensitivity and understanding, valuing linguistic and cultural diversity within the classroom.
• Inclusive Teaching Methods: Utilize inclusive teaching methods that cater to diverse learning styles and linguistic backgrounds, ensuring that all students can actively participate and engage.
• Peer Support and Partnerships: Encourage peer support and partnerships within the classroom, promoting collaboration and helping students learn from each other.

Language barriers in the classroom pose significant challenges for both students and educators. Understanding the profound impact of these barriers on classroom communication is the first step toward finding effective solutions. By fostering inclusivity, providing necessary language support, and adopting strategies that bridge linguistic gaps, we can create an enriching educational experience that empowers all students to succeed. Breaking down language barriers ultimately leads to a more harmonious and productive educational environment where diversity is celebrated and every student has an equal opportunity to thrive.

1.2 Solutions to Overcoming Language _ Barriers in Classroom Communication:

Language barriers can present substantial challenges in the education process, hindering effective communication and impeding the learning process for students with diverse linguistic backgrounds. To create an inclusive and conducive learning environment, it is essential to identify and implement strategies that help mitigate the impact of these language barriers. Now, we will discuss various solutions to foster better classroom communication and enhance the educational experience for all students.

• Bilingual and Multilingual Support: One of the fundamental solutions to addressing language _ barriers is providing bilingual or multilingual support within the classroom. This can be achieved through bilingual educators, support staff, or peer mentors who can assist students in understanding and translating instructions, materials, and academic content. Offering instruction and support in multiple languages helps bridge the linguistic gap and ensures that all students can comprehend the subject matter effectively.
• Language Assistance Programs: Implementing language assistance programs is another crucial step toward alleviating language barriers. These programs can involve additional language classes, workshops, or tutoring sessions tailored to meet the specific linguistic needs of students struggling with the language of instruction. Such programs aim to enhance language proficiency and comprehension, empowering students to actively engage in classroom discussions and academic activities.
• Clear and Visual Communication: Utilizing clear and visual communication methods can significantly aid in overcoming language barriers. Teachers should employ visual aids, diagrams, charts, and multimedia presentations to supplement verbal communication. Visual cues can assist in conveying ideas and concepts, providing an alternative means of understanding for students with varying language skills.
• Encourage Peer Collaboration: Promoting peer collaboration and group activities is an effective strategy for combating language barriers. Assigning group projects or partnering with students with diverse language backgrounds encourages them to work together, helping each other grasp the subject matter. Collaboration fosters peer learning and exposes students to different linguistic styles and communication methods, enriching their educational experience.
• Inclusive Teaching Methods: Teachers can adopt inclusive teaching methods that cater to diverse learning styles and linguistic backgrounds. This includes incorporating multiple modalities of instruction, such as auditory, visual, and kinesthetic approaches. Tailoring lesson plans to accommodate various learning preferences ensures that all students can engage with the material effectively, regardless of their language proficiency.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Fostering cultural sensitivity and awareness within the classroom is essential for breaking down language barriers. Educators should educate students about different cultures, languages, and customs, encouraging respect and understanding. When students appreciate the linguistic diversity in their classroom, they are more likely to support and assist each other in overcoming language challenges.
• Regular Progress Assessments and Feedback: Implementing regular progress assessments and providing constructive feedback is crucial in monitoring students’ language development. Teachers can identify students struggling with language barriers and tailor additional support accordingly. Open communication and feedback mechanisms enable educators to adapt their teaching methods and interventions to better meet their students’ linguistic needs.

Language barriers should not act as a hindrance to effective classroom communication and learning. By combining these strategies, educational institutions and educators can significantly diminish the impact of language barriers, creating an inclusive educational environment that empowers all students to succeed. The key is to recognize the unique linguistic needs of each student and implement targeted solutions that foster better comprehension, engagement, and participation , ensuring that language diversity enriches the educational journey rather than limiting it.

Related Posts

Importance of communication, communication barriers in virtual classrooms, inclusive teaching: building a positive communication culture in the classroom, bridging the cultural gap: understanding the impact of cultural differences on classroom communication, role of communication in professional development, what is oral communication.

