8 Ways To Deal With Language Barriers When Studying Abroad

Author

Pushpinder Bhatia
Alumni Said Business School, University of Oxford, UK

8 Ways To Deal With Language Barriers When Studying Abroad

There is a good probability that you will encounter language problems if you are studying abroad in a country where the majority population does not speak your mother tongue. No matter how long you've learned the language of your host nation, barriers will appear in the shape of regional dialects, slang, outdated vocabulary, and more. The difficulty in communicating in a foreign environment, particularly in a country where English is not the primary language, begins as soon as a person hears announcements in that country's native tongue. This can leave them bewildered and confused or give them the impression that they are missing crucial information. As a result, studying abroad today sounds less like an adventure and more like a challenging experience, isn't that, right? Here's how to handle it.

1. Practice as much as you can

One of the most important strategies for overcoming a language barrier is this. To get beyond language hurdles while studying abroad, just keep chatting. Create sentences with them, and learn new words. Then, simply take a recording of your conversation and play it again. You'll be able to speak the language more effortlessly as a result.

2. Learn the Basics

In addition to managing your regular tasks, learning a new language can be overwhelming. Start small and early. Learn a few key expressions and words from that language and memorise them. Put them on your phone's memory. As often as you can, use them. It will make learning that language easier for you. You can start by learning the numbers and words yes, no, please, okay, thank you, and help. After you feel comfortable employing these basic terms, you'll eventually try to understand the language.

3. Make Friends

When studying abroad, networking and developing friends in the local community can be helpful ways to overcome language challenges. They will also be able to provide you with the finest advice on communicating effectively in their culture. Therefore, this is the ideal technique for developing everyday conversational skills while studying abroad.

4. Invest Time in Watching Movies and Series

This is unquestionably the safest approach to begin the proceedings. Watching as many films or television programmes as you can help you master the language. Movies feature arguments throughout their tales. This makes learning a new language simple.

Who doesn't want to watch movies and television programmes? Why not view it in the tongue you are learning? Spend some time with your local acquaintances, take the time to watch television in their native tongue.

5. Buy Yourself a Good Dictionary

Although internet translation tools are frequently available, most of these services are unreliable for longer texts and whole phrases. So instead, purchasing a language dictionary is an approach to familiarising with regional slang and linguistic quirks.

6. Be a part of different groups and Societies at your University

University clubs are excellent locations to socialise and keep up with your interests. For example, are you a guitar player? Has the University you attend had a band? Why not then join the band? Remember that sports and music are universal! And engaging in something unrelated to language learning will help you relax.

7. Join Support Groups for International Students

There are other international students around beside you. Additionally, you are not the only person who struggles with language barriers. You might be able to locate government-funded initiatives, groups, or NGOs that assist overseas students in addition to your university. For instance, they could plan language and culture classes or other unique events, like a cooking class or a movie night, to facilitate better integration.

8. Ask for HELP

Without worrying about making mistakes, try speaking as much as you can in the target language. We learn a language by using it, even though it's not always as simple as it may appear. If you need assistance with your language abilities, consider approaching lecturers, neighbourhood friends, and foreign student organisations.

With that, don't be afraid to ask for help regarding anything studying abroad; Our professionals are there for you to get through any problem! Contact us today @MapMyStudy!

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