Overcoming Language Barriers While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad comes with many challenges. From cultural adjustment to financial management, the hurdles unravel themselves as the students dwell on the journey. One of the major yet unskippable challenges faced while studying in a foreign country is the language barrier. Yes, even when you come from an English-speaking country. Every country has its own language accent, nuances and slang. While most of the population does communicate in English, international students still find it difficult to blend in. They feel this gush of emotions that makes them wonder and worry all at the same time. It is usual to feel out of place and uncomfortable around these situations. And it is okay. You are not the only one feeling this.
Cultural shocks are as common as hiccups. More often than not, language barriers are a part of the same. It creates a block or misunderstanding in communication shared by people with different dialects or languages. Students could face difficulty communicating or comprehending their professors, staff, fellow students or the general population of their study location. Let’s understand the language barrier and how to peel it off.
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Types of Language Barriers
Language barriers can be found anywhere. Sitting at a lecture, taking a stroll in the park, making grocery purchases at the supermarket. Typically, there are two categories concerning international students – academic and social. As most universities have accepted English as their main language, all lectures and directions are given in English. Particularly, students from non-English speaking natives find it difficult to cope with the instructions. Further in their academic life, writing essays, giving presentations or appearing in exams could add to the challenges. As a result, universities as well as countries have mandated English proficiency tests. International students need to demonstrate that they can, in fact, catch up to the course. Apart from this, some universities also have foundation programmes for students to gain the necessary language skills.
On the other hand, the social language barrier is a war you need to go by yourself. Students are bound to face it regardless of their country of origin or native. For instance, North Indians and South Indians have different dialects. We not only have different words for the same thing in different states but also have a different way of saying the same words. Similarly, social language barriers can be viewed in both general and local slang in a foreign country. And the only way, the best way, to overcome this is practice. The only way to fight a war is to fight at the war.
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The Dominos Effect: Problems from Language Barriers
As a matter of fact, foreign education provides students with a global platform to build knowledge, skills and connections. All of these solely rely on students’ language and interpersonal skills. Language barriers can significantly impact their overall experience. From miscommunication or misunderstanding in regular conversations to facing a blockage in developing relationships, language binds people. But it can also divide them into groups. These miscommunications could very easily become misconceptions resulting in conflicts or offences. It could not only build cracks in their social life but also affect their mental health.
As a part of the educational experience, students must collaborate for discussions, presentations and projects. Language barrier and shyness can hinder their academic performance and limit their learning. Even outside the campus, pursuing an international course comes with endless opportunities. To make the most out of it, students must acquire language skills best suited for their study destination. Exploring new places, picking new hobbies and engaging in conversations need endless effort. Truth be told, they deserve that extra effort. Indulge in their accent, idioms and slang to foster meaningful conversations. If you have to walk an extra mile to see a beautiful view, do it. Pun intended.
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Overcoming the Language Barrier to Cultivate Maximum Benefits
As lame as it sounds, the simplest way to overcome the language barrier is to talk. Take your shy hat off and start talking to your batchmates and roommates. Chances are they are feeling the same as you are. Starting or contributing to conversations will help you understand the dialect or know their slang. Maybe you will pick one or two over time. If human interactions are too much, start it easy with language applications. As you feel more comfortable in your skills, take a step further to support groups and private learning environments. It is always easier to talk to a smaller group of people, is it not? Besides, they don’t know you; they don’t care if you speak incorrectly. Find an NGO, cultural course or a cooking class if you will.
The 3rd step is to widen the group. By this time, you will have made a friend or two. While locals help you discover the culture and popular places, international students will also help widen your knowledge of different cultures, traditions, food and festivals. It has to be the best part of studying abroad. That and turning a new leaf. It is a new place filled with new people. You can rediscover yourself. Meanwhile, communicate in other ways. Watching movies or reading books from the origin of people you wish to interact with is always fruitful. It is a great way to learn new languages. Even if you don’t, you will still have a new topic to talk about.
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You are ready!
In your initial outings out of the campus, carry a local dictionary to help you in making conversations. Whenever you feel stuck during your course, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. It will only ease the process. As much as you are struggling to understand them, they are with you. Keep you calm, stick to what you know and try your best. It will be exhausting to begin with but you will get better with time. And you will only come out brighter at the other end.
Aspiring to study in a foreign university but don’t know where to begin? Connect with Studywise International for a FREE CONSULTATION today!
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