Pingback: Strategies for Engaging Shy Students in Class Discussions - Information Desk

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Examples and Types of Language Barriers

Imagine signing up for a webinar where the topic is simple and self-explanatory. But when you join in, you realize…

Imagine signing up for a webinar where the topic is simple and self-explanatory. But when you join in, you realize that the speaker is using complex words to elaborate on the topic. You’re likely to get confused and lose interest within some time.

Similar to this situation, we can spot several language barriers examples in our lives.  It’s especially challenging to navigate and tackle various types of language barriers at work. Read on to see why it’s essential to overcome such barriers and how to successfully do so.

Types Of Language Barriers In Communication

Examples of language barriers in communication, tackling language barriers at work.

Before we fast-forward to the various types of language barriers , let’s take a moment to understand their meaning. Language barriers primarily refer to the challenges faced by people or groups speaking different languages and dialects. It also includes misunderstandings and misinterpretations that come from a lack of clarity of thought and speech. Such barriers can be found across verbal, non-verbal and written types of communication.

The challenge in understanding another language, dialect or accent also refers to linguistic barriers. Some common examples of linguistic barriers include people from different countries interacting with one another, people in some countries having  a different way of greeting others and people having the same language speaking in different dialects. Culture has a significant role to play in linguistic barriers. For instance, what may be considered appropriate in one culture may come across as rude in another.

Here are the different types of language barriers that we commonly see in business communication:

• Language difference, where a person interacts with someone speaking a different native language
• Dialects and accents, where two people may share a common language but they speak it differently (based on a particular region)
• Lack of clear speech, where people speak too soft or too fast; either way, it’s unclear what they’re saying
• Use of technical words or jargon, where someone communicates using specific terms that are highly technical and subject-specific
• Word choice, where someone uses words with two meanings or says it sarcastically that may be misinterpreted by the listener

It’s important for businesses to consider these negative impacts likely to be caused by language barriers and find effective solutions for overcoming them. Here are some language barriers examples that’ll tell you how they play out in various scenarios:

• To break the ice, a professional from West Bengal may try communicating in Bengali with a colleague from Bangladesh. While there are many overlapping words and phrases, the dialects are completely different. This may put the Bengali-speaking professional in an awkward position.
• A professor of linguistics goes to an engineering college to deliver a lecture on language technology. They use subject-specific words that are highly technical and complex for a layman. Students are likely to lose focus and interest in the topic.
• Someone is pitching a business idea to their client. But the way they’re presenting their points is coming off as arrogant. Instead of using words like “I believe I can do so and so”, they say, “I know this like the back of my hand”. ( Advair Diskus )

It’s evident from these language barriers examples that not using the right words or communicating in an appropriate way can strain someone’s experience and lead to mistrust and dissatisfaction.

It’s crucial that you take mindful steps toward overcoming language barriers as they negatively impact workplace relationships and career success. Here are some effective strategies that’ll guide you in tackling such barriers:

• Whether you’re communicating in a common language that everyone understands or not, it’s helpful to keep things simple. Avoid relying on complicating words to create an impression. Even if you throw in some technical terms, make sure to say them in the right context.
• Language difference or not, one may not always remember what you said. Repetition is crucial for memory. If you want someone to understand your message and remember it, it’s good to remind them through repetition.
• If someone isn’t able to follow the brief you provided them, you’re losing time. A great way to overcome this hiccup is to use visuals while explaining concepts. Make use of photos, infographics and diagrams to convey your thoughts.

Overcoming language barriers isn’t always easy but with patience and practice, you’ll be successful. If you want to make sure that you communicate with impact, you need to go above and beyond. Harappa’s Speaking Effectively course will teach you how to be an effective speaker. You’ll learn powerful frameworks that’ll help you deliver ideas with precision, use empathy and logic to connect with others and build strong communication skills. Learn ways to leave a lasting impression, with Harappa! 

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• HHS Author Manuscripts

Evidence-based approaches to breaking down language barriers

LANGUAGE BARRIERS between nurses and patients increasingly affect nursing practice, regardless of where care is delivered. In the United States, a language other than English is now spoken at home in one of five households, the highest level since just after World War I. 1 Patients with limited English skills are referred to as patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).

This article provides background information about language barriers between nurses and patients and some strategies for addressing these gaps. After detailing how these barriers affect patient outcomes, practice-based strategies are offered to improve outcomes and reduce readmissions. Although the article doesn’t address barriers to communicating with patients with hearing loss, many of the same principles apply to these patients.

