5 things to bear in mind when communicating with language barrier
- maliebebaby
- Dec 7, 2015
- 2 min read
Hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong definitely makes life easier for many Hong Kong-ers, but the language barrier between Hong Kong employers and foreign domestic helpers can be a challenge that leads to many issues and misunderstanding in the household. Below are a few tips to bear in mind when effectively communicating even with language barrier.
1. Speak slowly and clearly
Regardless of whether English or Cantonese is the main language for communication, the native speaker should try to speak slowly and clearly. Choose easy words and clearly pronounce each syllable. Use single nouns to replace long sentences. For example, instead of saying “Could you please go clean the bathroom?”, you may want to simplify it to “Clean toilet, please?” If necessary, complement your words with body gestures.
2. Ask for clarification
When communicating with language barrier, it is always helpful to repeat what was said by the other party and clarify whether your understanding is correct because it allows the other party to correct you if need be. Even if you THINK you have understood, it helps to repeat your understanding and make sure it is correct. For helpers, this is especially important because you do not want to misunderstand your employers’ instruction. Employers would much rather repeat their instructions than to have a task done incorrectly. Furthermore, when helpers take the efforts to clarify, employers are more likely to feel they are serious with their work. If the other party being communicated to did not seek clarification, you can also ask “what’s your understanding of xxx” to make sure their understanding is consistent with yours.
3. Cut slang or abbreviations
When someone is unfamiliar to a language, you can hardly expect them to be able to comprehend your slangs or abbreviations. It is easy to use them as we are used to communicating in slangs or abbreviations with friends and family. But make sure to avoid those when it comes to communicating with foreigners or people with different language background as this will only complicate language obstacles.
4. Be patient
Communicating with language barrier takes time and you have to be prepared to communicate at a slower pace with someone from outside of your own culture. Don’t automatically dismiss the other person as being stupid or incapable, sometimes it is only a matter of communication and patience in seeking a mutual understanding can go a long way.
5. Smile!
We get it. Sometimes smiling all the time at home, whether it be the helper or the employer, can be quite difficult. After a day’s hard work, you just want to wind down and be yourself. But do remember that a smile is the universally understood facial expression and can play down any embarrassment or misconceived bad intention resulting from language barriers.
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