M2: Learner Manual
11. Challenges to Communication in the Workplace
11.4. Language as a Barrier
Not being able to fluently speak and understand a team's language can be frustrating. Not being able to communicate well in a foreign language can also make those team members hesitant to participate in conversations or voice their opinions. In such cases, the team must make an effort to communicate in a manner that accommodates the speakers of foreign languages. This involves speaking clearly, in a measured pace (but not so slow as to be condescending) and using more recognisable words. It is also appropriate to avoid local phrases or slang.[1]
Language barriers may take different forms. Although two people may have English as their first language, they may still have difficulty in being understood due to other factors, such as:
- Accents and dialects.
- Commonly used turns of phrase (idioms) from different English-speaking countries or different regions within a country.
- Slang.
- Acronyms and industry jargon can have completely different meanings from one industry sector to another.
Examples of common Idioms
We use idioms everyday in our communication with others, even though we don’t give it a second thought because they may come to mind very easily. In some cases they may explain a situation or set of circumstances better than if we were to describe it.
Listed are twenty idioms that Australians may frequently use:
· Everything but the kitchen sink.
· Actions speak louder than words.
· Can’t judge a book by its cover.
· Don’t cry over spilt milk.
· Curiosity killed the cat.
· Every cloud has a silver lining.
· Stubby short of a six pack.
· Not the sharpest tool in the shed.
· Feeling a bit under the weather.
· Hit the nail on the head.
· It takes two to tango.
· Missed the boat.
· Each picture paints a thousand words.
· It’s a piece of cake.
· Pull the wool over someone’s eyes.
· Take it with a grain of salt.
· Straight from the horse’s mouth.
· Method to the madness.
· See eye to eye.
· Stole someone’s thunder.