Sources of spoken language barriers

Globalization means more people move around the world for work and educational opportunities. 2 When people migrate, they tend to follow immigrant networks and start recreating communities in their new country. 3 People also migrate and become refugees due to wars and civil conflicts. 3 Countries that accept these refugees place them in communities where they can recover from the trauma of their migration experiences while seeking work and learning about their new country.

Structured refugee resettlement has been going on in the United States since after World War II. 4 With the exception of Native Americans, just about everyone in this country is descended from immigrants. When patients have a language barrier, it’s often related to when they migrated to the United States.

• Perhaps unsurprisingly, the largest group of migrants in the last 30 years speaks Spanish. 5 With only 5% of U.S. nurses identifying as Hispanic or Latino, it’s very common for patients in this group to encounter a language barrier. 6 (No publicly available record of language skills of U.S. nurses exists.)
• Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese speakers are the next largest group. 1 They’re also underrepresented in nursing. 7
• The number of Russian-speaking people in the United States is growing quickly. For many Russian-speaking patients, however, Russian is their second or third language. In many countries under Soviet rule in the latter half of the 20th century, people continued to speak their original languages as well as Russian. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, their preferred language might be the language of their home country. 8

In some parts of the United States, some older immigrants still face a language barrier. For example, many Italians who migrated to the United States in the early 1900s never developed English language skills and may still need interpreter services. 9 “Language demographics” depends on who’s moved into your organization’s service area.

As people age, some may lose skills in their second language due to how the brain changes with aging. 10 Even those who developed strong fluency in English as adults could lose those skills if they have significant age-related neurologic events. Some of these older adults may end up needing interpreter services.

Another trend involves adults who migrated to the United States and then brought their parents over to join the family. 11 Although the adult children who brought their parents to the United States may speak English well, their parents may not speak well enough to communicate effectively with a healthcare provider.

How migration dynamics affects nurses

Patients with language barriers change how nurses work and organize care for patients. These changes are needed not only to meet communication needs for the patient, but also for legal reasons. In 1964, the U.S. Civil Rights Act helped ensure that a lack of English language skills wouldn’t be a source of discrimination. 12 , 13 U.S. law requires that healthcare organizations provide interpreter services to patients with LEP. 14 New regulations implemented as part of the Affordable Care Act place new restrictions on the use of family members and validating language skills of health workers. 15

Much evidence shows how language barriers impact patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. (See Evidence-based impact of language barriers on patient outcomes .) Patients with LEP have longer lengths of stay than English-speaking patients, even if they have a higher socioeconomic status. 16 - 18 They also have a higher risk for 30-day readmission, by as much as 25%. 18 , 19 Most of the other outcomes listed in the table are outcomes sensitive to nursing practice.

Evidence-based impact of language barriers on patient outcomes

Source: Betancourt JR, Renfrew MR, Green AR, Lopez L, Wasserman M. Improving patient safety systems for patients with limited English proficiency: a guide for hospitals. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2012. AHRQ Publication No. 12-0041. https://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/publications/files/lepguide.pdf .

How nurses and other healthcare providers respond to the communication needs of patients with LEP also has a significant impact on patient satisfaction, with effective use of interpreter services or bilingual healthcare professionals contributing to higher patient satisfaction ratings. 20 - 26

A closer look at medical interpreters

Aside from facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers, medical interpreters can also serve as cultural brokers. 27 - 30 The medical interpreter helps bridge the cultural divide between patients and clinicians. Their translation process ensures that what a nurse says is delivered not only with technical accuracy, but also with culturally specific phrasing. Nurses can assess the quality of medical interpreters’ cultural brokerage by observing how the patient responds to the interpreter through his or her body language.

Medical interpreters have a professional code of ethics, and they’re required to comply with it when performing their roles. 31 They’re bound by the same patient confidentiality requirements as every other healthcare team member. 31

Most interpreters hired by healthcare organizations have undergone some kind of medical interpreter training because healthcare has its own language. 32 According to the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, no minimum number of course hours is required for interpreter training at this time, but it recommends that programs adhere to its curriculum standards, which it developed in 2011. 33 Implementing a course that meets the standards usually requires a minimum of 40 hours of study and successful live demonstration of the ability to interpret a medical encounter. Participants receive a certificate after they’ve completed a course. They can then take a national exam to become a board-certified medical interpreter. 34 Board certification is voluntary at this time.

