How to overcome the language barrier in English?

What is a language barrier?

Before you can solve a problem, you need to understand it. The language barrier is common and does not depend on the level of English. This feeling of insecurity to start or maintain a conversation for a number of reasons. Moreover, the excitement grows at a cosmic speed when communicating with foreigners.

There are many fears in my head:

• they will laugh at me;
• What if they don't understand me?
• But what if the interlocutor will speak on an unknown topic.

All these thoughts feed fears and paralyze speaking skills. Let's figure out how to get rid of them.

Why are we afraid to speak English?

The first and perhaps the most difficult thing is to learn how to control panic and identify stressors. It's no secret that in any business, anxiety is not an assistant. If a singer is going to perform in front of a large number of people, then due to excitement, he may lose his voice. If the news anchor is worried that he will forget the text, then this will certainly happen. See the connection?

Here are the main reasons that bother when communicating in English.

Principles for overcoming the language barrier

Now that we “know the enemy by sight”, we can definitely take the right steps to relieve anxiety in an English conversation. The problem seems to be the same, but the reasons for each will be different. This means that the solutions will be different. Having correctly diagnosed, we can easily find a cure for the language barrier.  

Relax

A restless mind will not be able to help you correctly compose a sentence in English, much less remember a suitable phrasal verb. Therefore, do not think about the opinion of strangers, focus on your opponent. Smile and stay positive, it will make it easier and more comfortable for you to maintain a dialogue. You can directly tell the person that you are a little nervous, be sure that you will definitely be supported with a kind word.

Don't take mistakes to heart

You may be surprised, but people most often think about themselves and their feelings. No one will count how many phonetic or stylistic mistakes you made in speech. The main purpose of communication is the exchange of information and opinions. So your partner will also be focused to catch the meaning of your words.  

Learning errors are our true friends. They show us what we can do even better. After all, if every day you stumble over the same stone, in the end you decide to go around it.

Forget about literal translation

Language is not only words arranged in the correct order, it is a combination of culture, traditions and history. How often have you faced the problem of translating "catchwords"?  

Let's analyze the differences using the example "when the cancer hangs on the mountain", which is equivalent in meaning to "w hen pigs fly ".

With an irresistible desire to translate all the words in your head, try to think wider and find the right expressions to describe the whole situation. In such cases, knowing idioms and phrasal verbs will help you a lot.

Clarify if unclear

Don't be afraid to ask again. It's better to be specific about a vague question than to answer off topic. So you let the person know that you are in doubt, and he will have the opportunity to rephrase the statement using simpler expressions. If you still do not want to ask leading questions, then repeat what you think the person said using your own vocabulary and interrogative intonation. Your interlocutor will only be happy to help you and support you if something does not work out for you.

We are all different and the problems of the language barrier too. The main thing is to be able to overcome them through practice.

How to remove the language barrier?

You learned the basic principles of stress relief during live communication. It should be mentioned that all the techniques that we will tell you about do not work like a “magic pill”. But they will certainly help you speak more confidently if you stick to regular practice. Now that you've set yourself up for positive emotions, let's look at practical tips that will greatly ease your difficulties in a conversation.

The answer is always in the question

English grammar can be confusing for "novice users". You can draw tables and use pre-prepared templates, but it's better to just listen carefully. This language can hardly be called logical and structural, but this case, our luck and exception. If you are in doubt when to answer, pay attention to the question. The fact is that grammatically, the question and answer must always be consistent. Therefore, you just have to correctly define the construction and apply it using your own vocabulary.

Use English in life

In general, communication difficulties arise from the infrequent use of language. Individual lessons with a teacher are a great start and good discipline, but still not enough measure to speak easily and freely. The pronunciation and meaning of words is forgotten after 30 minutes after learning. You may not need to call friends from other countries or foreign colleagues on a daily basis, but you can arrange such a practice yourself.  

How to do it:

• Comment aloud on your actions.
• Write a post on social networks.
• Watch movies in the original.
• Reading aloud.
• Tell yourself how your day went.
• Voice your feelings and emotions while watching your favorite TV series.

Sing songs

Foreign performers are very popular among the Russian-speaking population. With the help of singing, you can not only work on the correct pronunciation, but also get real pleasure from the meaning of the composition. Choose your favorite "tracks" and search for the lyrics on the internet. Do not rush to watch the translation, try to catch the general context on your own. Read the lines several times, and then try to parody the performer by imitating his manner of speaking.

Thinking out loud

To learn to speak a foreign language, you need at least a partner. But if you have a teacher or a friend abroad, but there is still not enough practice, then there is a very simple and affordable option. Voice your thoughts in English. Make sure that there is no one who will embarrass you with their presence, and start talking about your impressions and emotions. Think about what words and phrases you need to describe a recent situation. Tell yourself the plot of a well-known movie or book. You can say whatever comes to your mind, the main thing is to do it as often as possible. Over time, you will find it easier to talk to people.

Shadowing

The favorite technique of phoneticians has a fairly wide application. The process combines listening, but without attention to vocabulary and grammar. A special role is given to pronunciation and connected speech. This allows you to pronounce words in the correct rhythm and sound, close to native speakers. For such exercises, small videos may be suitable. Try to stop recording after each sentence, imitating the speaker's speech as much as possible. Pay attention to the technique of breathing and stress.

Method "Interview"

The teaching methodology should arouse genuine interest and curiosity. Imagine that you have a chance to talk to your favorite actor or director. You can prepare a list of questions, making sure the grammar is correct in advance, and then turn on the recorder and voice the recorded sound. You will soon find it much easier to deal with oral grammar, and you will be doing this exercise already without preparation. It is important to listen to your recordings and note where mistakes or hiccups were made.

Conclusion

To overcome the language barrier, you need to clarify the cause of its occurrence. It can be psychological, in which case we have to work on thinking and attitudes. Or the stress factor is hidden behind a lack of knowledge, which leads to the systematic completion of certain tasks to improve a particular skill.

Be patient and optimistic. Praise yourself even for small victories. Every teacher was once a student and walked the same path as you. Only constant training will help you become a confident "speaker".

Even teachers need to maintain knowledge.

And we have prepared a 50% discount on TEFL/TESOL courses for teachers who are interested in their professional development.

We hope that you will apply our recommendations and come to the desired result. We will be glad to read your opinion in the comments.