Improving quality of care and outcomes

How can nurses help improve patient outcomes? These evidence-based strategies can help nurses better organize their care to improve outcomes. These will also help nurses meet the Joint Commission requirements for bridging language barriers.

• Use the organization’s interpreter resources.

This isn’t optional. Interpreter resources typically include in-person interpreters employed by an organization, in-person interpreters contracted through external agencies, and telephone- or technology-based interpreter services. (See 10 tips for working effectively with an in-person medical interpreter .)

10 tips for working effectively with an in-person medical interpreter

• For an in-person interpreter, call the interpreter service and specify the language needed and about how much time the interpretation will take.
• When the interpreter arrives, introduce yourself and provide a brief report on the work needed and a brief patient history.
• Greet the patient and introduce the interpreter. Explain to the patient what will happen, and let the patient know that he or she can ask the interpreter anything, even if it’s not the main reason for the interpretation. Then begin the activity. *
• When working with the interpreter and patient, communicate directly with the patient. Resist the temptation to talk or look at the interpreter, unless you need clarification of something he or she said.
• Speak in shorter sentences than normal. Doing so makes it easier for the interpreter to remember the sentence and improves the translation’s accuracy. *
• If the interpreter appears confused about something you’ve said, ask the interpreter if clarification or rephrasing is needed to improve interpretation quality for the patient. *
• Try not to interrupt the interpreter when he or she is translating the patient’s reply. Guessing what the patient is about to say may not always be right, and some cultures perceive interruptions as very rude behavior. *
• If the interpreter seems to be taking a long time to translate for the patient, it may mean that he or she is trying to phrase it in a way that will be best received by the patient. Conversely, if an interpreter simply translates, for example, “Yes,” to something the patient took a long time to say, that might be an indication of poor translation quality. Make sure the interpreter interprets patients’ responses completely. Don’t accept a “yes” or “no” when the patient gave a lot of information, even when you’re in a hurry.
• When the encounter finishes, ask the patient if he or she needs anything else while the interpreter is there. Many patients have more needs, and often the interpreter encounter has made them feel comfortable enough to express them. *
• After leaving the room with the interpreter, review the encounter to ensure both interpreter and nurse ended up on the same page. The interpreter may also have some cultural insights to share that can help with care planning.

*These steps also apply to telephone or video interpretation.

Some organizations deal with language barriers all the time and have excellent resources. They may have an interpreter services department to manage the demand for language interpretation services. Some locations have experience with certain language groups needing translation and need interpretation for only a few languages. Now, however, many healthcare organizations are seeing more diversity and have a greater need for interpreters. Most organizations begin with interpreter phone services and, if the demand becomes high enough, begin employing full-time interpreters.

Telephone interpretation can work if implemented well. According to Tuot et al., a good telephone interpretation session requires minimal waiting time for the phone interpreter, good sound quality so everyone can hear clearly, and an outcome in which both patient and provider obtain the information needed. 35

Nonetheless, both nurses and patients have reported problems with interpretation quality and have expressed dislike for the depersonalization of the patient encounter when using the interpreter phone. 20 , 36 - 39 When no other option is available, however, telephone interpreter services are best to bridge the language barrier. New options with live video interpretation are also coming onto the market and may replace telephone interpreters.

Inappropriate interpreter use, including nonvalidated translation apps on a nurse’s smart phone, puts the organization at legal risk, as discussed below. Many apps for interpretation are available for smartphones, but their accuracy can be poor and most aren’t compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The quality of translation they provide is rarely evaluated systematically or using rigorous approaches. Many of these apps are also designed for translating only basic sentences, such as how to order dinner when traveling. Most computer programs don’t yet have the sophistication needed to translate the language of healthcare. Use only those apps sanctioned by your employer because those have received a thorough internal review and are HIPAA-compliant.

As a general rule, family members, especially children under 18, shouldn’t serve as interpreters, except under extenuating circumstances such as an immediate threat to life. 40 , 41 Using a family member to interpret increases the risk that something won’t be translated correctly. For instance, a family member may not feel comfortable conveying some sensitive types of information to the patient, such as about sexual health, substance abuse, or a terminal diagnosis. Using a family member also increases the risk of medical errors. 35 Depending on the situation, it may also violate patient confidentiality protocols. Err on the side of caution and comply with the law: Don’t use family members for interpretation.

• Use care when other staff provides interpretation.

Staff members who speak the same language as the patient are another common resource for interpretation, but this practice has its own set of risks. Use coworkers with other language skills appropriately, but only when necessary. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has developed guidelines for how to better utilize staff with language skills. 27 According to the evidence, choosing a nurse or other healthcare professional who speaks the patient’s language and who’s had his or her language skills professionally evaluated by a language assessment expert is best. 32

Unlicensed assistive personnel or housekeeping staff members, who are commonly asked to interpret, may not have the medical vocabulary needed to accurately translate for the patient and family. If they become certified as medical interpreters or the organization assesses their language skills, however, they can then be used to translate.

Organizations that are implementing AHRQ’s guidelines use name badges that designate the staff member’s language skills. Those employees have had a formal language skills assessment, understand medical terminology in the languages they speak, and speak the language well enough to safely communicate with patients and families. 27

Every time you ask professional staff members to interpret, you take them away from their own patients and add to their overall patient case load. 30 , 39 , 42 - 44 Consider developing an agreement for the patient-care unit so nurses with other-than-English language skills, with their permission, can be assigned to language-matching patients. Even if this means the staff member doesn’t have a “geographically efficient” assignment, it will help to streamline his or her work.

• Document use of medical interpreter services.

Documenting interpreter use is just as important as documenting wound care or any other clinical intervention. Document not only when an interpreter was used but also the type of interpretation. For example, state whether it was at admission or discharge, or for informed consent or patient teaching. Then document whether the interpretation was done by a medical interpreter on staff by telephone, and the interpreter’s name, or with a computer. In some cases, depending on the organization’s policy, the interpreter will be required to document the encounter as well. The interpreter will include information such as the patient’s unique identifier, time and duration of the encounter, and any other information required by the organization.

When a nurse has to rely on a staff member to interpret, either because no human interpreters were available or because of technologic difficulties, documenting the decision making behind that choice will help to protect the nurse as well. Showing every effort was made to adhere to organizational policy means the nurse has done what’s legally required.

• Time interpreter use strategically.

Research shows that the three critical times when nurses should use interpreters are at admission, during patient teaching, and at discharge. Using interpreters at these times decreases the risks of medical errors and hospital readmissions. 18 , 36 , 45 - 47

How will it help? During admission, using an interpreter will provide more accurate baseline information. That, in turn, will help the healthcare team create a more accurate plan of care. An interpreter can also help nurses tailor patient teaching to the needs of patients and their educational level. At discharge, having an interpreter present is equally critical, even if it delays discharge by a few hours. A good patient discharge process with an interpreter will decrease the risk that patients will be readmitted because they didn’t understand how to take their medications or other discharge instructions. 18 , 47

An idea for a clinical ladder project, for nurses working in places with such a promotion system, is to have discharge instructions and patient-education materials translated into languages spoken by many patients. Bilingual discharge instructions will also ensure that when patients are referred for home health services, home healthcare nurses who don’t speak their language can also read the discharge instructions. The more resources that can be used for teaching and facilitating discharge for patients with LEP, the less likely they are to be readmitted or visit the ED. 18 , 47

• Prioritize patient understanding of medication management.

Medication adherence is complex when patients speak English, but even more so when patients have LEP. 48 , 49 First, medications may have different names in other countries, even in other English-speaking countries, and may require translation. Second, whenever possible, medication instructions should be in the preferred language of the patient. Remember that even when someone speaks some English, he or she may not be able to read it. An oral review of medications using teach-back techniques will help promote adherence, reduce readmissions related to failure to take new medications or understand changes to the old regimen, and help with care coordination with community-based providers. 27

Speaking up

The evidence-based tips for bridging language barriers between nurses and patients with LEP will help nurses provide optimal patient care. They can apply to nearly every healthcare delivery setting, with some modification.

Remember: Nurses have the responsibility to do their best to bridge language barriers with their patients to adhere to practice standards and the law. Patients will benefit in the long run.

Acknowledgments

The author has disclosed that work for this article was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality R01HS023593. The author previously completed consulting work for policy analyses with the Migration Policy Institute. The author has disclosed no other financial relationships related to this article.